Countdown to Rahmageddon: On Blago, Opposition and Churlishness

By Chuck Sudo in News on Oct 18, 2010 2:00PM

The Rahmformer sat down with Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman for an interview in yesterday's paper that covered a litany of topics, including his recorded conversations with Rod Blagojevich, possible opposition to his mayoral campaign and his infamous abrasive personality. "When asked, what's in it for the governor, I'm the one [who] said, "All you're gonna get is thanks and appreciation,'" Emanuel told Spielman. "Then, you also know how the governor then responded to that."

IN an interview that lasted over an hour, Spielman pulled no punches. She asked about the possible residency issue that may cost Emanuel a chance at running; perceptions that he's a Washington insider coming back "home" to capitalize on a golden opportunity; why he's doing his "listening tour;" and provided vague notions of a "new partnership" with City Council if elected Mayor. "You can't repeat what the mayor did with the City Council and you can't go back to Council Wars," Emanuel said. "The challenges are big enough that the City Council should be a partner in solving them."

On the subject of his personality, Emanuel became combative with Spielman, which is probably not the thing you want to do if running for office and the public's perception of you is to tell someone to fuck off as soon as look at them. Overall, the interview is an engaging read, but if you're looking for insight as to what Emanuel may do to, say, generate new streams of revenue after following a mayor who didn't know of a city service he couldn't privatize for pennies on the dollar, you're out of luck for now.