The Ezra Klein Show: Rahm Emanuel's Plan for a Democratic Comeback in 2026

Host: Ezra Klein
Guest: Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, former White House Chief of Staff, former Mayor of Chicago, and former Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)
Release Date: December 3, 2024

Introduction

Ezra Klein opens the episode by introducing Rahm Emanuel, highlighting his extensive background in Democratic politics, including his pivotal role as Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff during the early years of the Obama administration and his leadership of the DCCC during the 2006 midterm elections, which resulted in a significant Democratic comeback.

“We could not have accomplished what we've accomplished without Rahm's leadership.” – Ezra Klein [00:00]

Why Did the Democrats Lose in 2024?

Emanuel attributes the Democratic loss in 2024 to a confluence of structural factors and a failure to resonate with the electorate’s growing disillusionment.

1. Economic Sentiment and Anti-Incumbent Mood:

   • “When 70% of the country thinks the economy is bad and 70% think the country's headed in the wrong direction. That is a structural equation for an anti-incumbent election.” – Rahm Emanuel [05:28]

2. Performance of Ticket vs. Congressional Wing:

   • “The top of the ticket performs worse than the congressional wing, which is not the norm.” – Rahm Emanuel [05:28]

3. Rise of Anti-Establishment Sentiment:

   • Emanuel discusses the shift towards anti-establishment and anti-elite sentiments, exacerbated by perceived failures in leadership during crises like the Iraq War and the financial crisis.

“It's a repudiation in the sixth year of President Bush's presidency.” – Rahm Emanuel [07:59]

Historical Context and Lessons Learned

Emanuel reflects on past Democratic successes and failures to draw lessons for the future.

1. 2006 DCCC Leadership:

   • Successfully reclaimed the House for Democrats after three consecutive losses, emphasizing authentic candidate profiles that resonated with voters.
   • “The American people have sent a resounding and unmistakable message of change and new direction for America.” – Rahm Emanuel [02:17]

2. Bill Clinton and Barack Obama Eras:

   • Clinton: Broke Democratic norms by addressing cultural issues like crime and welfare, setting a foundation for future Democratic successes.

     • “The Republicans run the presidency and they run on law and order under Richard Nixon, Welfare queens under Ronald Reagan...” – Rahm Emanuel [14:10]

   • Obama: Focused on community service and economic recovery, yet shifted towards establishment policies during crises like COVID-19, leading to voter alienation.

     • “We became the establishment, we became the elite.” – Rahm Emanuel [10:58]

“There is more to people than the collection of their wallet and their checkbook.” – Rahm Emanuel [19:55]

Critique of the Democratic Establishment

Emanuel criticizes the Democratic Party for becoming too comfortable with the establishment, leading to a disconnect with the broader electorate.

1. Defending Institutions Over Results:

   • “We're defending something that is indefensible. We're insane doing it politically and it's not actually accurate about what it's trying to accomplish.” – Rahm Emanuel [48:20]

2. Lack of Reformist Impulse:

   • Unlike reformist campaigns from figures like Obama and Clinton, the current Democratic leadership has not prioritized systemic reforms, contributing to perceptions of corruption and inaction.
   • “We have to be a party that is never satisfied, never the defenders of the status quo, always wanting to change something to make other people's lives better.” – Rahm Emanuel [58:43]

Candidate Recruitment and Party Strategy

Emanuel emphasizes the importance of recruiting authentic, independent candidates who reflect the diverse realities of American voters, particularly in struggling rural and working-class districts.

1. Authenticity and Independence:

   • “Independence, saying things that are politically correct, willing to take on not just X interest group or whatever, but even your own party's interest group or leadership.” – Rahm Emanuel [67:49]

2. Breaking Stereotypes:

   • Candidates should defy traditional Democratic stereotypes to effectively connect with and represent their constituencies.

“These districts were created to be literally a firewall against Democrats. We picked the lock with candidates in districts that you were not supposed to be able to do it.” – Rahm Emanuel [34:35]

Reform vs. Defending the Status Quo

The conversation delves into the Democratic Party’s struggle between advocating for necessary reforms and protecting existing institutions, often at the expense of meaningful change.

