Rahm Emanuel Objects to Intrusive Media
[Guest post by DRJ]
Obama Chief of Staff-designate Rahm Emanuel complained today that the media has gone too far in trying to find out what he knows about the Blagojevich scandal. Apparently the media has camped out in front of Emanuel’s home and office trying to get his comment:
“Back at his home, Emanuel appeared “beet-red,” according to an ABC News cameraman who was invited inside by Emanuel to use his bathroom this morning.
“I’m getting regular death threats. You’ve put my home address on national television. I’m pissed at the networks. You’ve intruded too much,” Emanuel said, according to the cameraman.”
I sympathize because no politician wants to involve his family or put them at risk. Maybe Emanuel should ask Karl Rove or Sarah Palin for advice.
— DRJ
UPDATE BY PATTERICO: Here’s Ace:
The Hill Reporter Offers Strange Excuse For Emanuel’s Refusal to Hold a Press Conference: He’s getting death threats, you see.
Wouldn’t be safe.
On the other hand, he can attend his kid’s school recitals without any fear of harm. But a high-security, press-only press conference? Too risky.
It might risk revealing (some of) the truth. I think that might be too risky indeed.
OOOOHHHHH!!,poor baby.
I think wittle Rahmmy boy is getting his wittle feelings hurt.The big bad press is not doing his bidding for him.
Cry me a freaking river beta boy.
Hey Rahmmy,I bet you were feeling a whole lot bolder when you were talking this sh!t:
Well guess what crybaby.
Baxter Greene (8035ae) — 12/12/2008 @ 5:30 pmYou can go F__ __ k yourself.
I saw little sympathy from the media when Sam Alito’s mom was hounded by the press…
Life sucks “Rahmbo”. Get a helmet.
Scott Jacobs (90ff96) — 12/12/2008 @ 5:47 pmPalin took it like a real woman.
Apparently that’s beyond Emanuel.
What a weenie he is. When the paternity of his children is the subject of intense public debate and scrutiny and DNA samples are demanded to prove said paternity with Andrew Sullivan leading the media brigade of reproductive terrorism while stamping his little feet in shocked outrage that we are not privy to where his sperm have traveled, then he can scream about it. Until then, he needs to the shut up and make a concerted effort to man up.
Dana (79a78b) — 12/12/2008 @ 5:52 pmGolly, could this be the beginning of the end of the media’s love affair with all things Obama?
JVW (bff0a4) — 12/12/2008 @ 5:59 pmI thought Rahm Emanuel was a tough guy who stuck carving knives into furniture.
Glen Wishard (02562c) — 12/12/2008 @ 6:30 pmMaybe this is part of Emanuel’s plan to make the media back off, if not now then in the future. When times get tough in the future, and they will, Emanuel can always remind the media how they “crossed over the line” and tell them to back off.
DRJ (b4db3a) — 12/12/2008 @ 6:35 pmHe could also ask Joe the Plumber. Or Paula Jones. Or Linda Tripp.
Jim C. (9e7cc9) — 12/12/2008 @ 6:36 pmHeh. Good point.
DRJ (b4db3a) — 12/12/2008 @ 6:36 pmYep. Joe the Plumber was just playing with his kid when Obama fell on his head.
Sarah’s daughter and her fiance didn’t ask for this either.
Rahm is the freaking chief of staff for the next president (if he doesn’t get arrested first, which he won’t). He can handle it. These are his friends hounding him outside. He made this.
Juan (4cdfb7) — 12/12/2008 @ 6:50 pmRahm can GFH
Da'Shiznit (089453) — 12/12/2008 @ 6:53 pmCue the obligatory “there goes the myth of the liberal media” comment from one of resident progressive trolls in 4, 3, 2…..
Rahmbo has a mangina!!!!!111!!!eleventy!!!
daleyrocks (5d22c0) — 12/12/2008 @ 6:55 pmLeave Rahm alone! It’s “for children”!
Patricia (ee5c9d) — 12/12/2008 @ 6:55 pmOops. It’s for the children.
Patricia (ee5c9d) — 12/12/2008 @ 6:56 pmRahm is upset with the intrusive media?
Perfect Sense (9d1b08) — 12/12/2008 @ 7:34 pmHow does he feel about his upcoming frog march?
How nice. We see Rahm Emmanuel taking the same irresponsibility tack that Intellectual and Media Conservatives take when confronted with difficult questions. “It’s those stupid right-wingers threatening my family, doncha know.”
