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Obama: Time For Rangel to End Career With Dignity

While Congressional Democrats are being careful not to dance on Charlie Rangel’s grave, President Obama is showing no such compunction.

James Joyner
8

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While Congressional Democrats are being careful not to dance on Charlie Rangel’s grave, President Obama is showing no such compunction.

President Barack Obama has kept mum on the fate of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) for days — but he tells CBS News that it’s time for the embattled 80-year-old former Ways and Means Chairman to end his career “with dignity.”

“I think Charlie Rangel served a very long time and served– his constituents very well. But these– allegations are very troubling,” Obama told Harry Smith in an interview to be aired on the “Early Show.” and first broadcast on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.

“And he’ll– he’s somebody who’s at the end of his career. Eighty years old. I’m sure that– what he wants is to be able to– end his career with dignity. And my hope is that– it happens. “

Of course, as Dave Schuler has been pointing out since the days of the campaign, Obama is not hobbled by loyalty. And some might argue that it’s a bit late for Rangel to retire with dignity.

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8 responses to “Obama: Time For Rangel to End Career With Dignity”

  1. Doug Mataconis Avatar
    Doug Mataconis

    Another one under the bus……..

  2. Drew Avatar
    Drew

    In Latin:

    politicus expedius so underus buses

  3. An Interested Party Avatar
    An Interested Party

    I wonder how many of the same people who are saying that the president is throwing Rangel under the bus would be complaining if he stood by him…that he was choosing to stand by a crooked politician… 

  4. Tano Avatar
    Tano

    “Another one under the bus……..”
     
    Ugggh. The most overused, and mindless cliche.
    A leader stands up against corrupt behavior, even by someone in his own party, and he is criticized for “disloyalty”, or for opportunistic dumping of an ally.
    Whats your point here? That Obama should defend Rangel’s behavior?

  5. Michael Reynolds Avatar
    Michael Reynolds

    Good for Obama.  He’s focusing on what matters.  Tano’s right:  what’s the point when either course of action will result in criticism?  Either Obama’s corrupt in supporting Rangel or disloyal in dumping him. He’s pursuing the right course.  That’s what matters.
     
     

  6. Doug Mataconis Avatar
    Doug Mataconis

    @Tano,

    Ever heard of a joke ?

  7. Tano Avatar
    Tano

    Yes Doug, I have heard of a joke. And I’m glad to see that that is what it was.
    How is anyone supposed to know that though, given that it sounds exactly like what many critics say when they are not joking?
     
    Fer instance… help me out here. Was James joking when he characterized Obama as “disloyal” and “dancing on Charlie Rangel’s grave”?  I hope so, but it is so hard to tell sometimes…

  8. James Joyner Avatar
    James Joyner

    Was James joking when he characterized Obama as “disloyal” and “dancing on Charlie Rangel’s grave”?

    Mostly.  Obama is famous for moving quickly to distance himself from allies who might drag him down.   But he’s right here.  And, unlike Rangel’s colleagues in the House, has nothing to lose by speaking the truth.

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