Rahm Emanuel warns new generation of Dem socialists don't like America
The former Chicago mayor argued winning deep blue areas means little if Democrats can't win big victories by winning red ones
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Former Chicago Mayor and possible 2028 contender Rahm Emanuel blasted the recent wave of Democratic socialists who have risen in his party.
Democratic socialist candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier was one of three candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who won shocking primary victories in late June. Her history of controversial far-left rhetoric and policies has caused a wave of outrage among more traditional Democratic figures, such as strategist James Carville, who have responded by calling for a formal party schism.
"She has attacked interracial relationships and the American flag. Lady, I ain't in the same party as you. I'm sorry," Carville said in a recent viral statement on his podcast. "I’m just not, and I actually do think it's time for Democrats to talk ‘the S-word.’ ‘Schism.’ I really do."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CNN host Wolf Blitzer played a clip from this podcast as he spoke to Emanuel, asking if he agrees with Carville’s take.
JAMES CARVILLE SAYS SOCIALIST DEMOCRAT SHOULDN'T BE IN THE PARTY, CALLS HER VIEWS 'A BRIDGE TOO FAR'
Former Mayor of Chicago and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel speaks during the 29th annual Milken Institute Global Conference at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, on May 5, 2026. ((Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images))
Emanuel responded by saying he believes in flipping red areas to blue areas, not flipping blue areas to a deeper blue.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"There are candidates out there, specifically like in New York City, who don't like America," he said. "I happen to think being an American means you win the lottery ticket of life."
He went on to argue that as flawed as America may be, the Democratic socialists fail to appreciate it for its inherent good.
"There are challenges in America that it's not living up to its potential, as outlined here on the 250-year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, where America falls short, but you always struggle for that better," he said. "There are people in the Democratic Socialist Party who literally do not like America, think it is a bad country."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}MAMDANI STANDS BY FELLOW SOCIALIST CANDIDATE DESPITE RESURFACED FAR-LEFT, ANTI-AMERICAN POSTS
Congressional candidate Claire Valdez, Congressional candidate Brad Lander, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier raise their hands during a Get Out the Vote (GOTV) rally at King's Theater on June 18, 2026, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
"They don't have any identity," he continued. "And that is not the Democratic Party that I'm a part of, it is not the Democratic Party that struggles to make sure that other people get a chance to be in the winner's circle."
Emanuel warned Democrats that if they want to win victories at the federal level, they need to win over Republicans and centrists.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Winning something on the Upper West Side doesn’t help you flip the Upper Peninsula of Michigan," he said. "And that is the only way to not only advance progressive agendas, win and unlock the electoral map that has kept Democrats out of the White House, but it also allows you to hold this administration accountable."
"Unless we start flipping red to blue, you’re going to just hear it get red in the face, and that’s all the only other red you’re going to see," he cautioned. "So I’m not impressed with flipping blue districts."
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}James Carville went viral for suggesting the Democratic Party should have a formal schism. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SCAD)