Oh yeah, guys, this sure sets up Sarah Palin and the GOP for a win in 2012, which you will gladly cheer on. Then, as with Reagan and GWB, you’ll throw her under the bus. My hope by then is that Sarah will become one big Mama Bear at you.
Brad S (b5b919) — 12/12/2008 @ 8:36 pmThe only death threats he’s recieving now are the ones coming from Obama, over Rahm’s screwing the pooch during his dealings with Blagojevich…
Bob (99fc1b) — 12/12/2008 @ 9:24 pm“We see Rahm Emmanuel taking the same irresponsibility tack that Intellectual and Media Conservatives take when confronted with difficult questions”
Brad S. – What the heck are you talking about? You’re trying too hard to disguise your allegiances on this board.
daleyrocks (5d22c0) — 12/12/2008 @ 9:37 pmMr Emmanuel still hasn’t resigned his House of Representatives’ seat, so he can always decide that if the heat’s too hot, he can get out of the kitchen.
Somehow our friends on the left seem to have expected the honeymoon, kid-gloves treatment; they’re getting the same honeymoon, kid-gloves treatment they gave to President Bush.
The unsympathetic Dana (556f76) — 12/12/2008 @ 10:15 pmHis boss swam in the slime,
The Limerick Avenger (556f76) — 12/12/2008 @ 10:19 pmNow Rahm is starting to whine
It just isn’t fair
For the press to stare
And he’s not having a good time.
sometimes it just seems
The Haiku Avenger (556f76) — 12/12/2008 @ 10:21 pmthat karma bites you in ass
must suck to be Rahm
What a guy! When confronted with death threats the best thing to do is put yourself in a situation where you are surrounded by children and their parents! ‘Cause, you know, if some nutjob tries to shoot him there will be plenty of other targets to hide behind, or something. If his death threats are serious enough to keep him from his office then it is inexcusable that he would be near schoolchildren.
JVW (bff0a4) — 12/13/2008 @ 12:32 amHe learned it by studying Hamas. He’s counting on the press to behave like the UN.
Mossberg500 (9fd170) — 12/13/2008 @ 2:27 am“I thought Rahm Emanuel was a tough guy who stuck carving knives into furniture.
Comment by Glen Wishard”
And sent dead fish to people.
jay stevens (032717) — 12/13/2008 @ 4:13 amAre the death threats he’s been getting from lefties angered about Rahmbo’s endangering their dear One’s upcoming Inauguration? I can’t imagine rigties giving him death threats since Rahmbo’s fall would impair Obama’s incoming administration. Righties would be telling him to hang in there, and to go to the wire.
eaglewingz08 (0d9d6c) — 12/13/2008 @ 5:03 amIt’s just as wrong for the press to camp out in front of Rahm Emanuel’s house and pester his family as it was for them to pester Karl Rove’s family, or Sarah Palin’s family, or GWB’s family. It’s wrong when the press does it to Republicans and it’s wrong to do it now. You know, two wrongs…
Insisting that Emanuel answer hard questions is OK at work or in public places. But his wife and children are off limits. The man has a right to be secure in his home, and his family has every right to have their privacy respected.
Ropelight (5b609a) — 12/13/2008 @ 6:17 amHey Brad did you forget that they made 2/3 of her record up; and that’s probably a conservative figure, because her real record, personal and professional was probably too appealing to too many. Yet she persevered because she felt it was important; because she stuck up for our values in a time that it seems unfashionable to. Yes she didn’t wow all the cool kids like Parker, Noonan, Brooks & Co; who seemed to have forgotten every trace of principle on the last 28 years.She was the main driver of the campaign, at least in the last two weeks. That they did as well as they as it turned out with a quarter of a billiondollar war chest(which seemingly won’t be audited for irregularities) and the press, was in frankly an NC-17 mode, is a testament to her. That’s why despite your contempt, she will probably be one of the leading lights in the next campaign.Before this happens can we shortens these campaigns because they have been insanely long.These last three monthes have felt like at least five years and no one should have to endure that. No one who actually has an actual job, with ‘responsibilities
within his paygrade”.
So Rahm the big enforcer, former Israeli soldier or deli clerk, now won’t answer a few questions about what he actually did in the last monthes, re his boss’s former seat. Ironically it’sbecause that he is a relatively moderate influence that he has earned such anger from the netroots. I’d somewhat consider it a badge of honor, shows you’ve ticked off the right people.
narciso (ce69ff) — 12/13/2008 @ 7:01 amWell,
pitchforksntorches (4dd8c4) — 12/13/2008 @ 8:19 amTurnabout is fair play isn’t it?
Wah, friggin’ wah.
Suck it up Emanuel.
