Rangel knocks Obama for "dignity" remark

The president hasn't "been around long enough to determine what my dignity is," Rangel says

Published August 24, 2010 12:53PM (EDT)

Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y. waits for an elevator on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP)
Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y. waits for an elevator on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP)

New York Rep. Charles Rangel has shot back at President Barack Obama's recent comment that he "end his career with dignity."

Speaking at a candidate's forum Monday night in New York City, Rangel said the president hasn't "been around long enough to determine what my dignity is."

The 80-year-old congressman said it was more likely he would protect Obama's dignity over the next two years.

A House ethics panel has accused the 20-term Democrat from Harlem of ethics violation charges. Rangel has vowed to fight the charges and is refusing to resign. He says he is focusing on his re-election.

Obama said three weeks ago that he was sure Rangel wanted to "be able to end his career with dignity" and said he hoped it would happen.

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Information from: The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com


By Associated Press

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