Chicago mayor admits governing style is alienating

CHICAGO - Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is admitting his style of governing has alienated people and he could benefit politically if he were a little smoother in his efforts.

Emanuel made the admission Friday during a "fireside discussion" hosted by the University of Chicago. The event marked the mayor's third year in office.

Despite his polarizing personal style, Emanuel asserts he's getting things done. He says he has "taken on battles against very powerful interests" and that may have cost him politically. He pointed to the longer school day, the five-month closing of the CTA's Red Line South subway and battles against the gun lobby.

Noting a recent public opinion poll shows only 29 percent of those surveyed would support a re-election bid, he answered: "Thank God the election is not today."