Why does House Speaker Pelosi still defend Rep. Rangel?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congressman Charlie Rangel's actions don't pass the "smell test"... yet she refuses to force him out as chairman of the powerful ways and means committee.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/01/art.rangel.pelosi.jpg caption="Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi."]
However the pressure is mounting. Some Democrats are now joining with Republicans in calling for the New York congressman to be removed. The New York Times says the "arrogance" Rangel showed after the ethics committee ruling gives one more reason for Pelosi to "stop protecting him."
Pelosi acknowledges that "what Mr. Rangel has been admonished for is not good"... but that he didn't "jeopardize our country in any way." Pelosi says she's waiting for the ethics committee to finish its investigation before she makes any decisions.
This is the same Nancy Pelosi who vowed to "drain the swamp" in Washington when she became speaker; and the same Nancy Pelosi who years ago called on Republicans to remove the "ethically unfit" Tom Delay as their majority leader.
The ethics committee admonished Rangel for taking two corporate-sponsored trips to the Caribbean. And there's a laundry list of other issues they're investigating that involve Rangel's personal finances - like not reporting hundreds of thousands of dollars on income and assets... They're also looking into Rangel's fundraising efforts, his use of several, rent-stabilized Harlem apartments, and his failure to pay taxes on a vacation home in the Dominican Republic.
Here’s my question to you: Why does House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continue to defend Rep. Charlie Rangel?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Annie in Atlanta writes:
The ruling class doesn't have to abide by the same rules we do, apparently. Just like the South Carolina Republicans with Sanford or the Justice Department with Bush and Cheney. They all make me sick.
Kellen in New Jersey writes:
I don't blame Nancy Pelosi. The last time she went after William Jefferson, she got in trouble with the Congressional Black Caucus. They will circle the wagons against her if she acts too rashly. I don't blame her for waiting but I think she will eventually have to ask him to step down.
Donald in Cameron, North Carolina writes:
Another prime example, regardless of Democrat or Republican, of protecting your own to maintain a majority. They're all crooked as hell and that's why they are in Congress, not to serve the people, but for financial rewards they can accrue serving the vested interests.
Dave writes:
In polite terms: Because they are all political animals. If Nancy doesn't support Rangel now and he manages to get through this, there will be payback! She knows that. That's not to say she is a person of conviction, and won’t change her mind later.
Ryan writes:
This is not that big of a deal, Jack. Even the Ethics Committee pointed out that he didn't know who was paying for the trip and that his staff who did know didn't tell him. He fired staff over this. Calm down, buddy.
Jack in Toledo, Ohio writes:
Jack, It's difficult to pull the plug and drain the swamp in which you slither.
Doug in Clifton Park, New York writes:
Politicians are like a bunch of bananas. They hang together, they're all yellow, and there's not a straight one among them.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Because I wound believe that they are someway contacted. She didnt get to were she is at by being honest and clean. They are all crooks and theives. Just like Roanld Reagen all you have to say is "I do not recall that" and you go scott free.
Jack, Rangel's defense? He is not a Republican
i believe the speaker is awaiting the full results of the ethics commission.i also think that now that we have an ethics board we should adhere to it.when we hear all the facts then a decision should be made.in this world of immediate reaction we should all let the system play out.i commend the speaker for not caving in to the call's of firing rangle before we know all the facts.
Very good question. Perhaps because she is sucking up to Obama?
That's easy. He has something on her.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is just another liar and thief. I think the saying is thick as thieves? The analogy here works on so many levels!
I don't see it as her sticking by him as reported, but instead she is staying out of the way of the Ethics Committee and their final conclusions as to his punishment. Do the math, Jack. He is one vote that she so needs for health reform. Get his vote and hopefully after that event the findings will be handed down regarding his stupidity. Kick his butt to the curb now and the lack of that one vote might mean the difference in the country's biggest hurdle. Health care reform or punishment of a now corrupt, but once an honorable Congressman. Easy choice in my life. Sadly in ten years he will be a forgotten name on the long list of corrupt politicians and hopefully not a crucial missing vote for the cause of the injured, sick and dying Americans with no insurance, under-insured status, or depleted savings due to health. Pelosi is not the problem, Jack.
Jack: Why do people still defend President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney? Why do people defend Republicans who did away with paygo, passed Part D Medicare with out funding it, who use supplementals to fund two wars rather the budget process, who gave $1.2 Trillion dollars in taxcuts to the top 5% in the income brackett? Jack answer those questions, and then we can talk about the Speaker and Rangel. I did not say anything about Senator Phil Graham de-regulating investment banks in 1999. Lets hold those in control from 1994 until 2006 in Congress.
There is no honor amoung thieves, Jack...
Cause that is what politicians do, Jack. Anytime a politician screws up and does wrong someone from their party comes to their side and defends them whether they are right or wrong. It's a stupid move on her part, and may end up costing her her own re-election. Rangel needs to resign and walk away.
Terrence Cain
Big Spring, TX
Jack, I guess that is just the way politics are done today. Stand up for members of your own party even if the evidence strongly suggest that they might be guilty. You can bet if it was a member of the republican party the democrats would be throwing a rope over one of the beams in the house of representatives. What I can't understand is why haven't we heard anything about senator Ensign, where there is strong evidence that he paid off a member of his own staff, who's wife he had an affair. It's puzzling to me why everyone from you, the news media,and the democrats haven't said a word on this subject?
