Posted on 07/30/2010 4:56:21 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
The Charles Rangel saga gave Washington whiplash on Thursday.
The 20-term congressman is trying to save his name and legacy, while avoiding a messy, public trial for ethics violations.
CBS 2 HD spent much of Thursday monitoring the back-and-forth.
Rangel isn't the only one with whiplash because within minutes of congressional Republicans rejecting his tentative deal, lawyers for the House Ethics Committee were giving it a second look.
This can mean only one thing: a potential compromise may be in the offing.
For both Democrats and Republicans, the case of Congressman Rangel presents a sticky wicket: On the one hand there are 13 allegations of wrongdoing; on the other, there was Rangel's testimony that many of the things he was accused of were for the public good -- like establishment of a school for public service at CUNY.
"We live in a time when public skepticism about the institutions in our country is very high," said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.).
But even for Democrats, totally covering up Congressman Rangel's tracks would have been impossible. What they wanted was a deal, for Rangel to admit wrongdoing to some things to avoid a public trial right before the election. They -- the Democrats -- thought they had it.
"We've presented by the investigative subcommittee with 13 very serious allegations relating to Mr. Rangel's conduct," said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas).
But 13 was too big a number to let Congressman Rangel admit to two or three and even though staff lawyers had hammered about an agreement with Rangel's lawyers, the Republican congressmen said no way. They wanted Rangel to cop to all 13, which they knew he wouldn't, or face a public trial during election season, which would certainly help them try to wrench control of the House back to their party.
"We also have an obligation to the American people to protect the integrity and credibility of the House and present evidence supporting each of the 13 counts," McCaul said.
Rangel, who has had a legendary 40-year career representing Harlem -- from going after drug users to creating an empowerment zone responsible for much of Harlem's current rejuvenation, appeared at the end of the day a bit befuddled by all that happened.
"The question about corruption and dishonesty has never been on the table. That's the good news," Rangel said.
It could take days or weeks to work this out. Congress goes on summer recess Friday and a trial, if there is one, would probably be held in September. That's plenty of time to work out a deal of some sort.
The committee is still trying to come up with a deal to avoid a public trial, but already Democratic leaders are distancing themselves.
"The chips will have to fall where they may politically," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.
"It's a very, very rough period for me and my family but we all, including my community, will get by this and, ah, that's all," Rangel said.
What a misleading article.
Indeed. We report; you decide.
What name? What legacy?
I have a feeling there’s a big fight brewing between the black caucus and the rest of the democrat party. Probably threatening to call white democrats racist if they take Charlie down.
Notice nothing about serious multiple tax evasion and lying to congress. Don’t forget that he is the Chairman of the Congressional Finance Committee!
Why not? Seems to be working everywhere else.
CBS at their best, lies, lies and more lies.
You go Charlie, keep up the fight Charlie, asked for a public trail Charlie, get those people behind you Charlie, fight fight fight......Chuckie will back you, Right Chuckie?, Chuckie?...*cricket cricket*
Representative Rangel kinows where all the bodies are buried.
Chollie had absolutely nothing to do with Harlem’s rejuvenation and everything to do with it’s decline. Welfare, excessive government spending and corruption crowding out private investment all led to it’s decline. The market has led to it’s much belated recovery. Rising land prices have pushed propery owners to put their property to the use. Oh and did forget about rent control and housing project’s role in the destruction of Harlem and other areas.
CBS: We lie, you decide.
All you need to do to determine how corrupt our government is, is pretend that rather than a disgusting. bloviating leftist Dem that this centered around a Republican. The difference in how this entire farce has been played out speaks volumes.
I'm sorry, huh? Then what, pray tell, IS on the table, Charlie? This sentence makes no sense whatever.
Then again, I'm dealing with Rangel-speak, what's new?
“Deal Axed At 11th Hour”
In response to that report Rangel said: “I don’t know anything about that, but you can axe me anything you want!”
In other words, any other year, decade, Congressional session, the citizens wouldn't give two figs if a guy who writes the tax law THEY must follow or lose their liberty cheats and doesn't pay the tax he owes? Abuses his position as a Member of Congress to receive benefits not due, skirt other laws besides tax, lies on House disclosure reports??
Sorry Zoe, ain't buying it. It's pretty sad that these supposed public servants are so dismissive of the sensibilities of the people they purport to represent.
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