Felsenthal Files

02/06/12

A Look at Sam LaHood, One of 19 Americans on Trial in Egypt

The third son of Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Sam LaHood attended graduate school in Lebanon and was an advance man for John McCain's campaign in 2008...

Posted at 06:15 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (1)

02/01/12

Chicago Ward Remap: A Lawsuit Waiting to Happen?

The Latino community blasts Rahm Emanuel and the City Council for approving a ward remap that underrepresents minority constituents.

Posted at 02:40 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (1)

01/23/12

Mark Kirk’s Sudden Health Scare—Some Background from His Ex-Wife

With Senator Mark Kirk in recovery following a three-hour surgery resulting from a weekend stroke, his ex-wife—whose amicable divorce from Kirk was finalized in 2009—described the 52-year-old junior senator as being “into politics, 500 percent,” and rarely slowing down to take care of himself...

Posted at 05:08 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (22)

01/17/12

What's Really Bothering Michelle Obama?

I just finished reading Jodi Kantor’s The Obamas, and I think I’ve figured out why Michelle Obama is so steamed, why she groused to The Early Show’s Gayle King that she is tired of being portrayed as “some kind of angry black woman.” The First Lady recognizes that her husband will probably run against Mitt Romney, and thus, she herself will be stuck “running” against the warm, blonde, seemingly flawless Ann Romney...

Posted at 01:00 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (7)

01/16/12

Bill Daley’s Battered Résumé

After resigning as Chief of Staff, Bill Daley's D.C. record takes another hit as the president announces that Daley's old department, Commerce, will be axed in the service of paring down the federal bureaucracy.

Posted at 12:49 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (2)

01/13/12

Obama's Shout-Out to Claire McCaskill—Will She Campaign with Him Again?

At a fundraiser in Chicago on Wednesday night, President Obama singled out the rookie Democrat from Missouri. "I just love her so whenever I have an excuse to see her I'm happy," he gushed. McCaskill's presence—and Obama's shout-out—is a sure sign that he is making a slight but real comeback...

Posted at 12:01 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (2)

01/09/12

Valerie Jarrett 'Dedicated Her Life' to the Obamas; Plus, More Details from Jodi Kantor's New Book

Last week, I posted a Q&A with Jodi Kantor, author of The Obamas, a new book about the First Couple. Here is the final part of the interview, in which Kantor discusses Barack's time at Columbia University, Michelle's secret trips to Petco and Target, and key Chicago figures such as Valerie Jarrett and Desirée Rogers.

Posted at 10:19 AM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (1)

01/05/12

Kantor on the First Family's Private Quarters, Encounters with Sasha and Malia, and Laura Bush's Tip for Michelle

In 18 months of work, the New York Times correspondent conducted 200 interviews, many with high-level West Wing aides, and gained unprecedented access to the East Wing. Her new book is out next week, but Kantor gave me some fresh insights and anecdotes.

Posted at 04:20 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (0)

12/21/11

Why Dorothy Brown Wants Another Term as Circuit Court Clerk

The incumbent's race against 22nd Ward Alderman Rick Muñoz is the juiciest contest in the March 20 primary. Here, Brown talks about Muñoz, working for Arthur Andersen in the 1970s, her unsuccessful bid for Cook County Board president, and more...

Posted at 10:16 AM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (3)

12/14/11

Republicans for Rahm? His Night at the Economic Club

Rahm sold out the Hilton Chicago Hotel’s International Ballroom Monday for a speech before the Economic Club. On the dais surrounded by such captains of industry as Lester Crown, Thomas Wilson, Gregory Wasson, Glenn Tilton, the newish mayor started out shaky, occasionally flubbing his lines, his voice rising to resemble his predecessor’s. His reception by the black-tie members of the club and their guests, was chilly at first...

Posted at 02:53 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (4)