Why does House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continue to defend Rep. Charlie Rangel?
Because he wasn't the only one on that junkette yet he was the only one thumped for it..
Jenna
Roseville CA
He knows something.
Jack, what exactly was it we all missed? She sure looks and acts like a dog about to expel some razor blades.
Because, until health care is passed or dead, she needs every vote she can get. Once that happens, she'll drop him like....well...a pre-existing condition.
Three things come to my mind, Representative Rangel is a powerful Democrat, is from New York, and is a black American. It would be interested to know if Pelosi would do the same if Rangel was a Republican (Who am I kidding? It would be "Hell, No!")
The question is why does CNN defend Charlie?
Pelosi defending Rangel has nothing to do with the color of his skin, his race and certainly not his content of character. Nancy needs his vote.
However, Rangel is a Clintonite & if he gets in president Obama's way he had better look both ways for that big bus. HONK ! HONK !
Greg Turman
Dallas,Texas
Nashville TN
It's a huge mistake on Pelosi's part. Just one more log on the republican right wing media's bonfire.
Very sorry for your lose.
well he is a scam artist and a fraud goes right along with pelosi's ways
Because if Charlie goes down on this, they are all vulnerable. Charlie hasn't done anything that the rest of them don't do, from both sides of the isle.
when Nancy Pelosi started i saw a little hope but then she opened her mouth.
Phil from Tulsa
Crooks protect each other because no one else will and when the tables are turned, Rangel will be there for her too. Republicans continue to protect George W. Bush and Dick Cheney for the exact same reason. It's time to get rid of them all.
That's an easy one Jack, Pelsoi cut from the same mold – the money she's spent on Champagne, food, flying all over the world that cost NORMAL decent Americans $2.5 Million dollars.
She's also incoherent – makes not sense much of the time.
Joanne
Mn
She like obama is a progressive or a communist jack any crook they can keep in office
Charlie may be in trouble, but he's still a powerful man. Let us not forget that troubles are quickly forgotten in our nation. Remeber the 1980's Savings and Loan scandals? Recall how one Senator John McCain was sanctioned by the Senate's Ethics Committee for his role in the Lincoln coverup? Most Americans do not and those who do make very little of it. Now if Charlie had been involved in a sex scandal, that is a horse of a different collor.
Does the term "Thick as Thieves" ring any bells ?
It's because the corruption that you're not covering is much, much worse than this, Jack.
I'm going to go with, either (1) she wants something from him; or (2) she's an incopetent hack with questionable judgment, in way over her head.
And I'm a liberal!
Because Speaker Pelosi doesn't have a clue. She seems to suffer the peculiar Washington disease of thinking that she has all the answers, particularly when it comes to spending money our government doesn't have. In any case, she knows she needs Rangel's votes and recognizing his poor behavior might cause her to look at her own, and that won't ever happen.
Twinsburg, Ohio
I hope it's because no ethics charges have been filed against him; we're not supposed to convict anyone until after the trial. Although I would like to sentence all Legislature Members to no jobs, no health care, and a foreclosed home for the next 5 years.
Jack:
In her defense of Charlie Rangel, Speaker Peloso is demonstrating the same type of hyprocrisy and elastic sense of morality as Sarah Palin when she lambasted Rahm Emanuel for using the "R" word one day, only to defend Rush Limbaugh for similar language the next day. How can our politicians be expected to reform healthcare when they can't even tell right from wrong when it is staring at them in the face !!!
Pelosi is following the club rules, refusing to condemn a colleague of stature. She should only know how demoralizing it is for progressives to watch her cede the moral high ground. Her stand on this issue raises doubts about her connection to reality, while putting her party in the uncomfortable position of being lectured on ethics by their less-ethical opposition. Rangel has made a mess, and Pelosi has stepped in it.
That is such a minisculd matter that it does not enter my radar.
Because Pelosi, Reid, and Rangel are the biggest crooks in Congress. It is time for a French Revolution and the Guillotine.
Health care reform, health industry reform, and health care for all American citizens is a major concern. Not all these other side issues.
Because she loves him or he has something on her.
It would be one less Democrat to vote on key issues. They all circle their arms around their party come right or wrong. Term limits, please.
SHE DOESN'T!!! Sunday, I heard an interview with her. She never said she supported him. Quite the contrary; she spoke about her years serving on the ETHICS committee. Have you been listening to CROCKS NEWS again, Jack? You must have had a very bad weekend , to be so negative this early in the week, so I'm very sorry that it wasn't better
The easy answer is that she is a congressperson, and all the skunks in Congress are two-faced, unethical, dishonest, self-serving bums that wouldn’t know an ethics violation if it hit them in the head. The other answer is that perhaps she needs every Democratic vote she can find to get the healthcare bill passed into law, given the Party-of-NO's determination to wreck this administration at all cost.
Politics and friendship.
You'd defend Wolf wouldn't you?
Jack,
It looks like another symptom of a broken government to me. She probably just views it as a technicality because Charlie didn't fill out the right form in time.
If you accept a gift from a vendor of my company you get fired. There is no form to fill out to make it right. It should be the same for our government. We need to eliminate the briberies and not allow our elected officials to legislate the bribery process.
Gary
Why do the Republicans still defend Sen. John Ensign?
Where are the Republican calls that he resign for his unethical behavior?
We haven't heard them because Republicans are hypocrites.
