Tranwscript:
Announcer 1 (00:00:00.07)
And more now from those who knew Charles Rangel, including former New York governor David Paterson. In fact, his father, Basel Paterson, was part of the group of politicians known as the Gang of Four or Harlem Clubhouse with Rangel, along with David Dinkons and Percy Sutton. Rangel was the last surviving member of the Gang of Four.
Announcer 2 (00:00:20.09)
And joining us now, former governor David Paterson. Thank you so much for being with us. Tell us about the legacy of Charlie Rangel that you know.
David Paterson (00:00:29.01)
Well, it was ironic. I remember that my grandfather died on Memorial Day. I was taking a shower thinking about it, and I thought, I should call up Charlie because I hadn’t talked to him in a few weeks. And when I came out, I got the phone call about his passing. This man was just incredible. I mean, he took the spirit that he got the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star overseas and brought it right back into the community. At that particular time, the leadership in Harlem, there were African-Americans there, but none of them had any power. When he joined with David Dinkins and my father and Percy Sutton and ran against the sitting congressman, Adam Clayton Powell Jr, who was a legendary figure, and beat him in 1970, it really shook up the whole neighborhood, and it actually offered younger people in the community opportunities to get involved themselves. He had a political club. He was sponsored the Empowerment Zone. The same issues that he addressed in those days are now being torn down in these days. That’s what I think is the only sad thing about his passing, is we could have continued to use his voice and his strength toward equal opportunity in this country.
Announcer 1 (00:01:50.27)
Obviously, you had a great opportunity to be alongside him as he ascended during his political career, but you also got to know the man. Tell us about the Charlie Rangel that you knew the private side of the man.
David Paterson (00:02:06.12)
Lively, funny, would say anything that would attract attention. We had a couple of things, giving dinners together, the families and that thing. And he was someone who was particularly encouraging personally. I had gotten to fight with one of the leaders. One night, He just invited me over his place, and he told me how to handle the situation. Of course, because he said so, it worked. I found out later on he talked to the other person. He actually put us together without either one of us having to change our point of view.
Announcer 2 (00:02:46.11)
You know, Dave, so many things to talk about when you think of Charlie Rangel. But one of the things that just stands out to me is how he was one of the founders of the Black Caucus. Tell me a little bit about what that meant to the political spectrum here our country.
David Paterson (00:03:02.04)
Well, at the time, it was controversial because the whole idea of Congress was for all of us to be Americans and all of us to be working together. I think that Rangel and the other members who founded the caucus definitely felt that way. But there were specific issues and specific needs that they had, and they wanted to speak with one voice when they were trying to get the leadership in the House of Representatives to listen to them. Coming with six or seven people is probably always more effective than coming with one person. They got a lot done, particularly the empowerment zones that President Clinton referred to a little earlier. I think one of the things that was not credited to Congress and Rangel, but was the way that the lines are drawn, the reapportionment lines, which he got involved in. We could stay in about 3: 30 talking about all the things he did.
Announcer 2 (00:03:59.06)
At least. We do appreciate it to former Governor David Paterson for making time for us.
Announcer 1 (00:04:04.18)
Thank you, David.
See original story here.