Rahm Mocks Reporters' Questions in Yiddish Accent

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Oct 28, 2011 9:00PM

Reporters asked Mayor Rahm Emanuel his thoughts on the city clerk's plans to start issuing fines for unlicensed dogs, and he responded by mocking the question with in Yiddish accent like a stand-up comedian, doing his best impression of Jackie Mason or Rodney Dangerfield. The Sun-Times writes:

“The unlicensed dog. Oooh. Who knew? Oy. I can hear it now. Oy vay. Who knew about the licensed dog? What happened here? Vat are you doing?” the mayor said as trade show and hotel officials standing behind him at McCormick Place laughed out loud.

“My press staff is now like, `Get him off. It’s too loose already.’ We have a 9.8 percent unemployment, and I’ve gotten two questions on the unlicensed dog.”

"I'll be here all week. Don't forget to tip your editors." Well, the man has a point. A "mandatory" dog license is so trivial it only costs $5, and the law has never been enforced. Plus, the questions were asked at a press conference about job creation.

But then Rahm's good-natured ribbing gets a little weirder. Emanuel then told the unnamed Jewish reporter who asked the question, “I’m trying to save you from yourself if you haven’t realized that, OK,” Emanuel said. “This is my generosity before the Sabbath for you, OK.”

Can't get no respect!