Rangel Denied Chance to Speak in Denver

Charles Rangel won’t be speaking at the Democratic National Convention, Politico reports. Representatives made a pitch for an address by the House Ways and Means Chairman, but the Obama campaign told them that Rangel’s early support for Hillary Clinton had given him low priority—even though the congressman played a crucial role in persuading Clinton to bow out.

The recent investigations into the congressman’s alleged below-market rent deals in Harlem probably didn’t help either. Rangel isn’t angry, sources say, but “way less than jazzed” about the convention and will probably make a minimal appearance. Said a friend: "He’s a lot bigger than just a regular member of Congress. He deserves more respect than this.”