Rahm Emanuel Defends Support for Israel Amid Potential 2028 Presidential Run

Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is pushing back against critics who say his outspoken support for Israel and Jewish identity could hinder his chances in the 2028 Democratic presidential primaries. In an interview with Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Show, Emanuel expressed confidence in his ability to win despite a party base that has grown increasingly critical of Israel.

“My faith and my Jewish education is what led me to public service, and I’m very proud of it,” Emanuel said. “By the way, I am the only person who’s gone toe-to-toe with [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu]. He called me a ‘self-hating Jew’ publicly.”

Emanuel, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Japan under President Biden, reiterated his commitment to Israel’s future as a “Jewish democratic state,” while acknowledging that he would not shy away from disagreements with Israeli policies if elected president. Though he has yet to officially declare his candidacy, Emanuel has been on a high-profile media tour, positioning himself as a pragmatic moderate in contrast to the Democratic Party’s increasingly progressive wing.

Polls, however, reveal a growing challenge for pro-Israel Democrats. A June survey found that only 12% of Democratic voters currently sympathize more with Israelis, compared to 60% who favor Palestinians. In November 2023, 34% of Democrats said they sympathized with Israelis versus 41% with Palestinians, highlighting a significant shift in opinion within the party.

Emanuel’s stance stands in stark contrast to the growing criticism of Israel from some Democratic lawmakers, especially regarding the war in Gaza. Although many Democrats affirm Israel’s right to defend itself, an increasing number have voiced concerns over its military conduct. In November, 17 Democratic senators voted in favor of a partial arms embargo on Israel, fueling debate within the party.

Despite these challenges, Emanuel’s long history of public service from his tenure as Obama’s chief of staff to his years as Chicago’s mayor could appeal to voters seeking a seasoned leader. His unapologetic defense of Israel may also resonate with Democrats who value U.S.-Israel ties as a cornerstone of American foreign policy.

As the 2028 race begins to take shape, Emanuel’s message is clear: his commitment to Israel is non-negotiable, and he believes it will not stand in the way of his path to the presidency.

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