First edition Obama 2012 press passes (photo by Lynn Sweet)
POOL REPORT
BY ABDON M. PALLASCH
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
Obama told about 150 donors at his first event of the night at N9NE restaurant that “It’s good to be home.”
Chief of Staff Bill Daley, who flew in with the president on Air Force One, and outgoing Mayor Richard M. Daley both followed Obama into the restaurant.
When Obama walked in, Mayor Daley was talking to Mayor-Elect Rahm Emanuel.
“I got a little confused,” Obama said. “I walk in, two guys talking, both of them very animated, both of a little intimidating even though they’re not tall in stature. I was trying to figure out who I should bow to first. I decided to go with the current mayor.”
Obama also gave shout-outs to Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Secretary of State Jesse White and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who were among the diners/donors.
Obama also shouted to Daley, “Bill’s doing OK, Rich.”
Emanuel introduced Obama, praising the job he has done in his first few years, saying the economy is now “helping people buy homes, buy cars send their kids to college. We are back on the move rather than being on our back.”
Obama returned the praise to Emanuel, saying, “Yes, he is foul-mouthed. Yes, that finger thing is a little creepy. But I love him anyway. And Chicago, you did the right thing by electing him the next mayor of Chicago.”
Obama said of Daley, “He is somebody who has done more not just to make Chicago a great American city but a great world city. His legacy is going to be as deep and lasting as his father’s was.”
