Rahm Emanuel, former White House chief of staff in the Obama administration, ambassador to Japan under the Biden administration, former Chicago mayor and Illinois congressman, is considering a run for president in 2028.

Emanuel has called the current Democratic identity “weak,” “toxic” and “woke.” He’s on a mission to push the party’s identity toward the center.

The former Chicago mayor has stated that Democrats shouldn’t only ground their identity in opposition to President Donald Trump but also provide a positive policy agenda for the nation.

He has also criticized Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million luxury jet provided by the Qatari government.

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Emanuel has stated that Democrats should aim to distance themselves from political polarizing topics and focus their campaign on issues that resonate with the general public instead.

Emanuel has not explicitly stated that he is aiming to run for president. He may run for governor or senator in Illinois in 2026.

But most political pundits believe he has his eyes on the Oval Office.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has stated that she thinks Emanuel will try to run for president in the next election.

Other potential Democratic candidates are Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, JB Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Gretchen Whitmer of Pennsylvania. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also frequently mentioned in the mix.

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Sherry Chen

Article by Sherry Chen

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