(CNN) – Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-New York, is making it known he's not happy with President Obama's recent meddling in the state's 2010 gubernatorial race.
"The whole thing to me was not presidential," Rangel told the New York Daily News over the weekend. "It wasn't good for the president, and it wasn't good for the governor."
The comments came a week after the New York Times reported that administration officials had asked New York Rep. Gregory Meeks to convey to embattled Gov. David Paterson that Obama would prefer he not run for re-election next year.
The Times reported that the White House is concerned about Paterson's dismal poll numbers becoming a drag on the entire Democratic ticket in New York next year, and would prefer Andrew Cuomo - the state's popular attorney general - carry the party's banner instead.
Rangel also directed fire to his Democratic colleague Meeks, whose district encompasses nearby Queens, for his involvement in the discussions.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere near it then or now," he said. "And anyone who has been involved in this has to be embarrassed. Period."
It's not the first time Rangel has been critical of the White House's political outreach: The 79-year-old congressman expressed similar frustration last May when the administration actively discouraged New York Democrats from challenging newly appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in a primary.
Meanwhile, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs would not confirm a separate report in the Daily News on Monday that said the president will not get involved in New York City's mayoral race, where the Democratic candidate, Bill Thompson is trailing Independent Michael Bloomberg by nearly 20 points, according to recent polls.
A spokesman for Rangel confirmed to CNN the accuracy of his comments to the Daily News.
From CNN Politics
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And the Dems continue to eat their own.
Why isn't this Democratic Tax evader in jail and out of public office? Democrats love to raise taxes...........since they don't pay them anyway!
Obama needs to stop listening to those kids praising his cult personality in song and dance......it's going to his head......he thinks he's the Kaiser and that he controls everything......butt out Obama....
Never thought I would see the day when I agreed with Rangel, but, in this situation he is correct. Obama canoot micromanage everything.
Rangle isn't in jail yet?
Once crook calling out another.....
While I like Charley Rangel, I think he needs to back-off President Obama and observe the president acting in the way he sees fit. President Obama IS The leader of the Democratic Party now and it is within his realm to make his ideas known if he so wishes. If Mr. Rangel wants attention in the media perhaps he might try doing something note-worthy to attract attention for himself. I say talk to the Republicans, Charley, about their divisive conduct and meddling in the affairs of others. Better yet, talk to the Dems and get them to quit pandering to the corporations as we the people are suffering and dying. Tell them to get some backbone regarding a single payer option! Peace
Move on. Find a real story.
I guess Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, unemployment, and healthcare is not keeping Obama busy enough.
He needs to also put in his two cents on local politics and travel to Coppenhagen to campaign for the olympics.
Now Charlie, don't go getting yourself all over worked up over all of this. You've put in a lot of years in Congress working for the people and doing good all over the place. And I'm sure president Gelding would be the first one to carry your water pail for you. But you've worked hard and you deserve a rest. Have a seat and let president Gelding figure things out from here on in. He's knows what's best for everyone and you can count on him. Now just sit back in your rocker and take a load off. Isn't that better? Yes, it is!
WOW! For once I totally agree with Charles Rangel! Although Charlie may be using this as a distraction from the fact that he was caught not reporting hundreds of thousands of dollars as taxable income. Obamas meddling in our states affairs will actually help Gov.Patterson in the short term due to public backlash!
I'm not an OBUMMER fan, but why would he listen to this CROOK?
Why is the corrupt CROOK still in office, and not in jail?
The first time I've ever agreed with Rangel!
Didn't this dude endorse Hillary Clinton for president? I'm not surprised that he would be critical of the person he never supported in the first place.
What he needs to do is focus on his own issues.
The classic Democratic circular firing squad. Gotta love it.
He is meddling in affairs that don't concern him-even though he has valid arguments. Patterson hasn't done a good job in governing his state but, it isn't Obama's job to give him advice.
Did rangel see meet the press yesterday? If he didn't paterson was on there and he said the president did not tell him not to run. I wish these idiots would have their stories straight before they jump out in front of the camera and start to critizie the President. Paterson shouldn't run his poll numbers are a joke and so is this clown rangel.
Charlie, Obama is the savior. If you question the savior, then you may have a stronger prosecution for all your questionable activity. The thugs will be coming after you.
All Rangel is thinking about is keeping a black man in office, any office, anyhow, anyway. He doesn't care about what's best for his state or the country. People like Rangel have no business in politics
Isn't this the guy who runs his campaign headquarters out of one of five rent controlled apartments in the same building and forgot to report $600k in income one year? Another self-sacrificing civil servant.
Rangel should be thankful he has a job. He should be in jail for his tax evasion and money laundering scheme. But...he is a dem, so he doesn't have to worry, unless the FBI finds money in his freezer (Jefferson). Even then, he wasn't forced to resign.
rangel needs to shut up and tend to his own affairs
Dear Charlie,
President Obama just happens to be the leader of the democratic party.....he can get as involved as he wants at whatever level....so get over it you have got enough problems going on with yourself so let it be....
Rangel says "The whole thing to me was not presidential." Of course it wasn't. We are a nation without a president. The current resident of the White House is nothing more than a campaigner for the Democratic Party. The American people can decide in 2012 if that's the sort of change that they really want.
Let me get this straight! Obama can swing the Tide to have the Olympics in the US which is good for the economy and for American Pride and he should back off.
You people are shallow, if there's nothing in it for you it can't be right!
Unfortunately, this is the Chicago/Illinois style of Politics......it is not pretty and is extremely MIND BOGGLING! Sit back and enjoy, it just got underway in Washington.
Rangel is alright, but he does need to pay his taxes and he has the $$$ to do it so don't give me that...
