Rangel Supports Weiner

Congressman Charles B. Rangel, the Harlem representative whose shoddy disclosure perils lead a House ethics committee to investigate his conduct emerged as an unlikely ally for his colleague Rep. Anthony Weiner.

Rangel told reporters after a press conference at City Hall that Weiner's situation could be drastically worse.

I know one thing. He wasn't going with prostitutes. He wasn't going out with little boys. He wasn't going into men's rooms with broad stances. I mean all of those things I understand, Rangel said making references to other Congressional sex scandals. All of those things I understand.

I know immoral sex when I hear it from other members. And no one has screamed for their resignation. So I don't know why they are selecting Anthony.

A House ethics committee publicly admonished Rangel in the form of a formal censure after he was found guilty of violating 11 ethics rules.

Until now, most members of New York's political establishment have called for Weiner's head, however alienation by Rangel would seem moot especially because Weiner, a political ally of the Harlem lawmaker was the only Democrat from the New York delegation to donate campaign dollars to aid Rangel's legal defense.

Rangel called the idea of resignation, something that's hyped up by the press more than his ability to serve.

Rangel, who turns 81 tomorrow, said he didn't understand the high-tech aspects of social media involved in the scandal. I don't even understand that type of stuff, but he apologizes for it. I like everyone else have to assume its not proper conduct. But I don't know what he did, who he offended.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Congressman Rangel's birthday is in August. His birthday is today June 11th.