Will Affordability Fixes Decide Rahm Emanuel's 2028 White House Run?

Emanuel emphasized that his decision will heavily rely on his ability to find solutions to the country's affordability problems. He highlighted how owning a home, affording healthcare, saving for education, and retirement have become increasingly challenging for many Americans.

"People worry about owning a home, affording their healthcare, saving for education and retirement. What was possible for us is not possible," Emanuel said. "Here in Long Island, a starter home is $800,000. Where are the kids coming out of college — living in their parents' basement with $30,000 in debt — where are they going to find $160,000?"

Emanuel, a centrist Democrat, believes that finding a solution to America's affordability problems will be key to his potential presidential run. However, he's not yet sure if he has the answer, stating, "If I think I have an answer to not only kind of address that, but also then the strength to get it done, then I’ll do it. If not, I’ll go join my wife in Montana and go fly fishing."

During the discussion at the Long Island Association luncheon, Emanuel and former Republican California Rep. Kevin McCarthy, spoke alongside each other and discussed various topics, including the upcoming midterms.