By the way, isn't it hilarious that Dems are going at it again? Bloomberg seems like a good guy and a reasonable character to name a few but I don't think he wants to get in this game. Gov Patterson? Well, he still needs a lot to learn and Attorney General Cuomo does sound like a good one. But you know who I think can make an impact? Excluding my boy.
What about Boehner? He's pretty good! He likes to go at it and he's a heck of a speaker, which the GOP need actually for them. Boehner seems O.K but I don't know, he is pretty cool and seems reasonable. After all, he's a Conservative, is what I believe...:)
By the way, is it illegal to call out people? Oh yeah, I forgot, the Sedition Act was back in the day, LOL!!!
Anybody else think we need it back?
I'm just saying, I'm just saying...we Conserves would like that but an updated one and a good one.
Yea they say that now until they need his help for fundraising and for speeches!
Rangel you should be in jail.
How is this guy not in jail?
you are doing a good job 95% of the time, stay out of police business, state elections etc.
things of that nature will do you no good, you are suppose to have the nation's business on your mind
not NCAA brackets, not superbowls, not NY govenor's race, not who busted into whose house and detained who
you are doing a good job and have enough to worry about with getting micro politics
President Obama has every right to voice his opinion.....Paterson should recognize that his 15 minutes lasted long enough.....He is polling quite low.....It would be a shame to lose to a Republican because he insisted on pursuing his futile ambitions.....
If President Obama didn't explain to Gov. Paterson what exactly is going on, then who would of? He doesn't exactly listen to the NY'ers and is an ineffectual leader at best. I had to sit through a month of petty, power displays and name calling presented by my wonderful NY State Gov't. Add that to a bad economy and high unemployment... not looking good.
I respect Gov. Paterson, but this position just isn't a good fit, and NY'ers are saying so. Thank You Pres. Obama for pointing out the obvious – AGAIN!
Obama needs to learn exactly what his role is. He is not the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. He is not the Speaker of the House, nor the Senate Majority Leader. He is certainly not Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and he is not the Governor of any of our 50 states.
He speaks as if he is all of these things, and makes demands of these separate institutions as if they are obligated to even consider what he demands.
Open up your eyes, America. This is not what the Constitutional Convention had in mind.
I believe that Mr. Traficant has a cell all warmed up for ya Chuckie! You know, it does not matter whether it is a Democrat or a Republican, when are we as citizens going to wake up and demand these elected elite face the same laws we have too? They don't serve us, they serve themselves at our expense! REFORM 2010 and 2012!
Getting a little hot in the kitchen so it's time to go overseas and campaign a little for uhmamaba, and let his henchmen run the country for awhile.
why ? Patterson is a lousy Governor . Someone needs to speak up. NY'er's have , but seems Patterson can't hear us.
So Rangel & Paterson both have said bad things about Obummer?GOSH, WHAT RACISTS THEY MUST BE!!
After all the off shore illegal stuff this clown Rangel has done, how can he be allowd to say this things from jail? Wait a minute, he's not in jail - he's a democrat.
States don't seem to want our President or the Federal Government involved until they need help and then they come crying with their hands out begging for money. President Obama is the leader of the party. Get over it and move on. I believe a lot of you people that post this hate are miserable human beings.
Were these statements made from his prison cell? Steal a million as an investor your a crook steal it as a politician your a Congressman.
First: Pay your taxes. Aren't you supposed to be a liberal tax loving democrat? Practice what you preach.
Then you can speak your opinion. (not that I disagree at all)
New York's Andrew Cuomo is the one behind the scenes guy who
wants Patterson to quit. His dad was the one who bullied New Jersey Sen. Bob Torricelli to quit. Mario strikes again!
Maybe President Obama should spend less time talking with local officials about a local election and talk with General McChrystal. One time in 2 months? It almost seems like it's a joke because it sounds so absolutley outlandish....
President Obama should back off local politics.....Charlie Rangel needs to pay his taxes, stop lying on his tax forms and stop trying to raise my taxes when he won't even pay his own.....If President Obama were to get involved in local politics, he should start by asking Charlie Rangel to resign!
Guess even Rangel can get something right every now and then! Regardless, he needs investigated. Dems = raise taxes because we don't pay them anyways.
It's a historical moment – first time in history the president tells a governer not to run for re-election because he is afraid that it will hurt him.
Then stop making fools of yourselves.
Less government! All polticians want our money. Let's give them less power...quit bowing to Obama. Schumer gets most money from financial companies, Obama gets most from drug companies...pick your poison. Only answer.......less federal govt!!
Exactly Right, isn't that what the primary and caucus process is all about, choosing the best candidate?
Although have an Black President talk to a Black Governor does eliminate the "race card" as an issue.
NY and the Nation would have been better off with the former Governor and forgetting about his sexual misadventures. Why is it that it is only acceptable for GOP to have sexual misadventures–is it a conservative thing because sexual misadventure are traditional in politics?–Why is it that only Liberals are chastised and Conservatives are permitted to flaunt their sexual misadventures, even when it's a crime?
Lesbian relationships are Praised if its a GOP spokesperson!–My advice to the Gay and Lesbian community is just say your Republican-if it's good enough for National Security Chaney, its good enough for you too!
Some of you need to actually figure out what is going on here before going on an Obama-bashing campaign. According to Gov. Patterson (one of the few who would actually know the whole story), neither Obama or his White House staff ever told him to not run, rather, expressed concerns about his poll numbers and how it might impact the NY ticket.
As Obama IS the leader of the Dem party, I think expressing concern is not out of the question.
Rangel,
Obama is correct in trying to further the interests of all Democrats in New York. While Patterson did the responsible thing, he did it in a way that angered many voters. And now there is no turning this around. It would be better for Cuomo, who is well-liked, to lead the party.