1. Reforming Government Processes:

   • Emanuel argues for prioritizing results over rigid adherence to bureaucratic rules, citing examples like infrastructure development delays.
   • “We're going to defend FERC. I understand the role it plays. Are you telling me there's nothing we can do that guarantees end result in two years?” – Rahm Emanuel [48:20]

2. Accountability and Ethical Reforms:

   • Advocates for stronger accountability measures within the party to combat corruption and align actions with voter interests.
   • “We as part of the establishment have adopted the voice of defending the establishment when it's failing. It makes no sense policy wise.” – Rahm Emanuel [53:38]

Strategy Against Trump and Republican Policies

Emanuel outlines a strategic approach to countering Donald Trump’s influence and Republican policies by focusing on policies that directly impact voters’ lives.

1. Targeting Economic and Social Issues:

   • Emphasizes health care, Social Security, and economic stability as primary battlegrounds.
   • “This is about people's pocketbooks and I think it's about who the Republicans are fighting for and who we're fighting for.” – Rahm Emanuel [73:26]

2. Proactive Engagement:

   • Advocates for engaging with reform initiatives like the Vivek Ramaswamy-Elon Musk Department of Government Efficiency Commission, positioning Democrats to counteract any potential authoritarian shifts.
   • “I would say welcome it and I would say 100% ready to meet with you.” – Rahm Emanuel [60:09]

“We want to be the party that positions that Donald Trump and the Republicans are now the establishment.” – Rahm Emanuel [69:11]

The Role of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Future Directions

Emanuel discusses his vision for the DNC, emphasizing both immediate electoral strategies and long-term ideological direction.

1. Dual Focus:

   • Balancing resources for upcoming state and national elections with crafting a compelling, positive narrative for the Democratic Party.
   • “We're very anti the Trump. We haven't filled out the profile. What we're pro America now.” – Rahm Emanuel [65:09]

2. Building a Positive Identity:

   • Drawing parallels to Bill Clinton’s covenant speeches, advocating for a vision that not only opposes Republican policies but also articulates what Democrats stand for.
   • “We have to not just build an identity opposing Trump, you have to also build an identity of who you're fighting for, why you're fighting...” – Rahm Emanuel [67:14]

Book Recommendations

Emanuel shares three books he recommends to listeners:

1. "Gettysburg" by Gary Wills
2. "Lost" by Daniel Mendelsohn
3. "The Noise of Time" by Julian Barnes

“Gary Wills Gettysburg, Daniel Mendelsohn's Lost and Julian Barnes the Noise of Time.” – Rahm Emanuel [73:32]

Conclusion

Ezra Klein wraps up the conversation by thanking Rahm Emanuel for his insights into the Democratic Party's challenges and strategies for a comeback in 2026.

“Rahm Emanuel, thank you very much.” – Ezra Klein [73:43]

Key Takeaways

• Structural Challenges: Economic dissatisfaction and anti-incumbent sentiments played significant roles in the 2024 Democratic losses.
• Anti-Establishment Sentiment: A shift from anti-establishment to establishment tendencies has led to voter alienation within the Democratic base.
• Candidate Authenticity: Recruiting independent and authentic candidates who resonate with voters’ real-life experiences is crucial for future successes.
• Reform Over Status Quo: Prioritizing meaningful reforms and accountability within the party can help rebuild trust and effectiveness.
• Strategic Focus Against Republicans: Focusing on policies that directly impact voters' lives, such as healthcare and economic stability, is essential.
• DNC’s Dual Role: Balancing immediate electoral strategies with long-term vision-building is vital for the party’s resurgence.

Notable Quotes

• “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste. And what I mean by that, it's an opportunity to do things that you think you could not do before.” – Rahm Emanuel [01:48]
• “If you're going to flip a Republican district, you're going to take all these cultural issues because the biography told a story.” – Rahm Emanuel [34:35]
• “We have to be the party that is never satisfied, never the defenders of the status quo, always wanting to change something to make other people's lives better.” – Rahm Emanuel [58:43]

This summary encapsulates Rahm Emanuel's perspectives on the Democratic Party's recent setbacks, historical lessons, internal critiques, and strategic recommendations for future electoral success. His emphasis on authenticity, reform, and strategic focus offers a roadmap for Democrats aiming to reclaim their political momentum by 2026.