In a surprising political development, former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel has set his sights on leading the Democratic Party and capturing its presidential nomination for 2028. The seasoned politician outlined his vision in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, marking what some observers call a significant shift in Democratic thinking.
From Clinton to Obama: A Stellar Political Resume
Emanuel brings an impressive political pedigree to his ambitions. His extensive experience includes serving as senior adviser to President Bill Clinton, chief of staff to President Barack Obama, member of Congress, mayor of Chicago, and most recently as ambassador to Japan. Known for his political astuteness and tough fighter reputation, Emanuel famously coined the phrase: "You never want a serious crisis to go to waste. And what I mean by that it's an opportunity to do things that you think you could not do before."
Values Over Victimhood: Emanuel's New Democratic Vision
Emanuel's political instincts tell him that his party has dangerously lost its direction. He advocates for a return to politics based on values rather than what he describes as politics of "identity, grievance or victimhood" focused on "oppressors" and "oppressed." He emphasizes that government's proper role should be "to clear a path so those who put in the elbow grease can earn success" - a position that some commentators note sounds remarkably Republican.
Learning from Clinton's Playbook
Emanuel appears to be taking cues from his former boss, Bill Clinton, who in 1996 declared that "the era of big government is over." Clinton's presidency saw historic welfare reform that replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, introducing work requirements that dramatically reduced welfare rolls. Clinton was also the last president to leave office with a budget surplus.
One unfinished Clinton initiative that Emanuel might revive is Social Security reform. In December 1998, Clinton convened the first White House Conference on Social Security, exploring options including the successful Chilean model of personal retirement accounts. The system faces imminent challenges, with cash flow projected to be insufficient to meet obligations by 2034, just nine years from now according to the latest Trustees report.
An Economic Agenda Rooted in American Values
Emanuel proposes that his party needs "an economic agenda rooted in American values" where "everyone should feel they have skin in this game and all citizens should feel they can contribute to the nation's renewal." He suggests that transforming Social Security could give every American more "skin in the game" by participating in ownership and economic growth through personal investment accounts.
As Star Parker of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education notes, nothing could benefit the American people more than Democrats and Republicans competing to make every American an owner and capitalist. Emanuel's potential leadership bid represents what could be a fundamental rethinking of Democratic priorities ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
