When word broke about Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s behind-the-scenes role pushing for the merger between American Airlines and U.S. Airways, I happened to be flying on an American flight to New York—my legs wedged against my chin, my rowmate’s elbow just about in my ear.
But ProPublica’s revelations remind me that this “new” Rahm is just that—a relatively new political creature invented out of necessity during the fallout over the Laquan McDonald video.
Make peace with Karen Lewis and CTU by raiding the city’s TIF funds? Hire as many as 1,000 new cops? Raise taxes to pay off pensions instead of trying to force firefighters, cops, and teachers to take cuts?
In the case of American, the company was looking to make millions by merging with U.S. Airways. But in August 2013, the Justice Department sued to block the merger on the grounds that it violated antitrust law. That’s when American initiated a counterattack, attempting to force the DOJ to drop its case.
“The ultimate goal is to go public with the letter after October 1st,” Landau continued. “AA/US are also hoping you will agree to provide 2-3 quick phone interviews with key reporters following release of the letter for reinforcing the pro-merger message. Doable? Please let me know.”
