Rahm Emanuel is known more for cursing than kind words, but he choked up today as he addressed West Wing staffers for a final speech announcing his departure from the White House.
Rahm said he knows he’s supposed to be “tough” but talked about the honor he feels it has been working for President Obama. He said Obama has tackled massive challenges and credited the president with rescuing the economy from freefall. You can watch the video below.
[TPM SLIDESHOW: So Rahm, Farewell: A Salute To Rahm Emanuel’s Time In Washington]
Emanuel was particularly holding back emotion as he talked about how he and Obama have “lived that American dream.”
My father, my grandfather came to this country for opportunity. They came here for a better life for their children,” Emanuel said. “My mother marched with Martin Luther King because she believed that none of us is truly free until all of us are.”
Emanuel said his successor, senior advisor Pete Rouse, is a “good friend with great judgment.”
[TPM SLIDESHOW: West Wing Shuffle: Pete Rouse Steps In As Rahm Steps Out]
“He commands the respect of everyone in this building and brings decades of experience to this assignment,” he said, to an audience of West Wing staffers and top Cabinet officials.
Watch Emanuel get emotional:
Emanuel is not the only one who has gotten emotional lately. Check out Sen. Al Franken holding back tears on the Senate floor discussing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
