Talk:rabbi

Missing slang sense: political patron?

Mentioned in William Safire's The New Language of Politics (1972, page 552): "A rabbi in politics is primarily a sponsor or protector, although there is a second meaning of mentor or teacher. 'Who's his rabbi?' is a question often asked by wary hatchetmen before cutting loose at a target." Equinox ◑ 18:53, 12 January 2021 (UTC)

I found this semi-mention too:

• 1996, F. Richard Ciccone, Daley: Power and Presidential Politics (page 50)

  But in terms of the city's history he is best remembered as Richard J. Daley's “Chinaman,” his “rabbi,” his “clout” - political slang for patron.

Equinox ◑ 18:54, 12 January 2021 (UTC)