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Interview: The Rangelby Azi Paybarah
Below is my interview with Charlie Rangel from the other day. Here are some highlights: * Indecision about serving a full term if the House stays Republican ("that would be left up to my community and my political advisers,") * Recycling the same canned quote he's used in the past when pressed on when he'll retire("Just because I'm helping you guys write the obituary...") * Wondering if I'm under the influence for asking if another Democrat might chair his Ways and Means Committee ("Oh, cut it out. You're smoking pot.") For your enjoyment, and my humiliation, the interview: Rangel Interview ME It's Azi from the New York Sun. CR The Sun? No story. I know you hate to see me go, but hey, even the best things in life can be temporary. But no, the exciting story I was giving was the opportunity to chair the ways and means committee, to have a chance to truly reject the policies of the Bush administration. I don't take my politics personally or emotionally, but I would be devastated if the voters in this midterm election supported, by not supporting Democrats, the Bush administration, the atrocities, the war, the deficit, the corruption, the cutback in education, in health care. I would take that very personal and I really don't think I could be effective under two more years of Bush and a Republican House. I had said this so many times before. I always say, I just don't intend to lose. ME If voters decide to keep the house the way it is now, would you serve your full term or... CR I think that would be left up to my community and my political advisers in terms of who would succeed me and what's the best way to have a transition. You have to remember, my predecessor served 26 years, and I've served 36 years, so we have to be very careful how the transition takes place. ME There seems to be two options. One is in Brooklyn, where Major Owens, where he announced very early on he did not plan to seek re-election. And then there was Joe Crowley, and how Tom Manton... CR I fail to see the connection. But the Sun really writes in a way where you really don't have to necessarily understand the thinking. The Owens-Crowley-Rangel? How do you... ME Major Owens announced very early on he did not plan to seek re-election, and a number of candidates stepped forward. Tom Manton... CR Hey, hey, hey. Just because I'm helping you guys write the obituary, doesn't mean I'm thinking about dying. God damn. I'm talking about winning. If you want to talk to a crushed guy, call me after the election. You'll either be talking to the chairman or somebody who's had his first political setback. [skip] ME What about remarks coming out of Nancy Pelosi's office that committee assignments weren't guaranteed if the house goes Democratic? CR Committee assignments, according to the bylaws, have never been guaranteed. Seniority is a major factor in determining who the chair will be ... So, Nancy Pelosi merely re-stated the rules. I don't think there is any ranking member of any committee that is not prepared to assume the chairmanship. ME Would you be prepared not to assume the chairmanship? CR O cut it out. You're smoking pot. ME I wish. CR Hahahaha.
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