Emanuel: "Why rush" Jackson back to do-nothing Congress?

Scott Olson/Getty Images

(CBS News) Why rush Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. out of treatment for a "mood disorder" and back to Capitol Hill, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel asked Thursday, when Congress isn't getting any work done anyway?

In light of the news this week that Jackson was receiving "intensive medical treatment at a residential treatment facility for a mood disorder," Emanuel told WBBM Newsradio: "a lot of people are saying, 'When's he going to get back to work?'"

"He should get back to work," the mayor - formerly President Obama's chief of staff - continued. But, he asked, "Why would he go back to work at a Congress that does not work? Why rush it? I mean, they're all talking about him going back to work. Last time I checked, Congress had their second repeal of their healthcare bill - another symbolic victory. Why rush?"

Emanuel said his primary concern is for the Jackson's wife and children. "When you have mental and emotional issues - and mental health issues - they not only affect the individual, they affect the family, if you know anything about that area," he said.

WBBM reports that only a small group of close friends know Jackson's true medical condition.

[nonpolitico]

How will rushing a person seemingly "ill with depression" back to work help either him or his family?
For if he has been diagnosed with mental illness(which is what depression IS), then he will probably be unable to make up his mind about what necktie to wear at hearings, never mind what way to VOTE!!!
Give the guy a break! Unless the Party Machine is DESPERATE for victory??

[Molly-Pchr]

Well, now that's a typical lazy person's way of looking at things. Well, nobody's getting anything done, so neither will I do anything to get anything done. If the man's sick, then fine, stay home. But what the illustrious mayor is touting is pathetic. No wonder gangs thrive in Chicago.

[fishtale63]

How's about because it's his FREAKING JOB to represent his constituents?!?! Maybe he's waiting for some racial issue that he, like his father, can hitch his buggy to.