
We’ve lost the capacity to find that commonality. It’s not just our humanity, it’s our belief in this country, its values and what it stands for.

Amb. Rahm Emanuel on how the US has lost is civic foundation and the importance of recreating it.

Speaker
Amb. Rahm Emanuel
Rahm Emanuel served as the 31st United States Ambassador to Japan from December 18, 2021 to January 14, 2025. Previously, Ambassador Emanuel was the 55th Mayor of the City of Chicago, a position he held from May 2011 until May 2019. Prior to becoming Mayor, from November 2008 until October 2010, Ambassador Emanuel served as President Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff. Ambassador Emanuel was elected four times as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois’s 5th Congressional District (2002-2008). From 1993 to 1998, Ambassador Emanuel served as an advisor during President Bill Clinton’s administration. Ambassador Emanuel graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1981 and received a Master’s Degree in Speech and Communication from Northwestern University in 1985. He is married to Amy Rule, and they have three children.

Moderator
Chris Jones
Chris Jones is editorial page editor, as well as chief theater critic for the Chicago Tribune. He also serves as Broadway critic for the New York Daily News. His latest book is Rise Up! Broadway and American Society from 'Angels in America' to 'Hamilton.'" He has a Ph.D. from Ohio State and lives in Chicago with his wife and sons."