Oh yea, by the way…
…tell ya’ friends.
Thank you America for voting in the corrupt Chicago style politics.
Welcome to the next four years of Change, Obama style.
Thanks again America, what goes around comes around.
ML (14488c) — 12/13/2008 @ 8:31 amChicago Tribune says:
Rahm Emanuel talked with governor’s office about who should fill Obama’s Senate seat
Chief of staff for Obama had list of names
“Emanuel delivered a list of candidates who would be “acceptable” to Obama, the source said. On the list were Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett, Illinois Veterans Affairs director Tammy Duckworth, state Comptroller Dan Hynes and U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Chicago, the source said. All are Democrats. Sometime after the election, Emanuel called Harris back to add the name of Democratic Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan to the approved list, the source said.”
(That’s the same Lisa Madigan who yesterday called on the Illinois Supreme Court to step in now and temporarily remove Blagojevich from office.)
Official Internet Data Office (9dd6d1) — 12/13/2008 @ 8:44 am“Death threats” is becoming as big an excuse as “spending more time with my family.”
I would respect him a little if he just said, this is wrong when you do it to Republicans and it’s wrong now. Any chance of that?
Patricia (ee5c9d) — 12/13/2008 @ 8:50 amIf there’s a family in Illinois Politics who would be unlikely to take part in paying to be appointed to the Senate, it’s the Madigan family.
But her and her father have demonstrated something rare in Illinois politics – Ethics and Morals.
And Mike Madigan has been maybe the best weapons non-democrats have against Blago. I would guess that Lisa was put on the list to keep Daddy from getting the seat, because he’s no fan of Obama’s either.
Scott Jacobs (90ff96) — 12/13/2008 @ 8:50 amRahm’s va-jay-jay hurting because the press is asking the “tough questions” about him and Blago…AWWWW! SACK UP RAHMBO…you’re a product of Chicago politics (just like your boss), you dealt with this with you old bosses and you chose to put yourself in the situation, idiot. Hopefully there’s enough dirt on him to get him indicted or put him in jail…
Memo to the libs – congrats, you elected “hope and change” into office…be prepared for more of it over the next four years…
fmfnavydoc (47a63f) — 12/13/2008 @ 9:03 amThat’s more of a blood feud between political families than a bad morals vs. good morals issue here, I believe. Alderman Mell (Blago’s King Maker Father – in – Law) and Madigan hate Daley’s bloodlines and history, while the feeling’s mutual on the other side, for the same reasons. That being said, neither Madigan is ethically challenged – they’re just good politicos.
Dmac (e30284) — 12/13/2008 @ 9:08 amI should point out that it looks like maybe a conversation took place involving Rahm and Blago regarding Rahm’s House seat…
This gets nastier and nastier.
Scott Jacobs (90ff96) — 12/13/2008 @ 9:11 amtack that Intellectual and Media Conservatives take when confronted with difficult questions.
Man, this Moby act got old about a week ago – you’re done.
Dmac (e30284) — 12/13/2008 @ 9:11 amDmac, thanks for the real world reports from ‘behind enemy lines’. I value them. You have the story and the pulse. Good stuff.
allan (4e4189) — 12/13/2008 @ 9:23 am______________________________________
Scandal circulating around Democrats?! How odd! How unexpected!
Nothing in the background and philosophy of (and the quality of judgment from) such people — from “meaning-of-is-is” Bill and “sniper-fire” Hillary to our upcoming President “I-love-Jeremiah-Wright” Obama — would indicate flaky, unethical, dumbed-down behavior.
Meanwhile, beyond the boundaries of Illinois (or DC) politics and its statehouse:
Mark (411533) — 12/13/2008 @ 10:06 am______________________________________
Hey, Ropelight! Has he answered any questions in any venue yet?
Ah yes. The new type of politics . . . everything open and above board.
Icy Texan (b7d162) — 12/13/2008 @ 11:55 amPatricia asked:
No; it’s only wrong now.
The amused Dana (556f76) — 12/13/2008 @ 12:28 pmMr Jacobs wrote:
Except that the governor does not appoint people to vacant seats in the House of Representatives; the Constitution (Article 1, Section 2) requires that they be filled by a special election. They could discuss who might run for the seat, but that’s about it.
The nit-picking Dana (556f76) — 12/13/2008 @ 12:32 pmYes, but it a purely local special election that is highly influenced by the state party. Whoever the state party wants in that seat, that’s who gets it. At least in IL.
Scott Jacobs (90ff96) — 12/13/2008 @ 12:37 pmThanks, Dana.
I denounce myself.
