Rangel to Obama: Back off of local politics

Long time New York Democratic Congressman Charlie Rangel had a message for President Barack Obama over the weekend: keep out of local politics.

Over the weekend, 79-year-old Congressman Rangel told New York Daily News that Pres. Obama's interference in the New York's 2010 gubernatorial race is not Presidential, "The whole thing to me was not presidential. It wasn't good for the president, and it wasn't good for the governor, "according to CNN. These comments come after The New York Times reported that the White House urged New York Governor David Paterson not to run for re-election because of the Governor’s very low approval rating. The Democratic Party suggested that his low numbers could hurt the Democrats in 2010. Instead, the Democratic Party would prefer New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to run. Rangel also criticized New York Representative Gregory Meeks who was involved in the discussions between the White House and Gov. Paterson, “I wouldn't want to be anywhere near it then or now. And anyone who has been involved in this has to be embarrassed. Period." Despite reports, Digital Journal reported that the Governor will run for reelection. He does have a mountain to climb, however. A recent poll shows that Paterson has a 20 per cent approval rating and 70 per cent of New Yorkers feel he is not a viable candidate for next year’s election cycle.