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Obama Hopes Rangel Will End "Career With Dignity"
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 31, 2010
Modified Jul 31, 2010
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 31, 2010
Modified Jul 31, 2010
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In an interview to be broadcast tomorrow and Monday, President Obama tells CBS News that the ethics charges that Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) are "very troubling" and says he hopes Rangel will end "his career with dignity." However, Obama didn't give a timetable—which is just as well, since a source told Politico that the longtime House member "doesn’t give a damn about what the president thinks about this" and isn't resigning.
In the clip that CBS News previewed, Obama says, "I think Charlie Rangel served a very long time and served his constituents very well, but these allegations are very troubling, and, you know, he's somebody who is at the end of his career, 80 years old. I'm sure that what he wants is to be able to end his career with dignity, and my hope is that happens."
While Politico's source said that Obama's comments are not surprising to the Rangel camp, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus was angry that Obama spoke out against the longserving—and decorated war veteran—Democrat, "Charlie Rangel has served our nation with honor and distinction for more than four decades — before I was born and the president was a twinkle in his parents' eye. He should be treated with honor and respect. In fact, Mr. Rangel made my service in Congress and Mr. Obama's presidency possible."
This comes as a Democratic investigator found that Rangel's punishment should be a reprimand, but since House Republicans are ready for a fight, Rangel could go on trial this fall—unless he strikes a settlement. One House member told the Daily News, "Everybody is hoping he cuts a deal and puts everybody else out of their misery." Well, if he cuts a deal, then the Democrats will have the trial of Rep. Maxine Waters (D-California), who is also facing ethics violations!
Tagged
charles rangel
ethics charges
ethics violations
house ethics committee
president obama
settlement
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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