Mayor 1%: Rahm Emanuel and the Rise of Chicago's 99%
*Starred Review* Famous for his profanity, energy, and astute sense of political opportunity, Emanuel as mayor of Chicago may well be the face of the new Democrat, argues journalist Lydersen. If so, the new Democrat is breaking strong alliances with the unions in favor of wealthy business interests. In his career as a political operative, adviser to the Clinton and Obama administrations, and congressman, Emanuel forged a broader political perspective on issues from the financial crisis to immigration to welfare reform. His investment banking career gave him financial security and a perspective and relationships at odds with those of more traditional Democratic mayors.  As mayor, he has bumped heads with the teachers’ and city workers’ unions, famously provoking the anger of the Occupy Movement during Chicago’s hosting of the NATO summit and earning the tag Mayor 1%. Lydersen chronicles the tempestuous Emanuel administration, focused on privatization of the public sector and facing fierce push-back from citizens who see themselves as representing the 99 percent. Drawing on interviews with community activists and vivid scenes of confrontation with the mayor, Lydersen also offers a portrait of resistance to privatization. This is a fascinating look at a fascinating political figure and the broader issues of a changing Democratic Party. --Vanessa Bush