Jack, it's the "Golden Rule" in Washington. He has the gold and thus makes the rules. In other words, he has something over her and is using his trump card to keep his job. We really need to clean house so to speak in Congress and send them all fishing as they have failed to do the job that took. There might be one or two that are on the right track, like Ron Paul.
Because unless the "discretion" is truly serious, they all stick together. Probably explains why no restrictions are passed restricting the lobby's and the money they spend and no true change will ever happen in the halls of Congress.
Ms. Pelosi can count House votes as well as we can.
Nancy Pelosi got off to a good start...the 1st female speaker, yadda, yadda. And the power went to her brain just as quickly.
When the public knows that a Rep. is crooked, then the Speaker knows, and she should resign. After all, the buck stops w/her in the Senate. She's dodged the bullet a number of times...it's time for her to resign or be fired.
Maria
Brunswick,MD
Simple answer-Politics. She backs this character because of the political penalty in lost votes for the party if he is thrown out of office. It's time this bag of wind goes, along with Pelosi.
The CBC would be in open revolt if she didn't – also, they have been friends and allies for many decades. Politics is about relationships, Jack.
Why does House Speaker Pelosi still defend Rep. Rangel?
For the same reason G.W. Bush defended Chaney and Chaney defended Scooter Libby.
Jack I am not so sure that Pelosi is defending Charlie Rangel. In her own warped mind the only thing that he did wrong was to get caught. He will be much better at hiding these improprieties the next time I promise you. And you can bet there will be a next time because nothing will happen to him. This is the new and improved Washington we have been hearing so much about for the last year.
Great show Friday night Jack. Very Informative! Please bring us more like it.
As to answering your question, Pelosi is just as dirty as Rangel and probably thinks that if he go down, so will she. They both need to go...straight to jail for mis-appropreation of funds. Our funds.
duh he's one of those dem's that she needs in her eyes he is a perfect angel
Because Nancy Pelosi is a protagonist of a story going well over budget in its yet pre-infant, pre-production stages. She needs the constant hype around her all the time as if it were a means to keep the wind under her wings.
Its called honor among thieves. All of our Washington Politicians both
Democrats and Republicans always have their hand out. Didn't Pelosi
and her cronies just stiff us taxpayers for their holiday junket to Denmark.
They live in a different world than the rest of us. its called the world of entitlement , This is how things work in Washington. Its up to we the
voters to throw the bums out. As long as we keep re-electing these same
crooks, why wouldn't they feel entitled.
Because "birds who view themselves as privileged" flock together.
What's a little arrogance among friends, Jack? She defends Rangel for the same reason Republicans still defend Trent Lott, they seem to think that being an elected official gives you special priviledges. As long as the trangression is not too bad in the eyes of their constituents, then they don't care. The best example of this is the story of the Louisiana governor who once said that for him to not be re-elected, he'd have to be caught in a hotel room with a dead girl or a live boy.
OK Jack this is my 6th time on this comment in general.
The good ole boys takin care of the good ole boys.The PEOPLE DO NOT MATTER AT ALL.Its get all you can and re-election its all about me me me me..................Pelosi is a power broker not a people helper.Rangel is her BUD!! and he is a VOTE!!!.................
David
Jack,
It's the culture of government.
It's a lack of eithics.
"Absolute power corrupts absolutely".
Members of Congress protect each other because some
day they will need to return the favor.
It's why former President Bush won't comment on current President
Obama's issues or problems.
It's a corrupt culture of mutual protection.
How many Senators and Representatives came out and condemned
Sen. Stevens or any other convicted or disgraced politician ?
How long will Alaskan's have to call their Juneau airport, "The Ted Stevens International Airport"?
He's a vote for healthcare ... and they probably share the same parking garage.
My guess would be that she is dipping into the same well as charlie, why else would you back a crook. What better way to avoid prosecution than set a precedence too justify your own behavor.
Dave from Peterbourgh, NH.
Because...love is in the air... everywhere you look around..
Springfield, IL (NOT Chicago)
John Kruger
Why did the entire Bush administration deny even knowing Jack Abramoff, Ralph Reed, Grover Norquist and the rest? And why didn't CNN do any investigative reporting on them?CNN has turned into Fox Light. You need to move to an honest network that will give you your own show, as you deserve. it's a sad time when "Wolf" and "Richie Rich" are the stars of your company. I don't watch you anymore because I have to sit through all of their bull to see a minute of you. You deserve much better.
Rhande Morton
Jack,
Birds of feather flock together and there is a fowel smell that hovers over her backing of Rangel. It's just politics Jack and unfortunately I am starting to expect corruption when it comes to our political leaders. It's sad but true.
Joe (Brainerd, Mn)
Jack, I'm still waiting to hear Pelosi explain her $2 Million dollar junket to Norway in which we tax payers paid for. Maybe she feels if she backs Rangel, she can side step her abuse of tax payer funds.
For the same reason that President Bush defended Cheney when he shot his friend. For the same reason, my Fayette County , Georiga Commissioners keep Commissioner Robert Horgan in the fold afer he was found with marijuana driving on our streets with an expired tag. For the same reason, it took forever for them to really get the Senator in Alaska who would have been still there working. It's the reason why South Carolina is stuck with Gov Stanford. Our government is now ran by PARTIES who protect their own right, wrong or indifferent.
To often we put loyalty ahead of virtue, of what is right or wrong.
