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Yeah, but it probably goes both ways

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Mayor Rahm Emanuel thinks Gov. Bruce Rauner is obsessed with House Speaker Michael Madigan, and he suggested that his Republican sparring partner in Springfield read America’s greatest tale on the dangers of obsession to focus himself instead on dealing with Illinois’ many serious problems.

Appearing on “Chicago Tonight” on WTTW-Ch. 11 on Tuesday evening, Emanuel said Rauner should tackle “Moby Dick” at the beach this year. The mayor cast the veteran politician Madigan as the mythic white whale, with Rauner as Ahab and the residents of Illinois playing the crew of the Pequod being dragged into life-threatening danger as their captain pursues the beast with no thought of their safety.

“My recommendation to the governor for his summer reading list is Herman Melville’s ‘Moby Dick,’ because Capt. Ahab in his obsession to get Moby Dick takes the Pequod over, and it doesn’t really end well,” Emanuel told reporter Paris Schutz. “And there’s an analogy there for him, and I would suggest that he step back from the personal insults.”

Asked why he thinks Rauner is obsessed with Madigan, Emanuel demurred. “I think you should ask the governor that question, because it’s his obsession,” Emanuel said. “But I can observe what it’s doing to the state.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 1:23 pm

Comments

>Mayor Rahm Emanuel thinks Gov. Bruce Rauner is obsessed with House Speaker Michael Madigan

Disagree. Rauner’s actions are calculated and thought out and not a product of emotion. The Madigan stuff is just distraction from his actions.

Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 1:42 pm
Emanuel giving advice would be akin to Jason Heyward counseling Daniel Murphy how to hit for average.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 1:44 pm
Heyward notwithstanding they have a fairly decent record thus far.

Comment by Awesome Dawson Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 1:51 pm
Rauner’s obsessed, but it’s not about Madigan. He’s merely in the way.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 1:52 pm
Rauner’s targeting of Madigan began as a plan to target the Dem leader with the most negatives. I suspect the frustration and effects of the prolonged battle has made it a more personal. And, as Rich suggested by the title, Madigan’s anger at being constantly attached is also out for blood.

For this reason, Madigan would do well to work with Cullerton on unified Dem strategy and let Cullerton front things.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 2:06 pm
Call me Ishemanuel.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 2:07 pm
What happened to the guy who campaigned as the consummate dealmaker, who (rightfully so) pushed aside unwinnable campaign issues to talk about the economy? That guy hasn’t been anywhere to be found since he moved into the Gov’s mansion.

Isn’t the lack of a budget for nearly the entire fiscal year more damaging to the IL economy than the lack of his worker’s comp reform package that isn’t estimated to kick in for SEVEN YEARS?

/rant over/

Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 2:58 pm
I remember a bit of advice an attorney friend gave me years ago. “It is really hard to have a good deal with a bad guy.”

Rauner has to try and negotiate with the bad guy.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 3:42 pm
The former Chief of Staff for President Obama and world renowned hatchet man for the Presidents’ first term in office who can’t control his own temper is going to give the current Illinois Governor psychological advice now?

This is nothing more than questioning the Governors’ sanity and emotional state. Pure ad hominem attack and nothing more, but disguised as “caring” about his opponent. Nothing more than 1970s pop psychology nonsense.

Comment by Payback Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 10:42 pm
Mr/Ms Annonymouse3:42
The BigBrain hired Stu Levine so he actually does know bad guys ( BTW Stu is free in August according the Bureau of Prison website)
The BigBrain shows every day he is unaccustomed to modifying a position to accomplish a goal. He just plows ahead regardless of the destruction.

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 8:44 am
Annoninininin—-You described MJM. Your boys Blago, Quinn, BHO, Clinton all had similar or more nefarious relationships.

But you keep playing the “It’s Raner’s fault” card

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 9:22 am