Alma Rangel Endorses Barack Obama
A release just came in announcing that Alma Rangel is endorsing Barack Obama.
Her husband, Representative Charlie Rangel, is chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and a major Hillary Clinton supporter.
Earlier this week it was reported Alma Rangel had attended a fund-raiser hosted by Michelle Obama.
Here's the release:
Alma Rangel Endorses Barack Obama for President
New York, NY -- Alma Rangel, wife of Congressman Charles B. Rangel, announced her endorsement of Barack Obama for President, citing his character and ability to unite the country.
"I believe Barack Obama has the ability to unify this country and the character to stand up for what's right instead of what's popular. Barack is a man of principle; a man whose faith in the greatness of our nation gives us hope, showing us what's possible if we work together.
"Barack Obama has brought energy and excitement back to the democratic process, calling on all Americans, young and old, to make their voices heard. Change is the air. Senator Obama is the future, part of the new generation of leaders who can inspire us to transform our country."
UPDATE: A spokesman, who, of course, became inundated with phone calls a few minutes ago, told Azi the Congressman is traveling right now and isn't immediately available for comment.
UPDATE II: Sewell Chan, who broke the Alma Rangel story, notes that the Rangels now join the Kennedys as a political family supporting both Obama and Clinton.
- Poll
- Obama (D)
- McCain(R)
- Spread
- RCP Average
- 48.5
- 42.7
- Obama +5.8
- Candidate
- Favorable
- Unfavorable
- Spread
- Obama
- 61.0
- 32.7
- +28.3
- McCain
- 56.0
- 37.2
- +18.8
Thank you, Alma! We LOVE you! Come on board, Charlie!
I mean she made a decision not based on her husband but what she see as a real candidate that can UNITE the country!! That isnt a small task and Barack will be able to push legisation to move America back on track. Alma I thank you for stepping out
Does this perhaps mean that Charlie isn't particularly happy about recent Clinton campaign tactics, but can't really back out of his support? I mean the wording of the announcement and the publicity that this will generate in the NY area is a bit unusual is it not? Charlie may be on board, just not publically yet. It is either that or there will be some fireworks in the Rangel household in the coming days. Oh to be a fly on the wall if that is the case.
African Americans should be so Proud to have a candidate like Obama. He possesses so many virtues, unlike his opponent and her husband.
I am a Republican/Conservative and there are several issues I disagree with Obama - yet, I believe, with all my heart, that this man is honest, genuine and loves his America and all the people in it. Let me tell you, should Obama be the nominee, it's going to be very hard for me come November as I stand in that booth...it's the first time ever that I feel this way about someone who's philosophy is the completely opposite to mine. I am pleased to see the unimmaginable enormous warmth this man has generated in a political arena...so unusual. Whatever my decision will be in November, I will cherish the historical moment this man has given us and I will always carry it as long as I live.
They are separated and this is her way of getting back at Charlie. I'm sure he will not say anything about it. Good luck Chuck!
Charlie has to worry about the fact his constituency will be voting for Mr. Obama, in droves. Further, for the rest of NYC, Hillary Clinton voted for war which has distracted from capturing those responsible for 9/11. She doesn't even bring it up while running for President! NYC is LESS safe as a result of this war, and...she continues amazingly not to apologize for her WRONG decision (as Edwards did) or take responsibility for that vote. This isn't LEADERSHIP. Charlie works for Harlem. So called "black" leaders are looking foolish supporting Billary -- especially after SC. Calling in chits is one thing. Allowing one of the best candidates in a generation to be marginalized by a "minstrel show" featuring BOB JOHNSON, is something else. Listen up!
Good for her! She is following her heart and not just trying to please her husband. I respect her for doing that. We need a new kind of leadership in this country. I have heard Ralph Nader is running if Billary is nominated. I will vote for him.
Obam 08! Yes we can...
Alma Rangel demonstrates to women that a feminist is a strong woman who endorses a man because he is a candidate who will be the best president. Voting for a divisive woman candidate whose husband has to use his prestige as a former president to make her competitive, because she is a woman, is mindless and will send women back to the fifties.
Charles Rangel is hiding behind the trend of divided families, ie the Kennedy's so he can hedge his bets when his district goes heavily for Obama. Read the tea leaves, maybe soon some of these Super Delegates will defect and come to the right side, the Obama Camp.
Victory is awaiting!!!
Weee!!! President John Sidney McCain, here we come!!!
African Americans should be so Proud to have a candidate like Obama. He possesses so many virtues, unlike his opponent and her husband.
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NO THE PEOPLE (WHITE BLACK LATINO ASIAN) OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SHOULD BE PROUD TO HAVE AN INTELLIGENT CANDIDATE WHO WANT TO GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT, CHANGE FOR ONE. THANK GOD WE NEED CHANGE.
I mean she made a decision not based on her husband but what she see as a real candidate that can UNITE the country!! That isnt a small task and Barack will be able to push legisation to move America back on track. Alma I thank you for stepping out
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I AGREE MARIA KENNEDY SHRIVER HAS JUST ENDORSED BARACK & HER HUSBAND IS ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA. ALTHOUGH MARIA COULD HAVE VOTED REPUBLICAN AND ENDORSED JOHN MCCAIN WITH HER HUSBAND. SHE DECIDED TO STAY TRUE TO HER PARTY THE DEMS GO MARIA!