The political clout that Obama had accepting his oath of office has declined profusely, even among his own ranks. This is not a reference just to Democrats but includes some member of the prestigious Congressional Black Caucus. Rep. Charles Rangel of New York compared President Obama to former Vice President Dick Cheney last week for his position on the Iraq war. Rangel, who will be 80 this week, once was the chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee but resigned after an ethics investigation regarding trips to the Caribbean.
In his words, Rangel challenged “anyone to tell me we aren’t there because of the oil.” This statement was made on the eve of a re-election campaign for a 21st term in Cngress. This is not the first time the congressman has spoken out against Obama. He also suggested thet the president was out of place when he asked Governor Patterson of New York not to run for a second term.
From Rangel’s perspective “The lack of an honest explanation” regarding the Iraq war “is consistent with Bush and Cheney,” he told reporters from a major New York daily newspaper.
It is difficult to argue against his position given that Obama’s promise to exit Iraq prior to his election has not manifested, nor are any efforts in place to accomplish that goal.
This may be a political tactic to muster support for his re-election since the Democratic base still manages to maintain overwhelming support for withdrawing from Iraq. Although Rangel maintains that he and President Obama have a great relationship, the fact still stands that he will face a tough battle to continue to represent his Harlem and Washington Heights district, where he confronts a serious challenge from state Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, whose father held the same seat until he was defeated by Rangel in 1970. –torrance stephens, ph.d.
For more with Dr. Stephens, visit twitter.com/rawdawgbuffalo and rawdawgb.blogspot.com.
