Felsenthal Files

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)

12/08/11

Donald Trump Talks Blagojevich, Rahm, and Chicago

In town to promote his new book, The Donald talks to Carol Felsenthal about his relationship with the Emanuel brothers, Blago on The Celebrity Apprentice, and more

Posted at 12:36 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (1)

12/06/11

On Rod Blagojevich's Sentencing Day, Some Comparisons to Jim Thompson

Rod Blagojevich will find out his fate this morning at his sentencing hearing for his conviction earlier this year on corruption charges. Here, Carol Felsenthal looks at some similiarities between Blago and another former Illinois gov.

Posted at 09:58 AM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (2)

12/02/11

It's Time to Revisit the Issue of Taxpayer-Financed Bodyguards

In the aftermath of Maggie Daley’s death on Thanksgiving night, the citizens of Chicago have shown just how much they valued and loved her. No doubt about that, but now is the time for Mayor Emanuel to revisit the dicey issue of taxpayer-funded bodyguards for political figures.

Posted at 01:42 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (7)

11/29/11

Alderman Rick Muñoz on Dorothy Brown, Running for Clerk, and Texting with Rahm

I asked Ricardo “Rick” Muñoz why an independent alderman who for 18 years has represented a surging Latino population—the heart of his 22nd ward is Little Village—wants to trade that job for the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County...

Posted at 03:24 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (4)

11/17/11

Newt Gingrich, Bill Daley, and the Dirtiest Word in Politics

Gingrich, who has been accused of lobbying for Freddie Mac, need look no further for a soulmate than the West Wing of the White House, where he'll find Daley, a former nonregistered lobbyist.

Posted at 03:51 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (2)

11/15/11

A Look at Former Michelle Obama Makeup Artist Ingrid Grimes-Myles

The lifelong Chicagoan was replaced by Derrick Rutledge, the subject of a recent Washington Post profile, but she remains friends with the First Lady—and dishes to us about her previous "fairy tale" job.

Posted at 01:52 PM in Felsenthal Files | Permalink | Comments (2)