Rahm Emanuel Gets Snippy on CNN: ‘I Don’t Think That’s a Good Question’

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CNN anchor Poppy Harlow mixed it up Monday during a discussion about Democratic party leadership — and, more specifically, Emanuel’s reluctance to endorse them.

In an interview on CNN Monday, Harlow asked the Chicago Mayor — who previously served as head of the DCCC — about his party leadership, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Emanuel gave a lengthy, wishy-washy response.

Then, Harlow pressed.

“Yes or no answer,” Harlow said. “Is this leadership — Pelosi, Schumer — the leadership to [retake Congress]?”

“Poppy, I really like you, I don’t think that’s a good question,” Emanuel said.

“You did that to Dana Bash too!” Harlow said in response, referencing a on-air confrontation with a CNN colleague.

“I’m gonna do it to you too,” Emanuel said.

“I know you don’t like the question,” Harlow said. “But yes or no?”

Finally, Emanuel offered something far short of a full-throated endorsement.

“Yes, it’s a fine leadership,” Emanuel said. “But what I want is the candidate that’s going to be the leader of their district. That’s what I’m looking for. That’s how you recruit candidates that win a majority. I don’t think it’s really a question that’s relevant. It’s relevant in the Washington corridor, it’s not a question relevant in the suburban districts across the country.”

Harlow needed to wrap the segment, but she made clear that she was less than fulfilled by Emanuel’s answer.

“I guess I’m gonna have to let that answer sit for what it is,” she said.

Watch above, via CNN.

[featured image via screengrab]

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Follow Joe DePaolo (@joe_depaolo) on Twitter

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