Rep. Rangel thinks that he has more authority and respect than he actually posesses. Obama is the head of the democratic party and should be concerned with every party ticket. This political manuevering is not new....and if the good governor whose approval ratings are around 17% would not drag the entire democratic ticket down, no one would ask that he step aside. Furthermore...Gov. Patterson did not support Obama in his election bid, He supported Hillary Clionton! Furthermore...when a Kennedy was contemplating a seat in New York....with the encouragement of Obama, the good Governor had a deaf ear! It seems to me....as the kids would say, he played himself. Now it is time to contemplate a loss and step aside....cause he needs the President a lot more than the President needs him.
mr obama is the leader of the democrat and he can make any suggestion he likes. if i will help the party let him alone.
How dare he say that to the Chosen One! For shame little Congressman! You have spoken negatively to his most holy on high, the lord Barrack. After all, isn't that why he was coronated...I mean voted in? To show us poor fools the errors of our ways. I'm sure Obama thought that by voting him in the peasants...I mean people were telling him he could have his hands in everything.
I guess we'll have to wait until Bill Ayers writes Obama's response. Don't worry though people of New York, if it's anything like the situation with troops to Afghanistan, you all won't have to worry about any decision from Obama for a while.
Hey Charlie, democrat to democrat, the less you show up in the news, the better off we're. Thanks!
Boy, is Rangel ever delusional if he thinks he can diss the president and not take heat for it. What a worthless jerk. There are 100 other ways he could have respectfully made his point. "unpresidential" was not one of them.
Let's feed into the angry mobs and racism Charlie. Nice touch.
the gov is an idiot, he has a 18% approval rating, NO ONE wants to lose that seat to a republican, and this selfish idiot is staying in this race KNOWING he is damaging the party, he is no better than the idiots that run as green party or independents on the presidential tickey, they wont win, but they dont mind costing their TRUE party the election, IE Al Gore losing to Bush, largely in part (besides the corupt bush running FLorida) because of the idiot running as an ultra liberal independent...Patterson should be ashamed of himself. Obama is right and he knows it!
The fraud in chief will meddle in Virginia, New York and Massachusettes politics, but the gutless fraud can't break himself away to talk to General McCrystal?
Go fly to Denmark O' "campaigner in chief" you are useless here, do me a favor, stay for about 3 years or so.
Against Obamacre 56 %t – for Obamacare – 41 %.
Game changer Barry, nah, GAME OVER.
Lameduck before year two.
Smart move, Dems – call your President out in the press. No wonder we can't get a real "change" agenda going.
Charlie, you are a con artist. You should go away. one crook is giving advise to another crook. Mainstream media likes you both.
oh shut up and get over yourself, Rangel.....
Ragel says "back off"? Pot calling the kettle..........? Corruption, graft, greed, slight of hand, demanding "back off"?
BALLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even thought this man his a Tax cheat. He is right the federal goverment has no right to get involved in state politics. Unless your Obama because the constitution means nothing to him.
Representative Rangel, I have never been one of your fans, nor of Mayor Patterson for that matter. However, after this news piece, I am starting to warm up to you.
It's about time someone in the Black community has the guts to tell President NObama that he is NOT the King of the United States. Instead of paying attention to issues that are in essence none of his business, he should be paying more attention to the economy, health care, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and other issues that are really important to the American voters. Also, a good number of Americans elected him as President, not a TV star. I would have to guess he’s addicted to that teleprompter.
Instead of trying to "rein in" governors, he should be trying to control most Democratic morons in Congress. Particularly Pop Up/Plastic Pelossi, Harry Reed, Barn Mouth Barney Frank, and of course, our own Florida's Catty Castor.
Representative Rangel, don't ever allow President NObama to dictate what you can and can not say.
In case you are wondering, YES!, I am a life-long Democrat.
Maybe it is time for Charlie Rangel to act more like a statesman and less like a tax cheat.
Obama is a controller so don't expect him to back off of anything including where the Olympics is held!
Roll on 2010 & 2012.
Any chance we can get Obama to lay off National politics?
According to the New York Post, 9/16/09, Governor Paterson's "continuing struggles have led a vast majority of New York voters – some 70 percent – to conclude that he should not run for governor next year." So basically 70 percent of New York voters agree with the President on this issue. That same article points out that 'the displeasure crosses party lines, with 65 percent of Democrats saying [Paterson should] skip the 2010 campaign. So the majority of New York Democrats agree with the President on this issue too. Mr. Rangel, perhaps you should start thinking about your parties' ability to regain the governorship and stop giving Gov. Paterson political cover.
Since when is it any different for Obama to do it than any other President in history? They have all done it.
This country is falling apart rapidly, and here is our President worried about the governor's polls, he should look at his own. All mouth no action, I guess the wars, unemployment, healthcare are a piece of cake, yet nothing gets done. A real disgrace to the office.
He's correct. The President needs to stay quiet on state politics.
The first and only time I would agree with Rangel. Obama needs to do his darn job. I am really tired of his talk show; Olympic bidding, state meddling and wish he would do what he was elected to do.
1) Who cares whether it's presidential or not. Obama saw numbers and told Patterson that his chances of being re-elected are slim to none.. and that it wasn't worth his time to run. Ok.. so let Patterson run.. burn through millions of dollars.. and in the end losing. At least Obama did not go there to sugarcoat the situation.. he went in and he was honest with Patterson. How people can't respect that is beyond me.