It is time for Speaker Pelosi to be virtuous.
birds of the same feather flock together.
the speaker will remain supportive of rangle b/c she still needs him, and he probably knows things about her that can prove embarasing if they were revealed. rangle still remains an influential figure in teh house, despite all these ethical questions. much like many in washington, pelosi is only interested in punishing or calling out those who are not politically useful to her, or whom she disagrees with. much like the old saying, birds of a feather flock together and these dodo's are not about to part each others company.
Hillsborough, NC
Jack, the only reason I can fathom is that she wants to convice loyal Democrats to switch parties in the next election. Whatever good Rangel has done in the past was appreciated. Now it's time to resign.
I guess Congressman Rangel believed Nixon's famous line, " I am not a crook". well, guess what congressman, you are indeed a crook & a liar.
David, Las Vegas
Oh all this mess is getting so old, get rid of the whole damn bunch of them Corrupt Crooks in Office now!!!!
With them two its scratch my back and I will scratch yours, you dont tell on me and I wont tell on you, Pure crooked corruption from them all.
I believe it is called the Democrat Blue Wall of Silence. You never rat out a fellow Democrat. I personally believe they all have skeletons in the closet. And lots of baggage in the closet. It's a big closet. Things are going so bad for Nancy that she doesn't want to have to talk bad about Charlie like he was some low life Republican.
Birds of a feather stick together.
The last statement from Pelosi stated that the report indicated that Rangle did not know about the violation. She also sdaid that there are other issues before the Ethics Committee that have not been resolved. I think that this is accurate. I think Pelosi is incompentent but in this case I would expect her to support Rangle.
Because she is no different!!!! How much is she worth?
Because she can't find anyone in Congress who is without sin, to cast the first stone.
Apparently because she can. She's got alot of power. Way too much power.
Jack, Loved your special last Friday!! It was right on! Queen Nancy continues to defend Rangel because, to put it bluntly, he is NOT as corrupt or arrogant as she is, so she thinks he's still good for the Democrats' image. OH, and he is black, and heaven forbid she should do anything that could be construed as racist. Don't worry, I believe his district has had enough of Charlie's antics and he can retire this next election, and draw his $100,000 a year retirement regardless of the amount of corruption he is guilty of throughout his career.
Birds of a feather Jack.
Birds of a feather
Jack,
It's because Nancy Pelosi fears the Congressional Black Caucus more than those who call for the ouster of Rangel.
Joe Hanson,
Minneapolis, MN
All politicians have a priority list: Power, Party and the People. Kicking out Congressman Rangel would hurt her party. While keeping him in makes him in debt to her and thus increases her power. Sadly doing what's right for the people is the last item on that list, regardless of the politician in question.
Jack everyone needs a cause. Nancy has not shown a lot of leadership since she has been speaker, as the cowboys say all hat and no cattle.
Come on, Jack....haven't you ever heard the expression "Thick as Thieves"?
Didn't the Republican speaker do the same until there was no way he could have stopped corrupt members going to jail?
Birds of a feather flock together. She needs 51!
Representative Rangel has been in Congress for over 40 years. He was a founding member of the Black Caucus. There were 3 or 4 other members who were exonerated who took the same trip that Rangel did. Didn't the healthcare lobby flood Washington with over a million dollars per congressman this past year? So the Black guy takes a paid trip with other Black Caucus members and he is the only one who gets spanked? I think it sounds like a bum deal in comparison how much other Congressman have been stuffing their pockets with lobby money. If that is all he got caught with, I respect him. It almost sound likes he took a bullet for the rest of the Black Caucus.
This is the worse recession since 1929. I am pretty tired of the Congress wasting time finger pointing and would like to see our Congressmen working together to solving problems of high unemployment and exploding costs of healthcare. So this is the major news story of what Congress has been actually doing this year. Congress's priority is to stick it to Democrat Rangel. I kind of like the saying...let he who is without sin to cast the first stone. I also like that other saying...he who lives in a glass house should not be throwing stones. Can't Congress at least pretend that they know they have a job to do?
Just like the Republican party going after Pres. Clinton while Newt
Gingridge at the time is playing the same game as Pres. Clinton. They each protect their own and to H- with the people. The cost to the American people is disgusting.
Could we get some questions that might turn our government around. And not the this trash. Which no one is going to stop unless the media gives us the meat to shew on that will bring government to their knee's. And even then how would it get passed with the government we have now. It doesn't matter what "we the people" do. The very guilty/crooks will still be in charge.
All the promises made will not be delivered in an election so why do they make them so long. Just a show for the
American people and waste of tax dollars.
Well, That's simple Jack. It probably because the democrats need every body they can muster to get anything at all through the congress with the Republicans turning out to be a unified party of NO. I'm beginning to think a Republican conservative means never approving anything or doing anything positive for this country.
Well, That's simple Jack. It probably because the democrats need every body they can muster to get anything at all through the congress with the Republicans turning out to be a unified party of NO. I'm beginning to think a Republican conservative means never approving anything or doing anything positive for this country. And besides, it seems that they're all crooks anyway.
Pelosi needs to step up and remove Rangel from his Chairmanship right now. Truth be told neither Rangel nor Pelosi should even be sitting in their Congressional seats. I'm with you Jack,VOTE OUT ALL incumbents.
I bet she made a deal , when she became speaker . The democrats just cannot have it both ways . Either walk the talk or leave .
