Yid Vid: Rahm for Veep
Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Chicago is used to being a Democratic power-broker. But this campaign season, the man who led the Democratic effort to take back the House of Representatives has found himself sitting uncomfortably on the sidelines. On the one hand, he was a key aide to President Clinton, a post that launched his political career — and thus owes the Clintons big time. On the other hand, it would be profoundly awkward for him to go against local hero (and friend) Barack Obama.
When asked about the race, Emanuel has taken to telling reporters that he’s hiding under his desk.
Well, not anymore. The famously potty-mouthed partisan pugilist — who is often called a “pitbull” — has launched a bid for the vice-presidential nomination. But only in jest.
The following video offers some, er, testimonials from Emanuel’s political and personal associates. My favorite: “Rahm Emanuel for vice president?” Illinois Senator Dick Durbin asks. “What’s his slogan? ‘A lot of audacity, but not much hope’?” (The guy in the shiny purple yarmulke is pretty funny, too.)
Hat tip: Politico
Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
