Rangel

[Embar Angylwrath]

Don't know where to start with this guy...

He's obviously dirty. And he's risking Dem seats by tarnishing the Dem brand. If he draws attention to himself through a full trial, with Dems accusing him as well as Reps, he'll weaken most everyone in the Dem party, whether they deserve it or not. Already members of his own party are calling for him to resign. And the facts aren't even layed out yet! Everyone on the left likes Rangel, but not many will put their seats in jeopardy for him.

The Obama administration is sidelined in this dogfight.. they can't offer him anything without it looking like a bribe to resign (which it would be). It's up to Rangel now, and he knows it's all about securing an exit package as he holds the entire Dem party hostage as we get close to the elections.

I'm sure the Dem party is proud of the character of Rangel, how he fights the good fight, regardless of consequences so close to a pivotal midterm election.

[Embar Angylwrath]

Here's the list of violations... its a long read, but it's thorough.

http://ethics.house.gov/Media/PDF/Rangel%20SAV.pdf

Rangel essentially was using his position and office to squeeze money from people and companies, hid income, did some double dealing, used staff and House resources to engage in the shakedows.

But the surprising thing is that the ethics commission (made up largely by Dems) was only going to recommend a reprimand for that criminal behavior. Rangel was nuts not to take the deal. Now he goes to trial, all the dirty laundry will be publicly discussed, right at election time, and the Dems will most likely have to force him out of the House to have any shred of credibility during the election time.

[Harlowe]

I'm glad that Rangel didn't take a deal, I'd rather see his dirty laundry aired whether that affects other candidates or not. Shady representatives like Rangel should serve as a cautionary tale to others.

[Lurker]

Hey, at least he's not the subject of federal criminal investigation!

P.S. I hope Rangel is held accountable for any wrongdoing he committed. I just find the double standard amusing.

[Embar Angylwrath]

I agree. Rangel should be federally prosecuted as well.

[Lurker]

Touche

[Embar Angylwrath]

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/ ... gnity.html

Obama gives Rangel the Vilsak treatment.

Shouldn't his response be something like "Mr. Rangel is entitled to due process, and I look forward to the resolution of the matter for all parties involved?" Isn't this a "rush to judgement" that Obama railed against re: Sherrod? Personally, I think Rangel should be prosecuted, but for the President to make a statement like this based just on allegations...why?

Oh.. I know! The elections are coming up, that's why. Its ok to "rush to judgement" to avoid political damage and eroding confidence in the Dem party.

[Lurker]

You've misunderstood what Obama said. At least according to the snipped in the article you linked. There was no rush to judgement. Obama said the allegations are troubling and that he understands Rangel wants to end his career with dignity, something which he hopes happens.

[Embar Angylwrath]

Guess we'll see the full context on Aug 1.

However, you know just as well as I that politispeak is not to be taken at face value. Obama is clearly suggesting Rangel resign "with dignity" rather than face a trial. Don't get me wrong, I don't think he really cares about Rangel, he just wants this over before the elections. Do you disagree?

[Embar Angylwrath]

@Lurker -

You've been busy tatooing Fall in another thread, so maybe that's why you've absented yourself from this one. My questions still stand... was Obama sending signals to Rangel to resign?

[Lurker]

I thought we were waiting for the full context of the interview.

[Embar Angylwrath]

Not much context to add...

What's your opinion of the message, if any, Obama was trying to send to Rangel?

[Harlowe]

I haven't seen the whole thing, but that quote alone would give me the impression he thinks he should resign.

[Lurker]

I want to see the context. For all we know Obama was asked why he thinks Rangel wants a full trial and he answered "so he can end his career with dignity".

[Embar Angylwrath]

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162- ... 03544.html

There's the raw feed. Most news organizations have come to the same conclusion I have.... Obama is giving Rangel a push out the door.

[Lurker]

I don't trust how news organizations frame things until I verify context myself. If Kouric accurately described the question Obama was answering and that was his full answer, then yes, Obama was suggesting Rangel should resign. And if he did... so what?

[Embar Angylwrath]

I don't trust how news organizations frame things until I verify context myself. If Kouric accurately described the question Obama was answering and that was his full answer, then yes, Obama was suggesting Rangel should resign. And if he did... so what?

If Obama did suggest Rangel resign...why would Obama suggest Rangel resign before Rangel is the recipient of due process? Especially given the handling of Sherrod?"

[Harlowe]

I don't know, it's a pretty substantial list and a lot of digging has been going on with regard to Rangel, not just an edited clip someone knee-jerked over. Politicians resign over a lot less than this. This is a huge negative distraction, and if a representative is going to have trouble carrying out their duties, they should resign. With this going on, he doesn't have the time or credibility to do his job, especially Chairing the House Ways and Means Committee, while under investigation for grossly underpaying on his income tax.

[Lurker]

Right... I don't see any similarity between Vilsack forcing Sherrod to resign based on nothing more than a right-wing smear, and the mild answer Obama gave during an interview after the House ethics committee charged Rangel with 13 violations.

[Embar Angylwrath]

Right... I don't see any similarity between Vilsack forcing Sherrod to resign based on nothing more than a right-wing smear, and the mild answer Obama gave during an interview after the House ethics committee charged Rangel with 13 violations.

Still not clear on your position... what is Obama trying to tell Rangel, in your opinion?