(CNN) - White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has won the endorsement of a political heavyweight for his potential Chicago mayoral bid - President Obama.
In an interview airing Thursday on ABC, the president said his top aide would "be an excellent mayor."
"He is an excellent chief of staff," Obama said. "The one thing I've always been impressed with about Rahm is that when he has a job to do, he focuses on the job in front of him."
But Obama made clear he expects Emanuel not to depart the White House until after the midterm elections on November 2, a timeframe that may leave the top White House aide with little time to lay the groundwork for a bid to lead America's third largest city.
The filing date to run is December 13 while the election will be held February 22.
Current mayor Richard Daley shocked Chicagoans earlier this week when he announced he would not seek another term. Daley has led the city since 1989.
From CNN Politics
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No, Guiliani would be an excellent mayor for Chicago; he would clean up the crime; tried and true.
So announce you're leaving already..stop dancing around the issue!
obummer touts his administration as a success, then I would hate to see failure.
Sending the corrupt prodigal son back to Chicago.
Mr. President Rahm Emmanuel is a good friend and all, but really, his timing sucks. Of course I am sure the opportunity to be the mayor of Chicago doesn't present itself everyday.
The GOP has not only blocked your every effort at legislation, they've also JUST AS IMPORTANTLY blocked confirmation of MANY KEY CABINET POSTS in your administration. They are trying to cut off both your arms, and now this.
We continue to pray for you Mr. President. Let this be one of those times where evil (GOP) does NOT triumph over good in the short term.
Sounds like Obama doesn't want ole' dead fish around.
Oh, WOW! Do you mean (gasp) that President Obama himself (sob) actually ENDORSED Emanuel for something? REAlLY?
President Obama couldn't endorse a flea for my dog.
Yes Rahm, we've ALL experienced your expertise in running this Administration. However, since I consider Chicago's thriving metropolis to be an excellent example of Nannyism, I think it fitting for someone like Rahm to steer them into the future...or what is left of it.
"The nation's health care tab will go up - not down - as a result of President Barack Obama's sweeping overhaul. That's the conclusion of a government forecast released Thursday."
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Once again I ask....do democrats EVER get tired of being wrong? Over and over and over again democrats institute some bone-headed policy that conservatives rightfully fight against only to be vilified by the liberal media and, in the end, conservatives turn out to be correct.
He will get rid of Emmanuel and then blame him for all his problems. Perfect solution to get rid of 2 slime balls.
I will endorse Rahm and anyone else we can get out of the White House right now.
No sense in changing Chicagos currupt political system I guess.
It will save him from having to look for job after the 2012 election!!!
God Illinois needs a divorce from Chicago. They are so out of touch with the good people downstate and that pathetic city drags us all down.
There you go......One good Crook deserves another! The only better Mayoral canidate for Chicago would be Obambi himself.
What a pit of snakes!
I think it's just another rat jumping from a sinking ship. This whole running for mayor baloney is just a cover.
I have always found it funny that endorsements matter at all. I've never even considered another person or group's endorsement of a candidate.
"The one thing I've always been impressed with about Rahm is that when he has a job to do, he focuses on the job in front of him." - Hmm.. even to the point of Chicago "DIRTY" and 'LIES" politics. This is what brought us an incompetent, undecisive and hateful "blame him/her or there" presidency.
Rahm? All I can associate this name is dirty politics and corruption straight from this man's presence.
Must be trying to get Rahm out of the White House.
Good. I think the sooner he goes the better. He's a big part of the problem with the current administration.
I was one of the young adults who worked really hard to get them in office. Right now, I am waiting for all of them to finish their one term administration. There are many other qualified democrats to replace them.
The economy or issues is not why we young adults are pulling away. We were told too many lies and our hearts are broken.
The president said he will bring in new people. All we got was a recycle of the Clinton administration. We will not forget.
What a shame.