Rahm Emanuel, who famously stated that one should “never let a crisis go to waste,” has recently turned his sharp tongue against his own party, labeling it “weak and woke” amidst speculation about a potential presidential bid in 2028.
This isn’t the first time Emanuel has cast a critical eye on the Democratic Party; he made similar remarks during his last appearance on Bill Maher’s show, suggesting a pattern of discontent that could signal a deeper rift within the party.
The Wall Street Journal first broke the story about Emanuel’s latest comments, which are unfortunately hidden behind a paywall, but you can find a summary on Newsmax:
Rahm Emanuel: Democrats’ Brand Is Weak, ‘Woke’
According to the Wall Street Journal, Rahm Emanuel, who once served as chief of staff to former President Barack Obama, criticized the Democratic Party’s branding as “weak and woke,” even going so far as to label it “toxic.” His comments come at a time when he is reportedly mulling a presidential run for 2028. Notably, he is set to be the headliner at a fish fry in Iowa this September, an event that traditionally marks the start of the party’s nomination process.
Emanuel didn’t shy away from mocking last year’s nomination of former Vice President Kamala Harris, hinting at the crowded field expected in 2028. “Voters will be lucky,” he quipped to the Journal. “They’ll have a real debate, one we didn’t have in 2024.”
While Emanuel has kept his intentions somewhat ambiguous, he may also consider a run for Illinois governor if his ally, Governor JB Pritzker, decides against seeking reelection in favor of launching his own presidential campaign.
Despite being a less-than-ideal candidate in many observers’ eyes, Emanuel possesses a distinct advantage over several other Democratic hopefuls: he lacks any ties to the current Biden administration. This absence can shield him from the inevitable barrage of questions that candidates like Pete Buttigieg would face regarding their connections to the Biden presidency and the controversies that have arisen during that time.
