Should Obama come to Rangel's aid & demand, "Look forward, not backwards"?

[Karmadillo]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/30/obama-charlie-rangel-end-of-his-career_n_665979.html

Obama Speaks About Rangel For First Time: 'He's Somebody Who's At The End Of His Career'
LAURIE KELLMAN | 07/30/10 11:11 PM |

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Friday called ethics charges against Democratic Rep. Charlie Rangel "very troubling" and said he hopes the longtime lawmaker can end his career with dignity. Several House Democrats went further, flat-out urging the New York congressman to resign.

"He's somebody who's at the end of his career," Obama said in an interview that aired Friday on "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric." "I'm sure that what he wants is to be able to end his career with dignity. And my hope is that it happens."

Obama, speaking on the issue for the first time, praised the 20-term Rangel for serving his constituents well but called the more than one-dozen tax and disclosure charges against him "very troubling."

It was hardly an endorsement for the veteran lawmaker, but fell well short of the calls for resignation Rangel received on the eve of the House's August recess. As House Democrats headed home, they wrestled with how to handle the matter in their districts ahead of the midterm elections.

more...

[Contrary1]

1. Why not?

If one can overlook and move forward from war crimes that result in many thousands of deaths, what's a little ethics violation?

[Karmadillo]

4. The scales of justice certainly seem a little out of balance.

nt

[villager]

2. No, Rangel is a Democrat.

n/t

[Tippy]

3. It would be terribly un-wise for Obama to even mention this

Congress set it's rules and even though they pay no heed when Republicans lean towards criminal acts, Dems don't and the President shouldn't even talk about Rangle especialy in mixed company.

[amborin]

5. Obama decided to "look forward" re: Bush & Cheney.....