Choked-up Emanuel leaves White House for Chicago mayoral bid

Obama's chief of staff received a grand send-off from the president and White House staff

story by The Hill
written by Sam Youngman
photo by Getty Images

An emotional Rahm Emanuel said goodbye Friday to the White House and President Obama, announcing his intention to explore a mayoral bid in Chicago.

Emanuel, choking up as he said farewell, received a grand send-off from Obama in the White House East Room where White House staff applauded Emanuel profusely.

Obama described the day as "bittersweet," saying he is excited for Emanuel's mayoral bid. He added that the former Illinois congressman is "extraordinarily well-qualified" to be Chicago's mayor.

"He has been a great friend of mine and will continue to be a great friend of mine," Obama said. "I will miss him dearly."

Obama announced that senior adviser and longtime aide Pete Rouse will succeed Emanuel as acting chief of staff.

"There is a saying around the White House: 'Let's let Pete fix it,'" Obama joked. "And he does."

Obama praised Rouse, who was "affectionately known as the 101st senator" during his time as chief of staff to Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.).

While neither Obama nor Emanuel specifically said Emanuel is running for mayor — Obama joked that Emanuel is resigning to "explore other opportunities" — the outgoing chief of staff is reportedly embarking on a listening tour in Chicago this weekend.

Obama and Emanuel joked about the Washington legend's brash style, with Obama telling his time-worn joke about Emanuel being rendered moot when he sliced off part of his middle finger in high school.

The president praised Emanuel for his "unmatched level of energy and enthusiasm and commitment," crediting his chief of staff for helping to shepherd healthcare reform and financial reform through Congress and for helping to restore America's leadership in the world.

Obama said after he won the presidency, Emanuel was the only person he knew could help at a time of dire economic crisis.

The president joked that he told Emanuel he had "no choice in the matter" when he asked him to serve as chief of staff.

Since then, Obama said, Emanuel "has exceeded all of my expectations."

The president did not offer an endorsement for Emanuel's mayoral bid, but he did say that Emanuel is "extraordinarily well qualified" for the position.

While saying Emanuel is "one of a kind," Obama said he was proud to "hand the baton" to Rouse, a "wise, skillful and longtime counselor."

Obama acknowledged that the two men have starkly different styles. While Emanuel is a former congressman and Democratic House leader, Rouse, according to Obama, "has never seen a microphone or a TV camera that he liked."

Emanuel, speaking after Obama, appeared to be kicking off his campaign in the East Room, calling Chicago "the greatest city in the greatest country in the world."

While Emanuel said the day is "bittersweet" for him, too, he said he is "energized by the prospect of new challenges and eager to see what I can do to make our hometown even greater."

Emanuel praised Obama for his "unfailing grace, intelligence and courage," saying that while on the verge of total economic collapse, Obama "had the guts to make the tough calls" to prevent a second Great Depression.

While Emanuel didn't win Obama's endorsement Friday, he appeared optimistic the president will soon return to the Windy City, perhaps on Emanuel's behalf.

"Thank you, Mr. President, I look forward to seeing you in Chicago," Emanuel said.