Emmanuel Critiques Harris’ Vice Presidential Choices

Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel spoke out against former Vice President Kamala Harris’s reasoning for not selecting former Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg as her running mate. This commentary came during a CNN interview on Tuesday.

In her book, “107 Days,” Harris reflected on her initial desire to partner with Buttigieg leading up to the 2024 presidential election. However, she expressed concerns over the potential risks, stating, “If I were a straight white guy, I would have been the ideal partner.” She elaborated that the country was already facing significant challenges with acceptance—especially regarding women and particularly Black women married to Jewish men. “But knowing what’s at stake, that was too risky,” she remarked, suggesting that Buttigieg shared this awareness, which they both found disappointing.

Emmanuel, now considering his own possible run for the 2028 election, acknowledged the political implications but noted his unease over needing “to trust [his] gut,” a sense of confidence that had guided leaders like Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. “They all have strengths and weaknesses. It’s a judgment call—who you’d feel comfortable with during those crucial cabinet meetings,” he shared on CNN’s “arena.”

Reflecting on Harris’s predicament, he said, “She got the political part right, but missed the crucial aspect of selecting a vice president, which I call the ‘cabinet room test.’ You want someone who, when you walk into that Oval Office, can engage you and stimulate conversation, while also providing support.”

On another note, during an appearance on MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show,” Harris clarified her position regarding Buttigieg, emphasizing that his sexual orientation was not a factor in her decision. She reiterated that selecting him would have presented a “risk.” Harris explained that her enthusiasm for running against opponents like Donald Trump was rooted in the broader context of electing a Black woman to the presidency.