Rahm Emanuel Discusses Democratic Party Issues and 2028 Presidential Bid

"A problem for my party is, in the last four years, the only room we were comfortable in was the bathroom," he told The Post, referring to the party's advocacy on transgender issues. Emanuel described himself as a fighter during a half-hour interview this week.

"Nobody has ever gotten into the ring with me and not walked out with a broken nose," he said. He said a potential presidential campaign would focus on helping people build better lives. "If I was to run, it would be about making sure people have what it takes to build a better life," he said.

Emanuel also spoke about past efforts to expand pre-K education. "There was no kindergarten in Chicago, there was no pre-K in Chicago," he said. Polls of a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary do not mention Emanuel.

Democratic sources not affiliated with Emanuel said he would have advantages if he runs, including ties to major donors and celebrities. "He's trying to listen at least as much as he talks, which for him is very hard," a Democratic strategist who has worked with Emanuel said. A friend who worked with Emanuel during his mayoralty said he still has a broad support network.

"His ties to the party run deep and wide, very deep, and he's fought a lot of great battles," the person said. Three potential 2028 Democratic candidates are Jewish and would face questions about how they would deal with Israel. "Whether they're elected or not is not riding on the fact they're Jewish," a source said.

A former White House official said Emanuel would have to address his handling of a 2014 police shooting in Chicago. "Anyone can run his record in Chicago and that'll shut down his black votes which you need to be even credible," the official said. Emanuel's best friend is the billionaire CEO of a Chicago-based asset management firm.

A veteran Democratic operative said Emanuel will not win the nomination but will push the conversation. "I don't think he will win the nomination, but he will push the conversation, which is always a benefit," the operative said.