Rahm Emanuel Cracks Jokes, Gets Emotional At Alma Mater Sarah Lawrence (VIDEO)

AP BRONXVILLE, N.Y. — Hard-charging White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel paused for a reflective address at his alma mater Friday, describing the humiliation of being demoted by then-President Bill Clinton and the brutal illness he survived as a teenager.

Emanuel told 450 graduates of Sarah Lawrence College that his most important life lessons have come from "a lot of pain, some anguish, and some soul-searching."

Known for sharp elbows and brash words, Emanuel grew emotional, choking back tears as he recalled lying near death in a hospital bed as a teenager, fighting off a blood infection from a cut finger that later had to be partly amputated.

"Nearly losing my life made me want to save my life and made me want to live my life," Emanuel said, advising students, "Don't be reckless with what's been given to you."

He also recalled being demoted and nearly losing his role as a top aide to Clinton in 1993. "I probably shot off my mouth a few too many times and I probably picked one too many fights," Emanuel said.

But he also cracked jokes and poked fun at the aggressive reputation that has earned him the tag "Rhambo."

The Daily Beast compiled Emanuel's best laugh lines:

"As chief of staff, I am humbled _ a quality that does not come naturally _ by the incredible array of problems that President Obama confronts on a daily basis," he said.

Emanuel, 49, graduated from Sarah Lawrence in 1981. A ballet student, he attended the college in part for its strong dance program.

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Comments

[jesuslovesObama]

I am so fawking pleased that brilliant fawking men like Rahm fawking Emanuel are running this great country. Way to go, Rahm! We are so fawking proud of you!

[redsongia]

That is the rowdiest graduating class I've ever heard!

Comedian Elen DeGeneres gave a hilarious speach to Tulane's graduating class, a much larger college, and it was nothing near that rowdy!

[SwingVoter]

That last line was a winner. lol

[WierdWookie]

Rahm knew where the smart girls were. He is brilliant.

[demimckingwoodtx]

My son had ballet so he could be better in sports, so what's the matter with ballet.

[DWP]

He seems to be a great help to Obama. Tough, smart, capable and secure (tights and ballet would do that to a man).

[KillBillV2]

Awww. He is so hawt!!!!!!!

[TXOBAMAGIRL73]

There nothing more beautiful than the human body in motion....A man who embraces that...Rahm ...you rock!!

[Ohioan730]

A man who will wear tights and pirouette seems pretty secure and confident to me. And very, very masculine.

[KDH]

Compared to Guilianni in full drag .....HAHAHA! At least Rahm had an excuse.

[JZ735]

Isn''t Sarah Lawrence like Vassar is for men?
Twinkletoes Rahm at it again.

[seachild]

uh, no

[youngblood360]

JZ735 - you're pretty ignorant aren't you? Why don't you do a bit of research of both schools and then make an informed comment instead of the snarky comments that all GOP a-holes make.

[Drjimmy72296]

There's actually a line in American Psycho about this - Christian Bale just assumes that a woman is a gay because she went to Sarah Lawrence. She corrects him by saying, "No, that's Sarah Lawrence guys."

Don't know if it's true, but it is funny.

[nogornc]

...and dropping out of college one to four times and dodging the draft is what? - The path to the republican vice-presidential or presidential nomination? (SEE Palin, Cheney, Bush ETC.)

[CitizenFarmer]

Entering the arts was a way for him to try to make amens for the crimes of his father. It did not work; so, now he is divisive and a very angry man.

[Solja]

You are describing your own angry self. Personally, I love Rahm Emmanuel. I wish him only the best, despite jackazzes like yourself.

[CitizenFarmer]

Is now when I'm supposed to say the sticks and stones thang. I wish the best for Rahm; unforunately, there are many no longer alive because of his father.

[nana4g]

I love Rahm Emmanuel, too.

[JZ735]

Emanuel has a lot of compensating to do...for his Father's behavior, for his insecurities as a male ballet dancer...

[Khirad]

That was a long way to go for an Irgun reference.

[CitizenFarmer]

Yep

[FebM]

Rahm rocks

[cheforacle]

Where did you get your degree in psychology and then have the chance to engage in psychotherapy with Rahm?

[buzzygirl]

Projection, much? You've just told us much too much about yourself. If he's making up for his father's crimes, what's your excuse?

[Weirdwriter]

I goggled at "Sarah Lawrence." And I nearly lost my vocal chords screaming,"WHAT!" when I read Emanuel had been a ballet dancer.

So, of course, I Googled him and "ballet." and checked out the Images.

Oh, man. The shot of him in practice clothes and a white man's 'fro is priceless enough but to see him look pretty much like he does now, only wearing full Prince Charming costume rig with tights ---'

[Ellyllon]

Somehow, that makes him seem more confident, and more masculine, and far more appealing than those who'd giggle over dance pictures.

[Khirad]

You didn't know he did ballet? That's been out there for quite a while now. I live nowhere near Chicago and I knew that. So what?

[BannedInBoston]

Interesting he didn't try stand-up comedy while he was casting around for a career. He'd probably have his own talk show by now....

[sweetwhine]

Rahm and ballet?

Oh, I knew there was a reason why I love him so!

[Weirdwriter]

Hey, I'm West Coast. Didn't know about Rahm before he was on Obama's team, although knew he worked for Clinton

But let's face it, ballet isn't usually the road taken up the political ladder. At least not by men. Although Sen. Sessions says to watch that kick to the groin by Rahm -- deadly AND graceful.

[truegreen]

Sarah Lawrence is a great school for the Arts, but my recent Alma Mater Purchase College is an even greater school for the conservatory arts.

Go Purchase, class of 2009!!!

[JohnDewey]

Well, if this is the school pride thread, I'll have a go.

My alma mater, Goddard College, is an even greater school for progressive values, social activism & recreational mind expansion. Our alumni make Sarah Lawrence grads look conservative!

[BannedInBoston]

"Recreational mind expansion" -- I love it! I did a bit of that when I TAUGHT college and my students would come around to my house with their nickel bags....

[babyboomerorig]

I bet Rham and Obama have some really funny private times in the office. At least Obama has someone that he can say "anything" to and still be out-worded. There aren't many with the quick wit Rham has.

[Dustee]

I just love Rahm!