BIBI WATCH: Rangel Changes His Mind, Will Attend Netanyahu Speech After All

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A day after he said he would stay away, Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) declared on Tuesday he would attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the U.S. Congress.

He explained his reversal on Tuesday morning to CNN anchor Carol Costello.

“I thought this idea was so outrageous that if a number of us indicated that we would not be present, that those who thought of this would give it second thoughts and withdraw either those that thought of inviting and breaching protocol, or the invitees,” Rangel said.

“Having said that, the damage has already been done,” he added. “I have a been asked by friends and constituents not to add to the controversy and so I’m going to be attending.”

Rangel said on Monday that he would not attend the speech, citing House rules, according to WCBS. He also faulted House Republicans for making the speech a partisan issue.

“I am not boycotting this speech,” Rangel said at the time. “I am just not going to the speech.”

On Tuesday, Costello also asked Rangel if he thought Netanyahu would share details of secret negotiations between the United States and Iran.

“I cannot see how the prime minister of Israel can share what is going on in secret negotiations that Israel is not a direct party to,” he responded. “I can’t answer your question.”

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