2) To all you "Tax loving democrat" leaving comments. I would much rather have a tax and spend loving president than a borrow and spend president. You guys always scream about the national debt.. yet you don't want to do anything to help it. You'd rather we borrow the money and go further into debt than actually pay for anything yourselves.. you're all hypocrites. And by the way.. Obama is not spending more money than Bush did... you only notice it more because he spends it on improving our own country.. instead of other countries. Some call that socialism.. I call that common sense.
Charlie you thieving disgrace you should just shut up and step down. Yeah I agree Obama should also shut up and keep his nose out of New York's business. That may work in Chicago but in NYC we don't play that. But you, you little creaton should just shut the pie hole and step down.
Obama is right! And he has every right to voice his opinion.
Obama is not the leader of the democratic party, he is the president. (If George Washington had his way, the president would not be part of a political party.) The head of the democratic national committee is Tim Kaine.
This is kind of politicians that need to remove from Senate and House of representative, is so clear that Mr. Rangel has a lot to loose in his influence after so many year in the Senate, We need to clean the entire Senate and House of representative on both sides. We need new fresh blood and honest and educated people like President Obama, not just corruption and greedy like Rangel and many others Republicans, Joe Liberman is another who need to be remove from the Senate, is to much crap.
Sorry, but Rep. Rangal (who I disagree with 99% of the time) is 100% correct on this issue. No political party has any business telling anyone, especially an incumbent, who can or cannot run, on their ticket. If the Gov's support is low in NY, then Andrew Cuomo can run against the Gov. in the primary and presumably win the democratic primary. Let the people decide – afterall, we are a democracy, are we not?
Obama thinks he is absolute ruler and that his will must prevail at times. Look at the record of absolute rulers in the past 100 years its not pretty. How outrageous does your behavior have to be for criminal like Rangel to call you on it.
Mr President, your reach exceeds your grasp on this issue. If you were half the political strategist you want to be, you would not need so many recycled Clintonistas on your staff.
Just be our President, please, and let New Yorkers have their own governor, whether that person be pink or blue.
at least corrupt Rangel got one thing right "It wasn't very presidential" for Obama to interfere. this does, however, take Obama's micro-managing to a new level.
This has been done by many Presidents before Obama, Oh I forgot everybody holds President Obama to a different standard, pleez people politics is politics!
I am really wondering if this suggestion actually come from President Obama's mouth? If so, I find it rather strange that he would make it so public, hence my gut feeling that it was a private matter that was leaked out by those who wanted to create mischief. That aside, I believe that Mr. Rangel is now going the way of Mr. Jesse Jackson (the testicular surgeon). They all need to butt out.
Funny...Rangel wasn't saying this a couple weeks ago when Obama pushed the Massachusetts Dems to circumvent their own law to name a Senate replacement before the special election.
Sounds like the Marxist is trying to line up his stooges to keep his agenda going no matter what the masses say or desire. yea for Communisum it has arrived in the USA and the Russians, Chinese, Cubans, Venezulains, and North Koreans are amazed at how easy it was to do, and with out firing a shot! Of course there will be no shots because the next agenda is to remove all the guns from the masses in case they try to revolt. As Clinton says I must be one of those extreme rightwingers that still believes in the US Constitution and not selling out the USA. How much can you believe from a man who redefines sex with lies and is caught on national TV? Lets see here, did either Clinton, Obama, Boxer, Palosi, or any of the other left wingers ever serve the USA in the military and earn the right to be a citizen other than being the winner of the plant the egg contest from their dad?
Obama needs to stay out of the board room and health care too. Obama is in way over his head, as he lacked the experience, knowlege and ability to ever assume the office of President.
I think maybe its time for the Justice Department to take a harder look at Rangel.
As my mother always says, "takes one to know one." This is one lying, cheating, stealing politician recognizing another.
As a Democratic leader, Obama has every right to spot weaknesses in our ranks and exert some influence. Presidents do this all the time. Now granted, the DNC chairman should have done this first, but big deal. What's Rangel so upset about? Obama is right, Patterson is a drag on the ticket. He should step down immediately.
Mr. Patterson landed this job because of Spitzer's indiscretion. Let us not forget that. Well, unfortunately for him, poll numbers seem to be on the skids (in the teens I think). With that in mind I think the White House is trying to save NY from a Giuliani takeover because that might just happen if he runs against Patterson. Think about it!
Nor can he keep from meddling in local police affairs, nor can he resist using his celebrity to persuade the Olympic Committee to choose Chicago and anyone who disagrees with him is labeled a racist and an outcast....
That's exactly what Tim Pawlenty did for Norm Coleman. How come that wasn't such a big deal?????
OMG! I cannot believe how ignorant and downright hypocritical Rangel and half the people on this blog are! Presidents have been doing this for decades! If President Obama had offered to come down and do a fund-raiser and talk about how wonderful Gov. Paterson was, they wouldn't say ONE WORD. But now that Obama is expressing his concern as the HEAD OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY who is well within his right, and is in keeping with Past Presidents' behavior, they want to get an attitude. Rangel sticks his nose in everything he can and has the nerve to tell the President to butt out!?! Get over it. If Paterson is not getting the job done, then he deserves a counseling session. Shape up or ship out. Just because you are black and disabled doesn't give you a free ride. Its politics and its about results (especially as a GOVERNOR). Rangel ought to know this better than anyone.
How can this crook even open his mouth to tell the President what to do. I get so sick of these democrats findiing fault in the President, especially this crook.
Obama is like Oprah, both are merely and purely talk show hosts to amount to less than a bag of beans and do not say anything worth listening to. I don't like either, but Obama is my President . I just have to suck it up sometimes.
Pay your taxes!
I'll bet Paterson has a skeleton in the closet that Obama is trying to help not come out. Keep on Paterson, let out that skeleton so we can all see why you shouldn't run for gov.