It didn't pass the smell test because it is a cesspool, not a swamp. He should be wearing a different set of pinstripes but she needs every vote to cram health care on us.
Jim
Spencerport,NY
Jack, it's not about what's right or wrong...it's about "politics"....Rangel could be Jack the Ripper and Pelosi would defend him because he's a fellow dem. On the other hand, if he was a republican, Pelosi would already having him roasting on an open fire.
Mark
OKC
Because he is a life timer like she is and they protect each other in the congress like no other place on earth. What we need to do to repair this government is set term limits for members of congress in both houses forty years is too long to be in the congress. I like Mr. Rangel but the fact is. It is the position he holds that allowed him to be in the position to take those trips and, it is because of that, his ethics are now in question. He is not the first and he will not be the last. Life time members of the congress are blinded by the positions that they hold and this is why they find themselves in precarious positions. They believe themselves to be royalty. It is also the main reason that we need to set limitations on what a congress member can do while in the congress. Why is she protecting him because he will stand up for her when the time comes and believe me the time will come.
Because with the amount of abuse that she's put on the system she knows she has no room to talk or make judgements against others. Finally Pelosi does something right.
Jack, Don't crooks and cowards always circle their wagons when danger is imminent? Is this the same Madam Speaker who took a whirl-wind tour to the climate conference on taxpayer money? Guess it's same old, same old. Layne A. Antioch, Il.
Duh, because she's a Democrat; and covering up for each other is their number two mission in life. Number one being spending our money as fast as possible.
Birds of a feather, flock together.
Denis Duffy
Upper Saint Clair, Pa.
Jack, Let the Committee finish their investigation in full, then rail agianst Pelosi.......Your psuedo anger at Washington is hilarious......here you are employed gainfully, and all you do is rebel rouse the disenchanted.
Plain and simple – Pelosi continues to defend Rangel because she's just as arrogant, deaf, and crooked as Rangel.
Charlie toes the line, Nancy knows Charlie will go along with her on votes and whatever she needs–better the devil you know--
He is a Democrat,and probably has donated to her campaign as he has done to the members of the ethic committee.
Actually, Saying that his actions don't pass the smell test is a fairly poor defense. Waiting for due process is no And as far as Delay, he was in a league of his own. He couldn't pass a smell test in a Limburger Cheese plant after a bath in Chanel #5.
You might be getting the cart before the horse. It is up to the ethics committee to check things out. Gosh if they investigated everyone in congress, there would be a lot of them out on the street. They thought it was o.k. to have Palin runing for vice president and had, and still has ethics problems. Besides, Tom Delay was a snake in the grass and deserves what he got. He never did anything good for the people.
Rangle has done a lot for the ordinary people, we need him fighting for us.
I don't know what Nancy Pelosi feels about this but I feel that he should definitly be removed from office as Congressman! When your not reporting money on income and assets and also not paying taxes come on Jack are you serious its time for Charlie Rangel to leave his post as Congressman immediatly, I encourage House Speaker Pelosi to remove Congressman Rangel immediatly!
Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)
because it s a crime family?
'Cuz Charlie will vote her way.
Jack, the answer is simple. Charlie Rangel is a Democrat! Were he a Republican, then Nancy Pelosi would suddenly develop a spine and a sense of ethics, and rightfully DEMAND his resignation! But she doesn't dare point out his wrongdoing, lest HERS be brought into the light!!
Simple, Jack, it's business as usual no matter with party is in charge.
Another prime example, regardless of Democrat or Republican, of protecting your own to maintain a majority.
They're all crooked as hell and that's why they are in Congress, not to serve the people, but for financial rewards they can acrue serving the vested interests.
Throw all the bums out in Nov and start new.
The ruling class doesn't have to abide by the same rules we do, apparently. Just like the SC Republicans with Sanford or the Justice Department with Bush and Cheney. They all make me sick.
In the overall scheme of things this is insignificant compared to the financial disaster the country is in, but it does indicate just how secure the "Republicrats" feel as far as their control of washington is concerned.
They know they can do whatever they want.
He has already been admonished so it should rest there until other allegations are proven. Back in the day elected officials would resign for the good of the party. After governor Stanford stayed in office after "hiking the Appalachian Trail" the precedent was set for elected officials to ignore a scandal.
Jack, I just want Nancy and Rangel along with Left Wing extremist to go and take the Right Wing nuts along with them so this dang Congress start getting the peoples work done!
Should we be surprised that a politician speaks out of both sides of her mouth? The Republicans are now doing to the Democrats what the Democrats did to the Republicans during the Bush years.
I don't think we can know the "why" – we can only know why we would defend someone like Rangel. If it were me, it would because there was a history of some sort that I wouldn't want revealed if I didn't defend him.
Why not he gets re elected every time by 85% plus he does a good job I support him too
Oh this is an easy one. Because she is as big a scum bag as is Rangel. The absolute dregs of politics and society.
With friends like Pelosi and Reid, why does Obama need enemies? His firdt priority should be repkacing both of them.
Come on Jack, innocent until proven guilty,
congres man should be removed from all commities
Jack! Do you honestly expect the pot to call the kettle black?
Jack. This should cover it. Thicker than thieves.
Jack,
It's difficult to pull the plug and drain the swamp in which you slither.
