Bill Kristol: Republicans Should 'Just Shut Up' About Charlie Rangel's Ethics Charges

[babylonsister]

:wow:


Sam Stein

Bill Kristol: Republicans Should 'Just Shut Up' About Charlie Rangel's Ethics Charges

Posted: 08- 1-10 10:45 AM


Some conservatives on Sunday pointed to New York Congressman Charlie Rangel's ethics charges as evidence that Democrats had failed to "drain the swamp" in Washington. Activist Liz Cheney, for example, accused Rangel of "real imperial arrogance."

But even as the GOP piled on -- and Democrats established their distance -- there were those in the Republican tent who expressed caution about suddenly becoming ethical crusaders.

"Just shut up," the Weekly Standard's Bill Kristol said on "Fox News Sunday" when asked what Republicans should do about Rangel. "There is a bipartisan ethics committee. Let the process go forward they don't need jump on this -- they will just get questioned. Believe me there are plenty of congressman in both parties who have been imperial and arrogant and who have centers named after them ... The idea that republicans should go around throwing stones at Charlie Range; is just foolish on their part."

Even before Kristol's remarks, other Republicans exhibited caution too. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), for one, was forced to sidestep questions about the various ethics scandals involving fellow Senate Republicans -- notably John Ensign (R-N.V.) and David Vitter -- during a sit down with "Fox News Sunday."

more...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/01/bill-kristol-republicans_n_666526.html

[theoldman]

1. There is no comparison between Rangle's life time accomplishments

and that of most Republicans. This is their problem and the fact that they have too many skeletons in their closet.

[KharmaTrain]

2. Lifetime Accomplishments Don't Give You The Right To Be Corrupt

I've known of Charlie going back to when he was on the Judiciary Committee during Watergate and have followed his carrer over the years. He's done a lot of good for the folks in Harlem as well as standing up for the rights not only of blacks but all minorities. It's ironic as Charlie got his seat after the district's former Congressman, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. had been expelled from the House on his many ethical violations. You'd think Charlie would have been a little smarter.

Do I think he should resign? No. That's up to the people in his district to decide. Is he a crook? More like an old-time pol who conflated his own ego with that of the office he held...as Kristol (I can't believe I agree with this shitstain) says it's a bi-partisan problem...but it's a problem and thus when rules and laws are broken they need to be investigated and prosecuted, no matter who the candidate is.

I think Rangel's situation means ZERO on this fall's election. Rushpublicans like to cite Foley's scandal as their downfall, but it was the latest in many...anyone remember that Abramoff dude? We haven't seen anywhere near that type of corruption since the Democrats have taken control. Those who care about Charlie weren't going to vote for Democrats anyway...and the rest of the electorate have other issues they're focusing on.

Just more beltway mental masturbation...