People, do your research on Cuomo. He was at the forefront of cracking down on all of the crud going on with Fannie Mac. Then someone struck a deal with him and he backed off. Deals talk... you want more of that in office?
Obama is just doing what all party leaders do, so although I do not support him he is entitled to make such comments as leader of the Democratic party. However, it is amusing to see the Democrats fight internally especially since one is African American and blind and the other is African American and a Statist
P.S. Rangel is a crook and anyone from the NY area has known that for years. Yet the intelligentsia fro Harlem will just keep voting him in because they see no problem with being a crook since they feel they deserve it and it gets back at "the man."
Oh, Rangel needs to get over it. This sort of thing is typical in politics.
The President is also the leader of the Democratic party which means he has every right, and indeed a responsibility, to make sure that the Democratic party remains viable throughout his tenure and beyond.
There's an opinion to value.......
Charlie Rangel is right. It wasn't Presidential. Just like it's not Presidential to travel to Denmark to appear before the IOC to pitch Chicago for the Olympics.
Patterson attained office by chance and default. If he doesn't want to be a team player there are other ways to deal with him. In the animal kingdom as in politics, those that don't cooperate are outlawed and left defenseless. Clearly Rangel cannot claim principles for his statement. That leaves some kind of debt owed. Rangel in some perverted way seems to prefer that his Party lose New York. Who can understand that.?
Paterson got blindsighted once more by Obama. Power run amuck.
Stay out of it Obama. Let the chips fall where they may.
A democrat challeging President obama–say it ain't so!
Interesting, considering Rangel is never Represential.
Yes, back off local politcs, unless of course it involves changing the rules to allow the governor to appoint a temporary senator until a new election can be held. In that case, please put your wait behind the hypocrasy.
Who else is tired of politicians taking to the airwaves to air their grievences when the President's door is wide open.
Not a day goes by where a politician stands in front of a camera thinking they can do the job better than POTUS.
Get behind the President or get out of the way. You're nothing more than a distraction.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere near it then or now," he said. "And anyone who has been involved in this has to be embarrassed. Period."
Embarrased? What in the name of God would Rangel now about abbarased?
I have to clean this up for you Charlie and CNN: mind your own business Charlie. You've got your hands full of crappola. Wash them off before you start dispensing with unsolicited advice to the POTUS. I did'nt hear much out of you or any of the Black Caucus Members pre-election, so continue to hold your tongue and mind your own nasty and convoluted business. When the POTUS wants your two-cents, he'll e-mail you. Don't hold your breath.
He's the leader of his party.
Shut your pie hole Rangel President Obama is the Leader of the Democrat party so he does have a say!
Since when is it part of th POTUS responsibilities to dictate who runs for office within a state???? I think he needs to turn his attention to what is happening in our country, the Economy, Unemployment, Immigration, etc. The people of the State of New York will elect who they want for their next govenor.
Ahhh Yes, good ol Charlie Rangel. So..............How bout them Taxes?
I've often wondered when my account with the extra half million would magically appear.
Still lookin.
Glad to see he got his.
Clean up your own issues Mr. Rangel. The President is the head of the Democratic party and as such can have an opinion when it comes to it's elected officials. Better him that some tubby non-elected radio host. David patterson has skated through NY politics for years, based on his name and his father's years in politics. We know how this works in NY, name your price Governor patterson, choose a reason (health, family time etc) step aside and collect your checks. I can't bear the thought of Rudy Juliani and Judith don't call me Judi running this great state.
I despise Rangel; he illegally held onto several rent-controlled apartments in NYC while my friend Tom D killed himself before being thrown out of his apartment home on a technicality. If there was any justice Rangel would be making these speeches from the belly of a shark instead of from his choice of luxurious homes. And I also think he's wrong; Obama's White House may think Paterson should back down but I doubt the President said it himself. Paterson's no good in the job and should back away from it.
Obama's new tag line: "Have nose, will stick it wherever it doesn't belong."
Herr Obama should be able to choose what governor he wants, no? His Reich cannot survive without such powers.
This could be the first smart thing Rangel has ever said
Obama needs to just butt out of most everyting... especially the US economy and our lives, since he has done nothing but make both of them worse since the day he took office.
The GOP tear me up. They criticize the POTUS for getting involved in a race that could be costly, politically, to his party in the larger scheme of things. So, you don't want the POTUS getting involved in the internal politics of another entity?
Show me your missives with your critical comments when Bush decided to go to the Vatican to remind the Pope on what the church's stance is on abortion. Never mind the fact that the Pope certainly didn't need Bush's input, or I should say Rove's because you don't honestly believe Bush was sharp enough to come up with it in his own, it just galls me the GOP's approach on everything – as long as we do or say it, it's OK!
Anyone surprised? Obama has been blurring the line between state and federal powers since Day 1.
You got to remember Rangel your talking to Erkel here. He doesn't have a clue on behaving like a President. This is totally a new experience for him. You call a fish out of water then look at what is representing us with the foreign leaders. Do you not hear them laughing. Take Iran's President he believed Obama was so serious about snactons, like he cared, he fired long range missiles the next day in spite. In your face OBAMA.
And being "presidential" is something Rangel knows about how???
"NY is my bread and butter, hands off. I'll give you your monthly cut just as we agreed." – C. Rangel
Charles Rangel needs to get his personal affairs in order.
He never liked Obama in the first place.
Check out the expression on his face when Obama gave the address at the DNC convention in 2004.
It is time for these jealous old men to move on regardless of race.
Patterson is at 18% in the polls and has bungled just about everything ,to support him because he know s his dad and knew him all his life is stupid.