Wellbasically two reasons she protects him
One she is basically a politician who just plain lies. Second, he's black and she will not want to upset the Black Caucus
Vince Cami
Duluth, Ga
Get rid of Rangel. Fine. who cares? But I don't understand about "not paying taxes on Dominican Republican home." Why would someone have to pay U.S. taxes on a Dominican Republic home? Can someone explain?
Jack, surely you are familiar with "Honor among thieves"? If our 'Senators do not protect each other, who will? But to protect us from them is is past time for TERM LIMITS, PLEASE.
Obviously he's got the goods ON HER!
simple enough Mr.C – partisanship, thats all.
there in bed with each other
I don't blame Nancy Pelosi, the last time she went after William Jefferson her A@@ got hung in sling by the CBC. They will circle the wagons against her if she acts to rashly. I don't blame her for waiting but I think she will eventually have to ask him to step down.
Why does Nancy Pelosi continue to defend Charlie Rangle? I have come to the conclusion........because she is out of touch with reality. I wish I could go up on the Hill and yell; "IS ANYBODY HOME IN THERE?"
Pelousi will not do anything about Rep. Rangel because she needs his vote for the upcoming healthcare legislation. Also I am beginning to think she is thinking about running for the presidency. She wasn't jumping up and down at the healthcare summit–to look more presidential.
Only one reason. She wants permission to copy his hair style. Boy, would she look great with that!!!!!
When you are up to your butt in gators or Republicans, it's hard to remember you came to drain that swamp.
This is not that big of a deal, Jack. Even the Ethics Committee pointed out that he didn't know who was paying for the trip and that his staff who did know didn't tell him. He fired staff over this. Calm down, buddy.
Because he's still the most trustworthy Rep. out of the whole bunch...
Charlie is a war hero and is innocent until proven guilty.
Good grief, Jack.......quit your pathetic struggling to be a Lou Dobbs Fascist.
You don't have it in you.....I hope.
Probably because she is just as crooked as he is.
Charlie Rangel represents districts of NY that no one wants to enter.
Nancy Pelosi and the word ethics are indeed an oxymoron. So far the democrats have done nothing but validate why they should never be left with the keys to that nations business....not that republicans are much better....but at least you don't have wholesale denial in the face of facts....good on you Jack....go get her!!
No surprise here. Just like the corrupt democratic government in Washington STATE, they model each other. Cover for each other.
They realize now that they are all out of job next time they come up from re-election so why not scam the people as much as possible. I am not upset, I am a realist.
Jack,
I think with the Democrats having issues retaining a majority any loss and possible replacement election needs to be fought, regardless of the facts. Kind of sounds like a bunch of other Democratic inspired projects, doesn't it?
no one expects her to do so not even the republicans.this happens all to often in politics. it is not what is right and wrong anymore but it is about power.thats all democrats and republicans care about anyore except their jobs.
Jack – I put them ALL under the same category: Crooks. Nancy Pelosi smells like a rotten fish.. who knows what she is hiding this time...and yes, I am a liberal from San Francisco
Rangel should go. He seems to think that the law is for everyone else and not him. He is always on the bandwagon trying to purge others so now it’s his time to go. What good has he done lately anyway?
Simple:
Birds of a feather fock together!
We can go after Charlie Rangel immediate following the trials of George Bush, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove and Donald Rumsfeld. Rangel's misdeeds pale in comparison to the Bush Crime family!
Come on Jack, you really have to ask this question? She is a politician!
its just another compromise for the heath bill if he votes for it ethics don't matter ethics compromise
I think she defends Rangel because if she resolves that situation, the opposition will only bring up the next distraction they have on their agenda so as to keep the party in power off balance. You have to understand, Jack that the opposition really does not want this government to function without them calling the shots from a position of power.
Ms. Polosi wants to admonish the Congressman who yelled "you lie" directed to Pres. Obama at the State of The Union Speech. Compare that with Dem. Charlie Rangel. Apples to Marijuana comparison.
Republicans have two standards .....one for themselves and ....one for everyone else. Frankly, if Charlie Rangle is guilty he shoud go but let's find out the facts. They just want to eliminate another democratic vote for health care. They did not feel that way about Mr. Stanford who took some nice trips and I bet if they checked, they would find out some were on the state. Another day in the life of goverment employees. It is time to get rid of all of them and start over but it would only happen again, I fear.
It's all politics, Jack. Charlie Rangel's district covers parts of upper Manhattan, including Morningside Heights and the Upper East Side as well as Harlem. Wall Street insiders probably have a hot line to his bedroom phone. Rangel's been around a lot longer than P{elosi so my money is on Rangel having something on her which prevents her from kicking his sorry butt out of the chamber. Nancy Pelosi continues to prove that she doesn't have the skills of Tip O'Neill or John McCormack to be Speaker. This November, every Congressional election debate should include a question as to whether candidates will support her re-election to Speaker. It's a scary thought that Nancy Pelosi is two heart beats away from the Presidency. At least with Newt Gingrich there was a consistency.
In Polite terms
Because they are all political animals. If Nancy doesn't support hm at this time and he manages to get threw this – there will be PAYBACK! She knows that. That's not to say she is a person of conviction, and won;t change her mind later. No one will pay attention to that.
Why is Nancy Pelosi continue to defend Charlie Rangel? Even you question is presumptuous. She is Speaker and I thought in thin country you are innocent until proven guilty ! I guess this is what the media has become, Judge and Jury.
