Some conservatives on Sunday pointed to New York Congressman Charlie Rangel's ethics charges as evidence that Democrats had failed to "drain the swamp" in Washington. Activist Liz Cheney, for example, accused Rangel of "real imperial arrogance." But even as the GOP piled on -- and Democrats established their distance -- there were those in the Republican tent who expressed caution about suddenly becoming ethical crusaders. "Just shut up," the Weekly Standard's Bill Kristol said on "Fox News Sunday" when asked what Republicans should do about Rangel. "There is a bipartisan ethics committee. Let the process go forward they don't need jump on this -- they will just get questioned. Believe me there are plenty of congressman in both parties who have been imperial and arrogant and who have centers named after them ... The idea that republicans should go around throwing stones at Charlie Range; is just foolish on their part." Even before Kristol's remarks, other Republicans exhibited caution too. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), for one, was forced to sidestep questions about the various ethics scandals involving fellow Senate Republicans -- notably John Ensign (R-N.V.) and David Vitter -- during a sit down with "Fox News Sunday." "I think it's important for members of Congress to have the highest possible ethical standards," he said. "And a number of members over the years got in trouble, some have them have had to leave Senate as a result of it." Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/01/bill-kristol-republicans_n_666526.html
Re: Bill Kristol: Republicans Should 'Just Shut Up' About Charlie Rangel's Ethics Cha Not defending Charlie. If guilty he should go, and I never thought I would ever say, "I agree with Kristol." He is right, both parties have had their problems. I know why some Republicans may want to spin this in their favor. Mid-terms are coming up. The American people have short memories. This could work to their advantage if used right. That was one of the main reasons why Democrats won back the house in 2006. Corruption within the Republican party.
Re: Bill Kristol: Republicans Should 'Just Shut Up' About Charlie Rangel's Ethics Cha Rangel shows his incompetence by getting caught. The rest of them get away with pretty much the same kinds of things but don't get caught.
Re: Bill Kristol: Republicans Should 'Just Shut Up' About Charlie Rangel's Ethics Cha Did I read that right? Fox News asked a Republican a tough question that involved them speaking negatively about a Republican? I think I need to lay down...I'm about to pass out.
Re: Bill Kristol: Republicans Should 'Just Shut Up' About Charlie Rangel's Ethics Cha Which was shocking, which how the Democrats were so quiet about it. Oh, wait a minute.
Re: Bill Kristol: Republicans Should 'Just Shut Up' About Charlie Rangel's Ethics Cha If I am the republicans, I would be blasting his face and along with Maxine Water all over the democrats during this congressional recess. The democrats ran on being the party of ethics and restoring the faith in the American people - yeah right. This is a lose, lose issue for the democrats. Rangel has to go for them and soon. This public trial going on right before the midterms is going to be disastrous for their image. People are already sick of Washington enough; this will only make them more inclined to support a leadership change in the House.