I think everyone has a comment or something to say about whatever President Obama does. He is our President and folks just need to accept it! Just like the Democrats had to accept Bush for 8 years! Do you people think that was easy to do??? Yet no one grossly disprespected him every chance given like they do today with President Obama! To those who can sit back & make comments like being the President is easy I say this: What is your plan? What is your solution to any of the problems facing Obama right now?! The problem people, there's too many CHIEFS & not enough INDIANS!!!
Uh, Charlie, President Obama is the leader of the Democratic Party, he was completely correct and within his sphere of influence, in trying to weed out weak candidates.
Speaking of weak candidates, paid those taxes yet Charlie?
You people in New York have to learn how Chicago politics are. That is the CHANGE you'll get from Obama. I dont like Rangel but he is correct. OBAMA is not god.(though he thinks he is) and has ZERO buisness telling people who can and cant run for political office.
You have enough problems Rangel. Keep to YOURself.
Do you think the prez will "wrangle" with Charlie?
Charlie Rangel is another New York HYPOCRITE that needs to shut
up and tell the truth about his property taxes. He and Shumer should be great friends. Birds of a feather always LIE together.
Old story, is Cnn running out of idea's! Rangel shouldn't speak right now considering his own problems!
i am so glad this party is starting to implode and even happier people are realizng what shmucks they were to vote for them in the first place...keep up the good gentlemen
I like Barrack but I must admit he needs to reign in that little attack dog who is his chief of staff.
Anytime you see some slimeball Chicago style curb stomp political maneuvering come out of this administration, think Rahm Emanuel.
Well, Mr. Obama is about to find out what happens when a black politician meddles in the affairs of two black politicians. I'm guessing Charlie has his shorts in a bunch because the Pres would dare to say something negative about a black politician.
Mr. Obama will soon find out that racism cuts both ways (And has, for a very long time)
He will be expected to make exceptions for politicians of color and will be excoriated for not doing so.
Welcome to Washington Mr. President
And Rangel is forgetting just one minor detail...President Obama is his party's titular head, and entitled to discuss possible issues with people in his own party. You see, I believe President Obama didn't "pressure" Paterson, just laid the issues on the table. That's a whole lot less "pressure" than past Republicans have done while President! Or past Dems, for that matter.
Just some more of the whine, whine, whine of many of our country's legislators. Rangel, pay more attention to what's going on on the House floor than getting involved in this discussion. What business is it of YOURS, either?
Rangel's right, this so-called President needs to start acting "Presidential" and keep his nose out of this....and the Olympics.......and college football rankings, etc. There are plenty of other more important things for him to do.
presbo isn't the leader fot he dem party folks...the head of the dnc is and that would be tim kaine – don't you people know anything about your party...do you people actually vote – god save us...
Unless of course Rangel can find someway to make some money from Obama's involvement...then press on Hussem.
I agree with Congressman Rangel. A state determines who it's candidates will be. It is real bull when the democratic national committee calls on the President to send the sitting governor a message about stepping down.
It's the governor's right to decide what he is going to do in New York, not the President's. And by the way, you see how meddling really screwed up the transition for President Obama's senate seat in Illinois. I'm sure the President had someone handpicked for that position but the governor (corrupt as he may be) outflanked the President. Now we all know who will be the candidate for the Illinois senate seat in 2010. It will be Jesse Jackson Jr, the handpicked choice.
Listen Rangel, didn't you hear...
The Time For Games Is Over.
I smell another Beer Summit coming. Get together and pound some 40's down and get it worked out.
I thought Rangle was in prison.
When Fuhrer decides who he wants to govern his state it would be best to abide by his decree. Heil Obama , lets not have anymore of this nonsense. Just kidding... maybe. How about all of the govenors get together and call a constutuional convention so we can fix some of our problems and stop this power hungry Marxist from doing any more damage until we can boot him out in 2012.
I don't think anyone should have anything to say unless they live in NY. I think Gov. Patterson should not run. He has not done a good job for us New Yorkers.
It's not unusual for a sitting president to stump for a politician of the same party. Likewise it's not unusual to ask them to step down.
Gov. David Paterson has an 80% disapproval rating which would suggest that if he ran, he'd lose. Gov. Paterson has alluded to running regardless. This isn't about running for the sake of running but to win, and win for your party.
These guys are are only hurting their own and are doing nothing that benefits their respective elections.
I'm making it clear that iI'm not happy with this Rnagel guy publicly dissing the President, a member of his own party. How is that beneficial to anyone? The Obama adminstration, and any democrat with an ounce of sense, knows that in order for the democratic party to retain their hold on the state of N.Y., a stronger candidate will be needed to run against Giuliani. Paterson, while a man of integrity, is not capable of winning that race. The honorable thing to do for Paterson, would be to step aside and let the same strategists who were respnsible for President Obama's large win, take over and do whatever is necessary to help the democratic party keep governorship of N.Y. If Paterson fails to do this, he will lose more than just his office, he will lose the respect of many, and many people will suffer because of his arrogance. Rangel is as out of touch as they come. The fact that he would publicly call out the President like this, giving the GOP free ammo, tells you that he's lost his marbles.
By the way, even in the most pushy of pushy notices about this event, someone in the White House says that the President is "concerned" about Paterson's low figures and wants him to consider the good of the Democratic ticket below the Governor's slot. How is that forcing anything? And how is that meddling?
Micromanaging would be where President Obama is making decisions for Governor Paterson. He's not. As his party's titular head, it is a part of his job to consider the effects on the party as a whole for decisions being made.
By the way Fellow from Chicago, watching the Repubs out in California is a much more entertaining, and much more divisive, version of the Reps eating their own!