Patricia (ee5c9d) — 12/13/2008 @ 12:40 pmPatricia,
…how about if he made noise when it seriously happened to Palin…like the time she was hung in effigy?
A man whining about his own treatment while idly standing by and watching others endure the very same and far worse is akin to nails on a chalkboard….
Dana (79a78b) — 12/13/2008 @ 12:49 pmLooks like the honeymoon between the Obama camp and the MSM is over.
Nyctalus Lasiopterus (49f8a8) — 12/13/2008 @ 1:05 pmYou must be joking. Note the requisite disclaimer on every story about this: “Of course Obama has nothing to do with this, how could he possibly have anything to do with this?”
Jim Treacher (671d28) — 12/13/2008 @ 1:12 pmTreach is right, of course – on all of the local reporting, the longest disclaimer is a given as a preamble to every story. “Of course, as Patrick Fitzgerald has stated in no uncertain terms, Bambi’s hands are clean…” Even his acolytes here don’t really believe that to be the case any longer, but The One’s Teflon is strong with him.
Dmac (e30284) — 12/13/2008 @ 2:09 pmYou have the story and the pulse. Good stuff.
Thanks, Allan – but I’m more interested to hear your latest take on the economic follies as of late. Would you be willing to give us a little of your insights on all of this?
Dmac (e30284) — 12/13/2008 @ 2:10 pmForget Obama, if he isn’t actually in the clear, others will fall on their swords to protect him. No way is this allowed to dirty him up, not even a little bit. Worst case, it get a bit more crowded under the bus.
It’s Jessie Jackson Jr’s rear end that’s exposed.
PS: Yes Icey, you’re correct, Emanuel hasn’t answered any questions yet, and I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for him to come clean. If he talks at all it will be well rehearsed and delivered in a friendly venue.
Ropelight (5b609a) — 12/13/2008 @ 2:11 pm______________________________
Corruption hovering over Democrats!? Someone like Emanuel having to deal with ethical lapses? How unusual! How unexpected!
The judgment and integrity of such people tends to be quite good, spanning the party from former President Bill “meaning-of-is-is” Clinton, to the US’s Secretary of State beginning next month, Hillary “sniper-fire” Hillary, to our upcoming president, Barack “I-love-Jeremiah-Wright” Obama.
Meanwhile, beyond the boundaries of Illinois, or DC, there’s similar sound judgment and honesty emanating from New York, from Wall Street in particular….
Mark (411533) — 12/13/2008 @ 2:15 pm______________________________
Ropelight wrote:
This is a mental picture I really didn’t need
The Dana who just threw up a bit in his mouth (556f76) — 12/13/2008 @ 2:26 pmThanks, Allan – but I’m more interested to hear your latest take on the economic follies as of late.
Be glad to. But only when or if an econ thread gets started. Mike K’s been on the job with it though, over at his house. And quite astute he is.
allan (4e4189) — 12/13/2008 @ 2:38 pmIn other bits of schaudenfreude, one of Bernard Medoff’s victims, happens to be Lawrence Velvel, the deal of the Massachussetts School of Law, who recently penned an essay, rationalizing Blago’s corruption as a trial balloon as expert witness,
narciso (57971e) — 12/13/2008 @ 2:51 pmand was last seen spouting off at Bush, Cheney & Co, in a high handed huff.
I think R.A. failed a crucial first test. The press now knows he is easily rattled, and can come off as brittle with very little prodding. He’s about to be perhaps the second most powerful man in America.
sierra (4be1ff) — 12/13/2008 @ 4:18 pmPardon me Dana, It was a thoughtless expression. I should have continued on with something like …to corruption. Or, …to speculation about financial arrangements, or, …to examination for improprieties.
Truth is I shouldn’t have mentioned Congressman Jackson’t hind quarters at all. It was undignified.
My only excuse is I was a bit liquored-up at the time, and numb to most civilized sensitivities.
Ropelight (5b609a) — 12/14/2008 @ 10:59 amThat really doesn’t make it any better…
Scott Jacobs (90ff96) — 12/14/2008 @ 11:05 amCorrect, Scott, I get your drift. Please take out “rear end” and insert “miserable hide.” I’m sure other objections remain, but that ought to cover yours above.
Ropelight (5b609a) — 12/14/2008 @ 12:31 pmfor a laugh, anytime i want to see a collection of really, really stupid people all in one place, i come here.
me (f3997d) — 12/17/2008 @ 5:05 pmThat me, what a hoot. Always bringing sunshine and light to the discussion.
JD (7f8e8c) — 12/17/2008 @ 5:35 pm