Presidential candidate (?) Rahm Emanuel joins ML and Marc to talk about everything but his political ambitions.

STRAIGHT DOPE
Who's Rahm Emanuel, you say? Just a former top adviser to President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama who became a congressman, then mayor of Chicago and then ambassador to Japan and, now, maybe, a candidate for president.

Why is Rahm hanging out in a basement with ML and Marc? There's that "maybe running for president thing," but he's also pitching a plan to help recruit and train the next generation of skilled workers that companies like Ford are begging for.

Rahm says the government should give military veterans $10,000 to get them started in training programs that will prepare them for good-paying jobs and a stable future after they have served their country. ML points out that major employers in Detroit often complain that there are plenty of applicants, but not enough with the education required to get their high-paying jobs.

ML potentially defuses an international crisis by making clear that Rahm is NOT declaring war on Japan.

Rahm stressed the importance of education, which sounds a lot like another former mayor with political aspirations: Mike Duggan. ML asks Rahm if he agrees with Duggan that one of the biggest problems in education is that Republicans set policy, then Democrats set policy, and nothing meaningful ever seems to get done.

ML asks Rahm how he feels about Duggan's claim that politics has become so partisan that the only way to get anything done is to run as an independent.

Marc asks Rahm about his proposal to ban social media for kids.

ML tries again to get Rahm to engage on America's partisan divide and, after offering a measured, even-handed response, Rahm takes a parting shot at POTUS.

Looking for a great gift for a friend, relative or even someone you don’t particularly like? A Free Press subscription is a bargain! Hit this link to get a deal: Detroit Free Press Subscription Offers, Specials, and Discounts

Please support the show by becoming a Soulmate. For as little as $5 a month, you can enjoy benefits like early access to new episodes, the video version of the show, no insertion ads and access to our monthly bonus episode. Sign up here: Get more from ML Soul of Detroit on Patreon

Catch ML's latest On Guard column here.

GEEK OF THE WEEK
ML tries to appeal to both sides, but may instead have alienated everyone with his choice for this week's geek.

ROOM 7609
Julie didn't dig either Super Bowl half-time show, and says if you really want to hear someone rap in a foreign language, you should check out Falco's "Der Kommissar." Please send us your suggestion for a song — along with a great story — to mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com

OUR BENEFACTORS
Boo-hoo for us -- we had no new Soulmates or donors this week. The holidays have passed, but we're still making this special offer: For a $500 donation, you can join us in the studio and sit in on a show.
For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Soumate by joining our Patreon supporters club and get perks by supporting the show! Use this link: https://www.patreon.com/MLSoulofDetroit

FEEDBACKDave says anyone who digs James Bond (like us) and watches (like Drew) should check out this video: https://youtu.be/9NnePpdTmts?si=fx83-8v4rr6SzYXN We welcome all your questions, comments – and constructive criticism – at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com

DONATE OR SPONSOR US
Support us on Patreon or make a donation via Venmo or PayPal at mlsoulofdetroit.com. Or drop us a line at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com to find out how cheap and easy it is to advertise on our show!

LISTEN AND LEARN
Find out more about the podcast at www.mlsoulofdetroit.com, where you’ll find previous episodes and so much more!

SUBSCRIBE/SHARE/RATE/WATCH
Subscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever quality podcasts are found! When you check out the podcast, remember to rate it (even if you hate it)!!! Your endorsement is very powerful! Get podcast news on Twitter @elrick or on Facebook at “ML Elrick”We always appreciate your feedback at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail or 313-Butterfield8-9070 (aka 313-288-9070). If you leave a message, you could hear your voice on the air!

Rahm Emanuel Soul Tour - February 17, 2026