Dear Guv. Paterson:
Please do all of us Democrats a favor and bow out now. I was never impressed with your skills as governor, and if Spitzer hadn't screwed up (literally) we wouldn't be in the mess we are in. Mr. Rangel: please keep to yourself as well, as you are no knight in shining armor. Ms. Gillibrand, Mr. Espada, Mr. Monserrat, Mr. Rangel, and Mr. Paterson, you have all lost this Democrat's backing. Real change involves cleaning house on the elected officials we have in Albany now.
Please let Mr. Cuomo run against (most likely) Mr. Guiliani, or we don't have a prayer next November.
But Mr. Rangel, please. Obama knows what is best for everything.
He knows what is best for the state policits of N.Y. or any other state for the matter. He knows what is best for banks, auto companies, health care, energy, what we eat. He is so wonderful!!! Just let go Mr. Rangel, let Obama take over, drop your resistance. If we all just stop making decisions for ourselves and let Obama make them for us, we will all be so much better off. We won't be free thinking self sufficant Amerians and more. But who cares, Obama knows better than us what is best for us. He is so wonderfull and smart and talks sooooo good. Just let Obama run everything for you.
How about Obama telling Rangel to get out? Rangel is as corrupt a politician as there is and he is in charge of tax policy-now that's the inmates running the asylum.
I am not a NY resident, but I am with Rangel. The Democratic Party fails to live up to its name if its leadership tries to control local elections and even national congressional elections. Primary challenges to incumbents are a simple expression of the public will; if the public wants the incumbent, he/she will win the primary. (And likewise, if Paterson is bombing this hard next spring, he probably won't even bother to run). Clearly Rahm-bama is more interested in power and the illusion of majority if he will try to discourage competition at lower levels in the party, and use strong-arm financing tactics to keep worthless conservatives like Arlen Specter and Harry Reid in office, just because of the D's after their name.
I love you DEMS on the Blog that are ripping on Charlie Rangel...
Most of you were defending him just a few weeks ago and either calling it a Republican witch hunt, or using the old, George Bush is a thief line....
Pretty funny how your liar # 1 is in conflict with liar # 2 and either way you dont know which one to blame....
HA HA HA. The fact is that you people tolerate thieves and liars and think one of them is okay. They are both evil and bad men. They both take advantage of their power and position. They both lie cheat and steal in manipulation of politics and people.
They both should be thrown out of politics.
If President Obama could clean up the political cesspool that is Albany, I, for one, would welcome it! Personally, I am for voting all the bums out of NYS. I am sure everyone is aware of the spectacle these politicans made of themselves over the summer. Republicans started a power play (figures) and absolutely nothing got accomplished. Come on fellow New Yorker's vote them ALL out this coming election.
Loose translation: Obama is not an asset to Dems who want to keep their jobs in 2010.
So Dave- what exactly is it you think the President is supposed to do if he isn't concerned or "butting into" our economics & our lives???LOL!! OMG are you really serious??!! Please say you're not an adult, but still a child just commenting!!! So I'm just curious, what did you call it when BUSH sent all of our toops to the Middle East to destroy those countries & then rebuild with our TAX PAYERS DOLLARS????!!!!! Is that not "butting in"????You know what I call these comments from people who say Obama has no right to butt in (even though he is the party leader)??? You are all HATERS and need to leave running the country to OUR PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!
You cant always get......what you want.....
Why not stick his head in new york politics..the occupant of the white house just got through telling massachusetts to replace the hero of chappaquittic didn't he??
Obama has to meddle in everything. Isn't his 4 years up, yet?
Why does Obama engage in fights between cops and professors, attorneys, governors etc. HEY OBAMA. DO YOUR JOB!!! What the hell is he constantly doing this crap for when we have Iran testing missiles? FOCUS HUSSIEN FOCUS.
Obama won't respond...he's too busy working on his Olympic campaign..."Come to Chicago or be beaten to death by 2x4s"...ahh, the sweet success of Obama in Illions continues on...he was elected, why?...oh yeah, he did the empty promise of change thing..and people were desparate enough to believe him...I suppose these muderers in Chicago are not racist, just victims of circumstance!
AND FOR ALL THE DEMS WHO WANT TO KNOW WHY CHARLIE RANGEL IS NOT IN JAIL WHILE SPEAKING OUT AGAINST THEIR BELOVED BARACK...
It is because your QUEENIE Nancy Pelosie WILL NOT ALLOW a congressional investigation of poor Charlie simply because he is a Democrat. Pure Politics here folks....
You can all cry and lie about it but ALL CORRUPT politicians should be removed from office.
Both sides of the aisle.
That's a good one, from one crook to the other! Guess Rangel won't call it a race thing will he! At least the Republicans stick together on issues, right or wrong but you Democrats will eat your own!! ha,ha.
How bad is it when you get chewed out by Rengel, who himself is under investigation, AND you can't crybaby about "racism"? Looks like NObama is beginning to be shown up by his ideas finally. What a joke these people are.
Here's a headline for CNN " Rangle pay your taxes" now that I provided the headline maybe CNN could write a story.
Now he's meddling in Colorado politics too promising Andrew Romanoff an administration job if he doesn't run against Michael Bennet.
Since when it it the job of the president to worry about state politics in New York or any other state? The people of NY have the right to self determine their own politics. Who is Obama to suggest a black blind man should not aspire to be whatever he can be? Obama is a fraud, if that does not prove it nothing will.
Obama should be spending all his time getting the good people of America back to work and growing the economy instead of government and the deficits.
Some of you folks are going to have to suck it up and realize Obama has not had any good ideas yet and that his advice is pretty useless.
