Why was Charlie Rangel trashed so Obama could shine?

[KoKo]

I'm listening to Charlie's eloquent speech in Boston but it's on at 5:00 p.m. on C-Span. Obama was "Featured" while Rangel that "water bearer" for us Dems for years, is put into the "quiet time."

Don't get me wrong...I thought Obama's speech was great and think he's definitely a rising star. But, Rangel should have had a more prominent place in the convention, I think.

I'm upset about this. Why? Any thoughts? If we don't support those who've been in the trenches for us and throw them over for the "new Turks" then who are we? Support the newest "African-American on the Block" and forget the ones who've fought for us for years?

[AP]

1. Uh, I'm sure Rangel is happy to have it this way.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

2. Add John Lewis and Julian Bond to that list.

Obama was great. But, some of those old Civil Rights heroes should be up there in prime time.

[AP]

6. I'm sure they'd look at Obama and say, "that's what we're talking about"

I just think it's absurd to imagine the Bond, Rangel, and Lewis wouldn't be happy about what has been going on at this convention.

If they were in politics for their egos they wouldn't be who they are today.

They opened the road that Obama is walking, and I'm sure they're prouder at this convention than any convention in their lifetimes.

[Chovexani]

3. I'm not upset about it.

I'd have liked Charlie to get a larger profile at the convention, and I respect him and the many elders who have come before, but I think it's important to showcase some of the new blood in the party. I think letting Obama do the keynote last night was a masterstroke. Charlie is great, but we also need to support new voices.

I think they are striking a fairly good balance between old and new this year.

[Literate Tar Heel]

4. Rangel's also the one whose name is on the draft bill

so it may not be the best idea for him to occupy all that prominent a position in prime time

[depakid]

5. Maybe Rangel's call for a draft was a little too disturbing

besides, there are a lot of people equally deserving as Rangel- you can't give everyone the spotlight.

[nyhuskyfan]

7. Well...

While I agree with some of what you're saying, it's just the nature of life. In any business, when you are young and trying to make a name for yourself, you need someone to take a chance on you, rather than just let the "old guard" do all the heavy lifting. Otherwise, you never get a chance to reach your potential.

You have to find the balance between respecting the old-timers and giving the new faces time to shine. After seeing Obama yesterday, he clearly needed that time to shine.

[Rowdyboy]

8. And don't forget, Rangel initially endorsed Wes Clark

Regardless, I think Charlie is proud to take a backseat today to let the lights shine on the next generation of leaders. He knows that he's the real powerhouse.

[in_cog_ni_to]

9. I think picking up another Senate seat

has something to do with it. Don't you? We NEED his seat!

[sangh0]

10. I have it on good authority that Rangel was trashed

just to piss you off.

:evilgrin:

[blm]

11. Trashing Rangel? A bit hyperbolic don't you think?

Nobody is being trashed, KoKo.

Obama IS excellent and we NEED that Senate seat almost as much as we need the WH.

The older warriors are more than pleased to feature the newer fresher voices.
Rangel is not a vain man. The future is as important to them as it is to any of us.

I am quite surprised that anyone would promote the idea that any Dem is being featured at the EXPENSE of others.

[Cha]

12. Well, my first thought is ...they had Obama speak has the keynoter..

Because he is so Good And because he's running for Senate and we need him Badly!

[Pallas180]

13. Agreed. Charlie Rangel is the greatest. n/t

.

[Pepperbelly]

14. up and comer ...

no mystery, no trashing. Gotta showcase the new talent.

[pschoeb]

15. Because everyone wants to make sure we get a AfricanAmerican Senator again

including Rangel, and Obama has a very good chance of winning. The more air time the better. It's an insult to both Dems, and African Americans that there is no African American Senator.

[LuminousX]

16. Trashed?

You mean people got up on stage and called Rangel names? Or is your definition of trashing meaning he doesn't get a prime time slot? If getting to speak but not at prime time is a trashing, what of those people who don't get to speak at all. Holy moses!