Join us on Thursday, April 30 at 7pm ET for a virtual conversation with Amb. Rahm Emanuel. Moderated by Rachel Janfaza of The Up and Up, they will discuss why he believes corruption has been “normalized” in American politics, what it will take to rebuild trust at home and credibility abroad, and how his vision for 2028 differs from both “Trumpism” and the Democratic Party’s more ideological wings.
Amb. Emanuel has spent the past year arguing that America needs a “renewal wing” of the Democratic Party—one focused on middle‑class economics, public education, public safety, and restoring faith in democratic institutions, rather than replaying the Trump era on a loop. He has outlined a “six for ’26” agenda for Democrats, emphasized raising wages and lowering health‑care costs, called for strict ethics reforms and age limits in government, and pushed for serious investments in reading and basic education as the foundation of opportunity. At the same time, he has been openly exploring a 2028 presidential bid, arguing that “tough times require a tough leader,” and positioning himself as a centrist, results-driven alternative who believes the next election should be about ideas, competence, and rebuilding the American middle class.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Rahm I. Emanuel most recently served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan, where he strengthened the U.S.-Japan alliance and supported expanded security cooperation. He previously served as the 55th Mayor of Chicago, leading major investments in education, public safety, infrastructure, and economic development, including universal pre-K, free community college, and the O’Hare modernization program. Earlier, he was President Obama’s Chief of Staff, helping pass the Recovery Act and Affordable Care Act, and served four terms in Congress. Emanuel also held senior roles in the Clinton administration. He holds degrees from Sarah Lawrence College and Northwestern University.
Rachel Janfaza is the founder of The Up and Up, a research, media, and strategy firm focused on Gen Z. A member of Generation Z herself, Janfaza is best known for her theory of The Two Gen Zs. Her written work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, Vox, The Free Press, Glamour, POLITICO Magazine, Teen Vogue, Vogue, Elle, Cosmo, and Bustle. And her on-air analysis has been featured on CNN, CBS, C-SPAN, NY-1, and WNYC Public Radio. She is also a contributor to The Bulwark.