I am a staunch Democrat- but I have to weigh in on this one on the side of the critics. I understand the reasoning behind the President's meddling- but that does not make it OK in my book. Let the States take care of their own business, Mr. President. The Federal government should stay out of this one.
Shouldn't he be more concerned about his tax issues? See, thats why he missed the millions of dollars he is worth cause he worried about other things!
As an aside, Charlie you're a good looking old man. Tell me, what kind of hair relaxer do you use? You're not still "conking" it are you?
haha we're all dopes for believing anything can change up on the pillars of D.C. Let's vote out the corrupt repubs for corrupt dems, rinse and repeat please.
I swear some of you people are so bitter its sickening... I was mad when Al Gore was ripped off, but I didn't hold it in for the next year. Do you really have so little else going on that you can't get behind the RIGHTFULLY ELECTED PRESIDENT! He was elected following the rules of our country and constitution and so those who claim to be so patriotic should respect that..
As a matter of fact, it is the business of the administration to worry about their ticket in important elections. The President has always been considered the head of his party, regardless of which party were talking about. The fact that many of you can't stomach a democratic president doesn't change his role from that of any other president.
Just to let some of you people know, a lot of Presidents have done this...Obama is not 5the only one. Presidents do this to try to keep the party strong..its not a Democratic or republican thing. Some of you need to get educated on how politics works instead of camping out at your computer ready to attack the President everytime he blinks his eys...it looks desperate and pathetic.
Also, Rangel needs to keep his mouth shut and be happy he still even has a job...considering it was just weeks ago that the Repulican party was after him cheating on his taxes.
Rangel: "Oh yeah, and get the IRS out of New York as well. They're cramping my style, you dig?"
Charlie Rangel is right on this one.
Obama is used to the political machine that is Chicago politics. Guess what, Mr. O? It doesn't work that way everywhere in America.
I resent Obama's presumptuous and arrogant intrusion into NYS politics. But that's the kind of guy he is, presumptuous and arrogant.
good thing charlie be black or he be reprimanded by nancy piglosi
For those of you who think Mr. President Obama is just butting in & not doing his job....WHAT IS IT YOU PEOPLE THINK THE PRESIDENT'S JOB IS???!!! LOL I'll tell you what he job is: HIS JOB IS TO RUN THE COUNTRY!!!! I know, you people just aren't used to a President actually addressing REAL issues RIGHT HERE in our OWN COUNTRY!!! Thank god he's not related to any of the BUSHES is all I have to say!!!!!
If you have no chance of winning why even run??? Why deny your fellow Democrats the opportunity of doing something you failed to do??? Is this about New York or is it about you Paterson? Rangel, quit giving the republicans a reason to talk trash.
As a Democrat, I don't think Rangel should be taking a moral stand given his lack of ethics (i.e. non-payment of taxes, using rent control apartments for his campaign hq etc.). That is like having Sen. Ensign and Vitter bearating
Hey, isn't Charlie Rangel about to get ensnared in an ethics probe of his own? Ugh ... get rid of the lot of 'em and give us some good progressives, please.
why is obama getting into states politics??? he has his own crap to deal with in the WH which it looks he can handle....
The Dems are turning on each other now. I thought BHO was going to be the Great Unifier. Looks like his plan (if there is one) isn't working out too well.
Is Charlie Rangel a racist?
Maybe obama should spend more time talking with McChrystal instead of getting involved in NY politics
In reading this article, I did not read one quote from Rangel saying "Obama back off..." please be smarter people, headlines are sensationalized in order to make more money, get more attention and make more uneccessary noise.
I think Obama should not have messed with it. On the other hand, if national political leaders should not have messed with local politics, then how do Republicans justify Tom Delay, Newt Gingrich, Karl Rove, etc. (Rove was not elected, true. But they all butted in where they had no business.) At least in Obama's case he was just telling it like it is–what was already known about the governor's low popularity figures. The governor is hurting himself and not helping the Democrats in New York by continuing to play.
I whish all of the Obama lovers would get off trying to defend him on any little thing. He needs to deal with issue effecting this economy and this countries defense. He was out of line pure and simple like the professor gates comment he'd made. Pres O just needs to concentrate on the pressing needs in this nation and not worry about political stuff.
If Presidents have been doing this before, then it was wrong for them, too. It doesn't mean it's any less wrong for Obama to do it.
btw Charlie Rangel = Korea Vet
BO= Yale Vet
Huevos edge- Rangel
Before Rangle opened his crooked mouth he should have found out if his info was true or not. According to Patterson, President Obama did not ask him not to run. Who do you think is telling the truth ?
This is just more idiocy from one corrupt, morally bankrupt liberal to another!
He's getting and got what he wanted, the whole ball of wax.
The most recent Marist poll shows that 70% of NYer's don't want Paterson to run next year. So what if one illinformed idiot in DC joins in with the majority?
While you are at it Charlie, you could tell the president to stop meddling in a few areas:
1 – Get out of the auto industry.
2 – Get out of AIG
3 – Get out my doctor-patient relationship
4 – Don't mess with my right to free speech and the right to protest
5 – Get out of Afghanistan
6 – Get out of Iraq
7 – Get out of your cozy relationship with Godman Sachs, your biggest contributor
8 – End your cozy relationship with the Disgraced tom Daschel, your health care advisor and a paid pharmaceutical lobbyist
9 – Get out of the banking industry
10 – Try fixing the economy before you try to bring the Olympics to Chicago
Obama was a community organizer, so I think it's difficult for Obama to stay away from local politics. I am proud of Obama for caring, so I don't mind that he pokes his nose around. I wish more politicians would.
Finally, a Democrate who is tired of Obama and his meddling.
"Yeah," Rangel said further, " and back off my tax problems, too."