Editor's note: Welcome to The Daily Daley, a new blog from Anna Tarkov that will keep track of Chicago's first citizen, Richard M. Daley. Each day she'll be summarizing the mayor's activities and memorable quotes, drawing from pubished sources and tips from readers like you. You can follow the blog on twitter, or grab the RSS feed. We've got a Flickr group, too, where you can share your photos of 'Hizzoner and have them published here. Enjoy!
I first "met" the Mayor at the 2nd annual Richard J. Daley Urban Forum at UIC in the Spring of 2007. At an event named after his father, the son was performing one of the many quasi-ceremonial duties that the mayor of any large city performs. Now I say "met" because we were not actually introduced, didn't shake hands, etc. But being that it was a press conference in a very tiny room, we were in close proximity, and it was the first time I saw Richard M. Daley in action up close and personal. For many reasons, I've never forgotten it.
Those who have witnessed a Daley press conference (whether in person or on TV) know that it's not an overly impressive affair. Our Mayor isn't particularly well-spoken or articulate. He doesn't use big words and doesn't mince them either. He speaks plainly, often abruptly and haltingly. He has passion, but not fire. He cares deeply, but doesn't always show it. His words carry enormous weight, but it's not readily apparent to the casual observer.
To sum up, I'm sure many of you have heard the expression "Walk softly and carry a big stick." I can think of no better description of the Honorable Richard M. Daley than this idiomatic phrase. Physically slight in stature and with an unassuming and common air about him, you might very well pass him on the street and not take notice. But if you are anyone of consequence in Chicago or strive to become so, you most certainly DO take notice and either fall in line or suffer the consequences.
Surely you're curious as to what all of this means. In fact, I fervently hope so. If you are, I hope you'll visit this site daily and even participate. I will cover where the Mayor goes, what he does and says and finally, how he is covered in the mainstream press, both nationally and here in Chicago. Ignore this information at your peril...
Photo by Ramzidreessen
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Anna Tarkov
What I love: my family, Chicago and Chicagoans, reading (mostly non-fiction), politics, media, discussing/debating almost anything, traveling, great TV shows like Mad Men, both films AND movies and fi More
Comments
For Journalism school, I've witnessed Daley press conferences both at City Hall and in Springfield, and I too was struck by his small stature. He makes a few jokes but usually tends to be a pretty straight talker. The press seems to have a field day when quoting him in their stories. :-)
Yes, the press love to get a good Mayoral quote and I will be featuring many of them in the coming weeks and months so stay tuned!
Congrats on a new venture that will certainly spice up the Chicago political landscape. I look forward to your comments with my Daily dose of Daley.
Tim
Thank you Mr. Ward! :-) I look forward to having you as a reader and commenter. If you only want to read my blog, that's perfectly fine with me, but I also hope you will check out the homepage because the Windy Citizen is doing amazing work.
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