It’s official: Biden picks Rahm to be ambassador to Japan
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden tapped Rahm Emanuel to be the next U.S. ambassador to Japan on Friday, adding if confirmed a new chapter for a man who’s been a two-term Chicago mayor, congressman and chief of staff to a president.
Progressives mounted a drive to block the nomination of Emanuel, who was former President Barack Obama’s first chief of staff and a senior adviser to former President Bill Clinton.
However, his long-time relationship with Biden, who was Obama’s vice president, and his closeness to three of his highest-level aides — Ron Klain, Steve Ricchetti and Bruce Reed — cleared the way for his comeback into public life.
Neither a Japan expert nor a career diplomat, Emanuel would be a high-profile ambassador, his closeness to Biden and other crucial West Wing figures a visible sign of the importance of Japan, a strong U.S. ally.
Emanuel, not one for sitting still, has been doing his homework, talking with experts on Japan, taking briefings, reading the Japanese press and doing other research about the nation.
In a statement provided by the White House, Emanuel said, “The alliance between the United States and Japan is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo-Pacific, and I would proudly represent our nation with one of our most critical global allies in one of the most critical geopolitical regions.’’
Emanuel’s name has been in play for an ambassadorship since December, after a cabinet post he pursued did not materialize.
After Biden was elected last November, Emanuel’s name first was floated for secretary of the Department of Transportation. That job instead went to Pete Buttigieg, the former South Bend mayor who ran for president in 2020.
Emanuel became too hot for Biden to handle for a Cabinet post after protests from leaders of public service unions, civil rights groups and progressive organizations.
A group of Democratic progressives oppose Emanuel for any spot in the administration, in part because of the 2014 Chicago police shooting of 17-year-old LaQuan McDonald while Emanuel was mayor.
The Biden administration is apparently willing to spend some domestic political capital with an Emanuel nomination.
Jeff Cohen, the co-founder of RootsAction.org, said his progressive group is organizing opposition to Emanuel. “The #RejectRahm/“NoToRahm” campaign has virtually organized itself,” he said.
The Japanese government is likely to care only about Emanuel’s proximity to Biden — not his famous brashness or other factors.
As for being confirmed in the 50-50 Senate, where Democrats usually can’t afford to lose a vote, Emanuel likely would find enough GOP support to get him confirmed even if a few Democratic senators drop off.
Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a former Trump ambassador to Japan and a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, congratulated Emanuel in a statement.
If confirmed, Emanuel would restore a practice of high-profile Americans — not scholars or career diplomats — being sent to Japan. Obama picked Caroline Kennedy, an early crucial supporter. She followed, among others, former Vice President Walter Mondale, former House Speaker Tom Foley and former Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield, all Democrats, as well as Republican Howard Baker, a former Senate majority leader.
Rahm Israel Emanuel, 61, was born in Chicago and raised in north suburban Wilmette. He served as mayor from 2011 to 2019 and was chief of staff for Obama from Jan. 20, 2009, through Oct. 1, 2010, when he left to make his first City Hall run. He was elected to Congress from a North Side district four times, stepping down to become Obama’s first chief of staff.
Emanuel’s wife, Amy, is said to be amenable to the Japan posting.
Biden also tapped a career diplomat, Nicholas Burns, to be the next U.S. ambassador to China.
Clinton said in a tweet that Emanuel and Burns “are smart decision makers, experienced leaders and dedicated public servants.’’
To bolster Emanuel, several top Democrats, including Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., the number three House leader and the top Black member, issued statements after the White House announced Biden’s intention to send Emanuel to Tokyo. None referenced the McDonald shooting.
In statements, the chair of the Chicago City Council Black Caucus, Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) and Ald. Howard Brookins (21st), praised Emanuel’s tenure as mayor.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said in a statement, Emanuel “has a lifetime of public service preparing him to speak for America.”
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said in her statement, Emanuel’s “years of experience make him well suited to represent the United States of America in this important role.”