Carney unsure whether Obama will back Rep. Rangel for reelection

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: The Hill

White House press secretary Jay Carney declined to say Monday whether President Obama will support Rep. Charlie Rangel's (D) bid for reelection in New York.

"I'll have to get back to you on that," Carney said during the daily White House press briefing.

He added that Obama does want to support a Democrat in Rangel's seat.

Rangel is facing some of the toughest opposition of his 21-term career in the House from Democrats challenging him in the primary. The most serious challenges come from state Sen. Adriano Espaillat (D) and Clyde Williams, a former aide to the Clinton and Obama administration who has locked up the support of many of his former colleagues.



Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/225797-carney-unsure-whether-obama-will-back-rangel-for-reelection

[Renew Deal]

1. I'm not sure that this is news

It's not really something Carney would prepare for. That said, it would be sad if Obama didn't support Rangel. Hopefully they say that this is up to the voters of the district or something like that.

[harmonicon]

16. I don't think the president should have any sway in a primary.

I really think IT IS up to voters in his district.

[Freddie Stubbs]

20. It would be big news if the President wasn't supporting any incumbent Congressmen

When was the last time that happened?

[Purveyor]

2. Really? hmmmm... eom

[KamaAina]

3. Rangel is, shall we say, ethically challenged

and the district is a deep cobalt Blue, so zero chance of a repuke pickup if one of the challengers were to win the primary.

[Arctic Dave]

10. The same was said about Anthony Wieners seat.

Of course absolute loyalty is not a two way street in Dem party.

[libinnyandia]

11. The republican who won in the special election got fewer votes in winning than he got losing in

the race against weiner very low turnout special election. That won't happen in Rangel's district.

[Arctic Dave]

13. Just because you say so?

Magic thinking is fun.

[libinnyandia]

18. Weiner's district is much different than Rangel's. New York City is strange politically, not always

completely blue in every district. It would be extremely difficult for a Republican to beat any Democrat in Rangel's distict. Even with all his baggage Rangel had no trouble winning reelection.

[KamaAina]

12. Weiner's old district includes some fairly conservative areas in Queens.

It's rated a measly Dem+5. Rangel's district, meanwhile, is centered on Harlem and is rated Dem +43. 'Nuf ced.

[Arctic Dave]

14. Sure thing.

Keep telling yourself that.

[Kingofalldems]

4. Search the internet, find bad news about Democrats.

Post it here. Repeat.


Too bad about Sarkozy.

[wwytchwood]

5. But, of course

Obama expects to be supported by all Dems, since he is a Dem.

[Lamm]

6. A recent survey had me pegged right.

I'm in the Progressive Wing of the Democratic Party.

Obama is not in the Progressive Wing of the Democratic Party. He's just a DLC Dem.

Howard Dean remains my hero.

[maddezmom]

7. Welcome to DU!!!

You sound so familiar.

[Lamm]

8. I certainly hope not..

It's my first time here in DU after being a Kossack for quite some time.. just need something new.. this looks interesting.

[monmouth]

9. Twenty-one terms???? Enough already..n/t

[harmonicon]

17. Why?

If people think he can do a good job of representing them, why not keep voting him in? Just because you don't like it? Do you feel this way about everything? "Oh, you know, I've been using your services for years, and because of that, I'm going to go lock in a two year contract with someone else I've never dealt with before." Sound policy.

[w4rma]

15. I hope Obama doesn't involve himself in this primary. (nt)

[bemildred]

19. I expect O will support whomever wins the primary.

Which is the appropriate point for him to have an opinion about it.