Harlem Welcomes the Last Elected President - because we can't reinvent history

[robbedvoter]

Before the media pulls a fast sheet over Nill Vlinton's head, let's recall some history - recent and not so recent.
This was written by someone I know extremely well (copyright permission given)
http://archive.democrats.com/view.cfm?id=3913
Some background to today's events. In the beginning of this year, as the Big Dog was looking for office space in Manhattan, the media barons were fixing to blame him for the outrageous prices/rentals of NYC real estate. As he told the story today: "I called Charlie Rangel and asked him if he can find me some office space in Harlem. 'Did the sun come up this morning,' Rangel asked. 24 hours later we were here."
snip
Meanwhile, people in Harlem were baking cakes, tuning instruments, rehearsing bands... It was a sunny, breezy morning when thousands of people filled the plaza in front of the state building where a stage was dominated by a huge banner "Harlem Welcomes President Clinton."
snip
Charlie Rangel was saying: "Sometimes you know someone by his friends, sometimes by his enemies. There was no one who tried to kick this man down that did not try to kick us down first!" I felt the ground shake with the crowd reaction. He also addressed the hecklers: "I'd like to thank my Republican friends in Congress for sponsoring this group."
Big Dog started by saying: "Now I am home." He recounted his dream as a young musician to play at the Apollo one day with the greats. "I did not play at the Apollo, but I ate at Sylvia" he joked, adding: "I ain't dead yet, I may still do it some day.
He addressed the hecklers too: "I see a sign there: 'What did you do for Harlem as President?' That's a fair question. First, I promised I would turn the economy around, then I made sure I invested about $600,000,000 in Harlem so I think I did keep my promises to Harlem."


He then introduced Bill as "The last President elected in this country," adding that "If we'd have our way, we'd re-elect him all over again!" The crowd was positively jumping!

[TomClash]

1. Why was Al Gore in Harlem? nt

[robbedvoter]

2. True, but "last elected President who took office" was maybe too long for the banner

This was THEIR banner. In 2001.(because now it would be Kerry - except that he wouldn't want it known)

[Tarheel_Dem]

3. LOL...good question.

Even as an Edwards supporter, I am so over Charlie Rangel. His outburst in defense of the Clintons, where he called Obama "stupid" was beyond the pale. The Congressional Black Caucus would do well to remember to be civil to their own, no matter who the hell they support. Charlie sucks!

[robbedvoter]

4. he didn't call Obama stupid - he called what he said stupid. Moyers agrees BTW

It was this story:
http://blip.tv/scripts/flash/showplayer.swf?enablejs=true&feedurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbillmoyersjournal%2Eblip%2Etv%2Frss&file=http%3A%2F%2Fblip%2Etv%2Frss%2Fflash%2F613659&showplayerpath=http%3A%2F%2Fblip%2Etv%2Fscripts%2Fflash%2Fshowplayer%2Eswf

[Tarheel_Dem]

5. I saw the newsclip, don't need your link.

Charlie's whole demeanor was combative and angry, and the way he lingered on the word "stupid" was disgusting. I stand by my original statement.

[libbygurl]

9. You needn't be so rude. Robbedvoter's comment is correct, and...

...he/she only wanted to back up the statement with a link, which is usual practice here on DU.

Yes, Bill Moyers did say that the whole episode was 'much ado about nothing'. Except that the mainstream media love to create fire and never want to see things in a sober light.

[Tarheel_Dem]

10. I don't need a lesson in etiquette from some anonymous troll on a

message board. I am aware of DU practices. And as much as I respect Bill Moyers, he doesn't control my perceptions, and neither do you. As stated before, I stand my perception and my post.

[TomClash]

8. Charlie's actually a great guy

A congenial man who's always been pleasant to me. He has to support Hillary because she's a NY pol. But you're right - calling Obama stupid was wrong.

[Tarheel_Dem]

11. I have always had nothing but the utmost respect and admiration

for Charlie Rangel, up until that outburst. It was angry, it was filled with vitriol, and I believe some jealousy. Here is this young, fresh faced, African American male who threatens to overshadow the accomplishments of the Civil Rights Era Dems in Congress, and I think they are jealous. Most of them have rushed to support the Clintons out of some sort of misplaced loyalty, but they should tread very carefully with SENATOR Obama because he has already reached heights they can only dream of.

As I stated earlier, the CBC should be watching their backs, because a whole new generation of young blacks could follow Obama's inspirational path, and make them actually have to work for their re-elections, for a change. Just ask Al Wynn.

[Essene]

14. He almost ran me over (im not kidding although it's funny)

I like Charlie Rangel, but he's a politician and his behavior lately has really disturbed me.

[Essene]

6. The bond between the clintons and blacks was so strong that it could only be broken by...

The Clintons themselves.

[Toots]

7. So you think if Hillary win the nomination blacks won't vote for her?

I don't believe that for a second..This is the Primaries and all the candidates are very good. However once the candidate has been picked I am fairly certain there will be a huge turnout for whomever gets the nod.

[Tarheel_Dem]

12. I wouldn't be so sure...I, for one, will never cast a vote for HRC (eom)

[Essene]

13. Do you realize how significant it is for 80% of blacks to vote Obama?

THEY ARE PISSED OFF and will not forgive her. That was a nearly unbreakable bond between her and black voters (mostly women). They didn't move towards Obama as much as they rejected Clinton.

A lot of people are still in this denial about the Clintons' behavior. Blacks are not in denial anymore.


Some would turn to support Hillary in Nov, but i have serious doubts about the majority doing so.

Many wont vote at all.

[Bright Eyes]

15. No. Al Gore was the last elected President.