A Report from Charlie Rangel's 75th Birthday Celebration

[KurtNYC]

I went to my first DNC-related fundraiser last night -- a celebration for Charlie Rangel's 75th birthday at Tavern on the Green in Central Park.



I go to the check in tables and they want a business card which I don't have -- I'm a consultant with only one client. But I am "on the list" and soon enough have my name badge and enter the party. I immediately get in line for some food because you really don't want to get sloppy on the open bar booze. Foccacio, tortellini in pesto, roast beef and mustard, cheese, fruit.

In many ways the party is exactly what I expected -- well-dressed people, union leaders, local news reporters, a band, cocktails. It was about 94 degrees here last evening and I was under-dressed for the event in a business shirt and slacks, no tie, no coat.

Right away I'm seeing the Dem heavyweights - Manhattan borough president C. Virginia Fields, and Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum are chatting. Former Mayoral candidate Mark Green talks to a reporter.

I quickly spot Charlie himself moving slowly through the crowd, greeting well wishers as cameras flash away. There is a bubble of charm that envelopes him. He beams and his energy infused the room. It is easier to understand his 17 consecutive terms in Congress when you see the charm in action. It is often said that all politics are local and here it was personal. Quick conversations with everyone he comes into contact with.

Then I notice this cute guy next to me in a navy blue blazer checking out the crowd. He turns and there is an ear-piece in his left ear which of course means he is security for someone. Then here is another security cutie. I look in the direction they came from and Hillary Clinton is making her way toward us. She is on the veranda and then comes inside. The press nearly knock us down getting their first shots of her. She is better looking than I thought; bright-eyed with a focused energy. She is one of the few politicians I did not approach. I am not generally a star struck person and I have nothing sincere to say to her. I disagree with many of her positions and almost resent the fact that she eclipses Democrats who are closer to my way of thinking.

About 15 minutes later they start a brief round of speeches from the podium. They errantly introduce Elliot Spitzer as "the next Attorney General of the State of New York!" We laugh, then they correct themselves - next GOVERNOR... Spitzer is brief, funny and surprisingly humble for a guy who has taken on some of the biggest corruption scandals in recent years, scandals the feds have let slide.

He passes off to Hillary and she relates the story of Charlie calling her "60 seconds" after Moynihan announced his retirement. "Charlie said 'you must move to New York and run for the Senate, I have it all worked out'" Hillary relates her reluctance and then how it all worked out.

Every major democratic politician in New York State turned out (except Chuck Schumer). Wesley Clark was allegedly there and left early was what I heard. He must have left really early because I got there 10 minutes after the start time and never saw him. His wife stayed behind and now shared the stage with all the rest. She relates a story about getting to know Charlie better during the Wes Clark campaign in North Carolina. She says Charlie was the most fun person on the campaign bus.

Then Charlie speaks. Telling us how he is moved yet again by the outpouring of support and love. He thanks us for helping him live a kind of charmed life; from a kid in the Bronx to 17 terms in Congress. His voice cracks a little with emotion.

They wrap up by acknowledging some of the other notables in the room: Charlie's fellow congressman Jerry Nadler, Majority Leader of the NY State Senate (the most powerful state democrat) Sheldon Silver, and former NY City Mayor David Dinkins. Then back to the music, schmoozing and boozing.

I shake Charlie's hand and wish him a happy birthday then go off to find Elliott Spitzer on the other veranda. Spitzer is approachable. I tell him "You're going to be a great Governor." He says "I hope so" I say "I'm looking forward to it." And then I asked Spitzer whether 911 was MIHOP or LIHOP...okay no I didn't do that part.

I turn around and there is Sheldon Silver. I want to thank him for stopping the mega-boondoggle Westside Stadium deal but in the flash I am really unsure I have ever heard his full position on it so I go with something more generic, "Thanks for being a strong voice in Albany" I say while shaking his hand.

At this point I have had my food, my booze and my politicians so I join the people leaving and head for some place with better air-conditioning.

[wryter2000]

1. I'm jealous

I love Charlie Rangle :loveya:

[etherealtruth]

2. Me too. n/t

[Nite Owl]

3. Sounds like an exciting

evening that you will remember. I really like Charlie but I love Elliot Spitzer.