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

[laughingliberal]

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."

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


Sounds as if Bill doesn't think Rangel's violations are such a slam dunk. Or he's worried about their own skeletons.

[Cleita]

1. He has good reason to be worried about their

skeletons. Their skeleton closets are bursting at the seams with un-investigated corruption and crimes.

[laughingliberal]

2. Yep. Just wondering what's out there that could come out before November? Inquiring minds and all...

:)

[aquart]

4. Nothing. We only investigate our own. Clever things that we are.

[malaise]

9. The Ensign scandal is going to blow up any day now

This is no Congressional Ethics Committee - this one is DOJ and FBI. I cannot wait. :popcorn:

[Marr]

3. For once, I think Kristol is correct.

Republicans already have a well-earned reputation for corruption. From a purely PR standpoint, it's not wise for Republicans to talk about corruption-- even the corruption of someone from the other party. What's more, that sort of showboating invites tit-for-tat.

The wise move for Republicans would be let this play out and be thankful that the public trust has been poisoned just a bit more.

[Sherman A1]

5. Precisely

it would be in their best interest to express concern and leave it at that. Let the committee and then the media do the GOP's work for them from the PR standpoint, they have nothing to gain by saying anything.

[SpiralHawk]

6. "Let the republicon rentboy who has not worn diapers cast the first turd"

I think that quote is from the Bible, but not sure....

[Bitwit1234]

7. I think it is a shame that all the republicans with ILLEGAL ethic problems

have not been investigated and they are going after two Democrats. Maybe Charlie did have a problem, but Maxine Waters. AND ENSIGN IS STILL IN CONGRESS AND SLAMMING DEMOCRATS WITH THE LEGAL PROBLEM FACING HIM. He could even get jail time. I just don't understand why republicans are let go from prosecution. Look at Delay....he sure earns his name Delayed Delayed Delay for the last five years he hasn't gone to trial. Guess he thinks if the republicans get back in the charges will go away - maybe to one of Cheney's undisclosed locations since Cheney doesn't need them at this time.

[BrklynLiberal]

8. Guess when you are a bunch of pots, you have to be careful about what you call

the kettle....

I cannot wait until Liz Cheney is swallowed by a sinkhole...and never seen or heard from again.

[WinkyDink]

10. It's racial, not ethical. That is the subliminal Willie Horton message. Same with Maxine Waters.

"Can't trust a black person."
"See what happens when you elect an African-American?"

Playing to their base who might be hurting financially.

[spanone]

11. 'imperial arrogance' boy does that describe liz's daddy to a tee

[The Backlash Cometh]

12. Kristol knows the truth.

They're all fucking corrupt.