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Saturday, November 30, 2002
NYT runs a story asking whether Charlie Rangel's career has run its course. Following the recent elections, the article assumes, Rangel's star has fallen. Rangel objects, saying "Retirement is a strong word." Some ominous quotes:Now, Mr. Rangel sounds doubtful about the party's prospects. "We've got to determine what we agree on," he said, arguing that Democrats had no coherent message to counter Republicans. "Otherwise we will be a permanent minority party. And I will not be a part of a permanent minority party." And:"My future in the party will be decided in the next couple of months," Mr. Rangel said. "I have to make sure that there is something there that I can enthusiastically support. There is nothing there now."
Add in his statement that "It's not a question of whether or not I retire," and it begins to look like he's considering alternatives to the Democratic Party. While this might just seem like bellyaching, it should not be taken lightly because of his previous support of Bloomberg and his threats to back Pataki if McCall would have lost the primary.
Steven I. Weiss 6:05:00 PM
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