Rahm's Future (Chicago, Davis, Time: suite, retire, office)

[Bird4Prez]

Hello,
I'm sure some of you saw the recent Time article about potential candidates for the 2016 presidency. If you didn't, the article included Mayor Rahm as one of the potential democratic candidates. I never believed that Rahm was going to be mayor for as long as Daley and I have always thought that he wanted to try and head back to DC as president, but I don't think 2016 is realistic. 2020 makes more sense (assuming a Republican wins in 2016). Anyways, I wanted to know what other folks thought about the Mayor's future.......and whom might try to replace him if he does run in 2016.

[oakparkdude]

I just don't see how being mayor of Chicago (or any other big city) is a good stepping stone to the White House. It'd be pretty much unprecedented (at least in the modern era.) Dealing with the complex problems and constituencies a big city mayor encounters does not translate well to running for national office. Occasionally a successful big city mayor becomes governor (Ed Rendell), so maybe Rahm can do that. If he's exceptionally successful as governor, maybe he has a shot at the White House.

[chet everett]

Rahm is a power hungry SOB. He hates to explain anything to anyone and his disdain for the press is palable -- the annoucement about the CTA fare hike and the subsequent "explanation" that he was not telling people that are unable to deal with to "drive" is but the latest example of how utterly unsuited to executive office this little monster is...

When he sees a challenger emerge that he can't have taken out he'll retire and spend his wasser-ella millions like other fat old men.

[Aleking]

no chance

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by Aleking

no chance

I agree, he won't run for President.

[MassVt]

I don't see him running for the presidency---I don't think that he has that "mass appeal" that would be integral for him to even get the party nomination...

[emathias]

If he ran in 2016, the run itself would be evidence that he's not ready to be President.

Now lets say he does well as Mayor, solves a few issues, actually gets the City's mojo back into full swing and continues his education on sanding down his rougher edges.

Then, and only then, maybe 2020 or 2024 could be viable for him. The biggest challenge, though, will be keeping his "brand" relevant nationally. If he really is satisfied being Mayor of Chicago, his national stature will erode to the same level as Daley's was. Recognized, known, but not considered a real national player. If his interest really is in the Presidency, expect to see a lot more emphasis on spinning whatever successes he has in Chicago into national stories. Already you do see him writing about Chicago projects for papers like the New York Times. If he keeps that up, we'll know his eyes do lie at higher office.

As far as "mass appeal" - he has the potential to be charming in a populist fighter sort of way. But he does have to sand down the rough edges.

[Attrill]

He won't run in 2016. If he runs in the future he'd most likely try to replace Durbin (whenever he retires) or Kirk for at least a term before looking at the Presidency.

[Bird4Prez]

I think it is more probable that he will run to replace Durbin or Kirk.....and I think 2024 would make more sense than '16 and '20. I think his ego is HUGE and he does want to try and run for prez. I guess I was more interested in talking about potential replacements because I think we all agree that he isn't going to run the city for another 19 years.

[Attrill]

Originally Posted by Bird4Prez

I guess I was more interested in talking about potential replacements.

Obama 2018.

Most likely you'll see a lot of the same names as the last election - i.e. Chico, Davis and DelValle. I also could see Preckwinkle considering it, and depending on when he leaves office you could see some Aldermen like Fioretti, Moreno, and maybe Waguespack. Unless a big name steps in, the leading contenders will likely be African American or Hispanic candidates who also appeal to the "Lakefront Liberal" vote.