Rahm Emanuel is one of America’s most well-known mayors, serving two back-to-back terms as Chicago’s Democratic mayor. During his time in office, he supervised a period of redevelopment and reform in the nation’s third-largest city -- and also faced opposition from activists for education and racial justice.
In his new book The Nation City: Why Mayors Are Now Running The World, Emanuel argues for local governments’ importance, using his own experience in Chicago as well as examples from cities across the country run by both major parties, from Anaheim to Louisville.
In Emanuel’s view, cities are capable of stepping in when the federal government does not take action. He uses examples from throughout history to make his case, plotting out a vision of progressive government starting at the local level.
Emanuel argues that mayors are held more accountable than any other elected official in the United States, and urges Democratic activists to focus their energies on local government in order to make the most effective change.
Guest:
Rahm Emanuel, former mayor of Chicago (2011 to 2019); former chief of staff under President Barack Obama; former senior advisor to President Bill Clinton; author of the new book, “The Nation City: Why Mayors Are Now Running The World” (Knopf, 2020)