I dont think the question is why the speaker is defending him but how this man can afford a brownstone in one the most expensive real estate markets in the US and a house abroad. I make more then he does and there is no way I could afford this. It's clear..the guys a crook and it's these type of people in public office that need to be run out of town.
Meet the new Boss
Same as the old boss...
Pick up my quitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I get on my knees and pray
We don't get Fooled again
The same problem that is so prevalent in almost all of the ligislators in washington...........lack of guts brought on by fear of their constiuancy. I'm beginning to believe that there must be a total clean-house.
Rangel has being the poster Boy for the extreme Left, but it is beyond my understanding why the Homeland Security have not investigated Rangel on treason for dealing with A communist regime such as Cuba ?
What's up with that Mr. Cafferty ?
Alex Santi.
Miami Fla.
Jack-Using 'Pelosi' and 'think' in the same sentence is a mistake-California should be real proud (not) that they elected her....that was also a mistake.
Because it is business as usual in Washington and with Democrats running the circus there in DC this means them going to a NAACP meeting in the morning with cameras clicking and a Klan meeting secretly at night.....and getting both groups to vote for them. The double standard with the current group of Democrats in Washington is disgusting. Let's get rid of the "party" system once and for all and require every candidate to register as Independant...but wait...that would require the "sheeple" to actually look into what each candidate actually stands for rather than (D) or (R)....wow...I'm afraid that would be too much work for us lazy Americans Jack.
"Birds of a feather flock together" Jack....And I would bet you that crooked Charlie has lots of dirt on Speaker Pelosi that she prefers to not become common knowledge. Charlie is an "old pro", don't you know.
We seem to live in a world where our supposed leaders can somehow at least attempt to justify anything that is in their own best interests. Nancy Pelosi again has shown an unwillingness to apply any of the standards she once espoused when in the minority, to the party of the now majority. Those of us who like to feel we are independents, realize that the party in power will never play by the rules expected of the rest of us. This does not bode well for this great country. I fear for the very future of the United States as I watch Congress ignore us and thumb their noses at us.
Who says there is no honor among thieves!
According to a recent newspaper article, she is afraid of retaliation from the Congressional Black Caucus.
Jack: She is not defending him. She is playing the game that both Democrats and Republicans play. Your biases are showing Jack. You need to stick to more responsible reporting – or is that too much for CNN to stomach?
Big hairy deal!
So, Rangel took two trips. So Pelosi thinks it "stimks".
Get real. ALL of Congress is starting to smell like rotten fish (is there anything worse?)
We need to QUIT this petty stuff and DO something!
Like, pass emergency unemployment!!! (Bunning needs to resign or be horse-whipped)
I wish there was some way for the MILLIONS of unemployed Americans to get to DC and make their voices HEARD.
Maybe that would drown out the stupid griping about some Congressman who took a couple of trips. If that is the worst that happened we would be darn lucky!
It's simple Jack, and I'm sorry to say that Nancy Pelosi is no different from the majority of her Democrat friends; she is defending him because he's a Democrat, and little more. It's happened before and will happen again, so maybe it's not a big deal, but the answer to your question still remains, that Pelosi is defending Rangel because he's a Democrat.
It makes ya wonder about what Ol' Charlie has on Pelosi...
Jack
Birds of a feather flock together
These buzzards are all the same
Dirty Filthy Rotten Scoundrels
Clearly Jack you don't understand saving harm to a Party, this is business as usual for the House of Representatives’. Mrs.Nancy, should consider that maybe it is time for many more like Jefferson to leave the party with force, as will Rangle. Both Parties need to clean house but they have to keep the Fraud, Waste and Abuse going, how else would they afford those taxes they all never pay?
One crook defending another crook
Alittle research needed...How much money has Rangel funneled to the speaker over the last 20 yrs?
Because he's a Democrat. It's business as usual. When a politician does something wrong, the other party jumps on them like hyenas on a carcass while their own party tries to minimize the offense or circle the wagons. In Rangel's case, the only thing he's been found guilty of sa far is unethical travel arrangements. If Pelosi raised too much of a stink, the spotlight could switch to herself and her family's travel expenses. Or should I say the taxpayer's expenses for her family's travel?
Jack –
It's a simple case of double standards – Queen Nancy will not oust any senior member of the 'inner circle' (Committe Chairmen) especially not the Ways & Means Committee as he knows where all the bones are buried. Rangel takes care of Pelosi's district with all the goodies & oversees her budget! Any more questions?
Ms. Pelosi's exaggerated sense of her own power hoodwinks her into forgiving the sins - real or imagined - of just about anyone. What arrogance.
It's simple Jack,
Ms.Pelosi is protecting Charlie because he has a 'D" after his name. If he had an "R" after his name, she would go after him with her fangs and claws and stomp on him until he cried "uncle"
Walt
Salt Lake City, Ut
I only have one question, when did Dominican Republic become part of the United States??? Why should the congressman have to pay taxes for property there??? This is hocky puck and part of systematic plan to get him out of office since he got in. I am a former NY'er now in Atlanta and the folk that need to be looked at are all from down here.
Nancy Pelosi is on the losing team. She is trying to save all of the member she can so the majority wont be lost. But Rangel should be sacrificed. He isn’t much help anyway. Politics sucks thus politicians suck. Healthcare reform now!
Ken from Arizona.
