The Chicago Tribune’s Mike Dorning has a short profile of Rahm Emanuel today, evaluating how the Windy City native is holding up in the chaotic Washington environment.
Dorning’s findings:
Emanuel, 49… may have gained some polish and a bit of humility since the days when he earned the nickname “Rahmbo” for his combative ways and sent a dead fish to one of his political enemies. But, said friends, colleagues and members of Congress, he has lost none of the drive.
Emanuel didn’t grant an interview for the piece, but a few choice anecdotes nevertheless found their way out. Rahm, not Tim Geithner or Larry Summers, is the Wall Street liaison in the White House, Dorning says.
A former investment banker and Democratic fundraiser who over the years nurtured relationships among financial executives, he is also a favorite contact point for Wall Street in the White House, said an industry lobbyist who asked to remain anonymous.
And my favorite:
[House Majority Leader Steny] Hoyer remembers calling the chief of staff once on his cell phone when Emanuel was riding in the presidential limousine.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Emanuel is busy and can’t talk to you,” the voice on the other end of the line answered, according to Hoyer. “I said, ‘Mr. President. I’m pleased to talk with you any time.’