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SALT LAKE CITY -- He's known for his foul mouth, his no-nonsense attitude - and for being "smart as hell." He's Rahm Emanuel - President Obama's former right-hand man and current mayor of Chicago.
Tonight, Emanuel's political career will come under the lens as he answers some tough questions on NBC.
He's been a member of Congress and served two U.S. presidents - including Barack Obama. But will he ever run for the top office himself and becoming the first Jewish president?
"Not interested," he said. "Not going to do it."
Rock Center's Harry Smith took the time to sit down with KSL and answer some questions about Emanuel and the interview airing Monday night.
He said that "in the moment (Emanuel) was absolutely sure of himself sure of himself" about not ever wanting to run for president.
"On the other hand," Smith said, "if he decides to run, we'll be able to play that (clip) over and over and over and over again."
Smith said that he wouldn't be the first politician to change his mind either.
"I don't have any inside skinny, but it's very interesting to me, even this past weekend as he went on the stump, he went on the Jefferson Jackson dinner in Des Moines, the big dinner before the caucuses for the Democrats, and he sure sounded as if he was acting as a surrogate for president Obama," Smith said.
"But he's got the verbal skills - he knows how to campaign. And who knows if after a term or so in Chicago, he doesn't change his mind. We'll see."
Smith said that Emanuel is the first mayor of Chicago in almost a half-century who was not part of the Daley political dynasty, and that affects how he is perceived. So far, he seems to be keeping his campaign promises as well.
"Like a lot of other big cities around the country, they have huge deficit problems, gigantic pension underfunding. He seems to be tackling those things head on."
In addition, Emanuel may have to step up against the unions as well.
"Chicago's a serious union town, and he's getting set to do battle with the unions too."
Still, his time in Chicago has been met with adoration and respect.
"So far, people in this city are treating him like he's a rock star," Smith said.
Email: [rpiatt@ksl.com](<mailto: rpiatt@ksl.com>)
