Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) stepped aside as House Ways and Means Committee chairman earlier today, to great fanfare from House Democratic leaders. But reading between the lines of their fond words, it’s clear that they’re relieved he’s decided to take a (for now) temporary leave.
Rangel himself said his decision was rooted in a desire to keep the patina of scandal around him from imperiling the political fortunes of his fellow Democrats. Does leadership agree? After a House Democratic caucus meeting this afternoon, Caucus Chair John Larson told me Rangel’s decision was a sign of “exemplary leadership.” In other worse, they do indeed agree.
After all, Rangel initially put up a fight. As of last night he was insisting he would retain his chairmanship.
Dems hope the fact that he ultimately relented will keep them off the hook for any wrongdoings he may have committed.
During the caucus meeting Rangel explained his decision to his colleagues. Afterward, in front of a crash of reporters and TV cameras, Rangel took few questions, saying only that he’s agreed to step aside…temporarily. However, caucus rules could make it difficult for him to come back, and when pressed on that point, the long-time New York congressman got defensive.
“Let me make it clear, I wrote the letter, and I wrote what I meant, and I said what I meant,” Rangel said. “If there’s anybody who needs clarification, it’s the Speaker, not you.”
Rank and file members were mostly supportive of their colleague. I asked Rep. Al Green (D-TX)–a member, with Rangel, of the Congressional Black Caucus–what he thought of Rangel’s decision.
“I have great respect for Mr. Rangel,” Green told me. “He has been my friend, he will continue to be my friend, and I respect any decision he makes…. My hope is that this will be cleared up and he will be exonerated.”
Rangel may also be hopeful. But it was clear that the day’s events had taken their toll on him. “I haven’t had a bad day yet, but it’s been close.”