Pelosi is so busy playing queen twit, wagging her finger saying "na na na na na na" we have the majority...she can't see the pot for the kettle.
Throw every last one of them OUT !! Including the president. Take their jobs, paychecks, health care, and perks away from THEM. Then they might find a way to talk to each other.
Repubs are so busy playing the "we won't pass anything" crap, they can't see the forest for the trees. Hell if Obama said the sky is blue they would argue it wasn't.
If Obama and the Dems force through this health care bill filled with crap and special favors for votes, all hell will break out with the citizens of the US !!!
If some idiot wants to whine anti-choice and then expect everyone else in the country to pay for his states medicaid bills, he can kiss my ass. Obama is a moron if he allows that to stand. It is time for him to find some big girl panties, pull em up, and show he can make a decision for once in his damn life. Maybe he should let his wife be President.
The bailout of the financial institutions – when they turned around and screwed the people that actually PAID their bills on time, in full, by hiking up the interest rates... then of course paying a disgusting bonus to the very idiots that got them into needing a hand out in the first place is killing the US.
I see a major tax payer revolt !!!!!!!!!!!
She is following Ronald Regan's advice: Never speak ill of someone in your party.
Jack: Nancy Pelosi has previously refused to remove Rangel as Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee claiming that his support was needed for the House Healthcare bill without explaining exactly why he could not still support the bill after his removal. However the only explanation for the latest removal is that Rangel knows something damaging abt Nancy Pelosi that he would disclose if she removed him from his position.
Bob
FL
Perhaps Nancy Peolosi has also have been "rewarded" with free trips to wonderful destinations - no quid pro quo on her part either. For all we know, she and he and both their families may have been seated across the aisle from one another on the flight to some warm sunny destination. Which would make it very hard for Speaker Pelosi to go after a fellow diner at the public trough.
Given Pelosi's adventures in the deepest part of the swamp, she'd be drained along with Rangel. Just ignore it Nancy.
Does anybody read other people's posts? Jack said among Rangel's sins was not paying taxes on a his Dominican Republic home. Why would one have to pay U.S. taxes on a home in Dominican Republic??
pelosi knows that in politics, a few weeks will pass and another crisis will be the focus of the national media, and all will be forgotten. the corporate schmucks who finance and control our washington politics don't care about ethical or personal issues...they just want to know that the schills they already have in place in congress will be there to provide them the votes they need for their industries...
Washington has become a fetid swamp inhabitied by Democratic/Republican creatures that thrive and feed in the putrid morass.
Nancy Pelosi, Wrangel. Bunning etc. have yet to climb out of the primordial slime and stand upright.
Beats me. It must be related to the committee's giving a free pass to so many that it "investigates".
Despite evidence presented to it, the "ethics" committee seems to see it's function more as an exonerator that as a fair investigator,
And why should we expect more from a body that overall is totally corrupt and not working in the interests of the people who elected them. Whar ethics?
I don't know but i will always defend the situation room as the best newscast ever in the world.
Perhaps Mr Rangle has dirt on Ms Pelosi. It would make more sense that she is trying to protect herself. House ethics just keep getting more sleazy.
Only Speaker Pelosi can answer that question.
I don't know why Nancy Pelosi continues to support Congressman Rangel. I do think that the American people do not believe in Congress because of the behavior of people like Rangle. If Pelosi, or any other leaders in Congress want to be taken seriously, they need to rid Congress of people like Rangel as soon as they can, and get on with the people's business. No one is indespensible. There are plenty of other people that can step into Rangel's position and carry on with just as much or more compentency. Then let the people of New York decide if he gets relected to Congress. I guess when the hard working congressnional staffers get fed up with being blamed for what their bosses are doing, then maybe they should stop supporting their bosses.
I just heard about the senator from Kentucky holding up the job creation bill. What he is doing is affecting thousands of people. This is the final straw; I will never vote for another republican for as long as I live. He is, in my opinion an enemy of the state. The health care system needs a complete overhaul. As it is, thousands of people are dying because of lack of health insurance. The republicans want to start over; they don’t seem to give a damm how many people die everyday. It’s not just health care that needs an overhaul. Why don’t we just scrape the house and senate and start over and get some real Americans in there.
Greg
Reno NV
He's a Democrat and she needs his vote on the health care bill
Change amiright? lol
I imagine that at this point she's waiting for the investigations to present their findings. He was more or less "cleared" on the trips, but as I understand it the other problems are still not proven. I don't think the Speaker will have much choice in the end.
Allen
Hartwell GA
By the way I enjoyed the deflection in most of libs posts.
It was Reagan's fault DA's.
There's always a hidden reason when this type event occurs. There's something rotten in the old proverbial "wood pile" somewhere that Charlie's got her trapped with. No doubt because she's a very irritating and confrontational woman. I wish her well in retirement.
Mr Cafferty: Leave Charlie Rangel alone! We are tired of white newscasters persecuting black officials! Arent you satisfied with running Gov Paterson off? Rangel takes good care of his district. We love him.
Go after someone who is truly hurting people like Jim Bunning!
From now on I am changing to MSNBC every time you come on CNN.
Democrats protect crooked Democrats and Rupublicans do the same.
It's the same answer as your question last week about the most serious problem facing America. The politicians want to win at any cost. The agenda for their side is the most important thing, and to hell with right and wrong and everything else. I'm sick of both sides, but Nancy Pelosi really epitomizes (sp) what is wrong with America.