Showman Rangel Delivers the Old Razzle-Dazzle

In this town of showmen, liars and big-time con artists, there has never been a more splendid vaudeville show.

It was a comedy of errors yesterday filled with surprise and farce and tragedy featuring a stunning dramatic performance by Charlie Rangel that would strain the acting abilities of the most accomplished Shakespearean player.

From grand bluster, he swung into thundering rage. Then brooding fury gave way to wincing openness. And then the wounded face of a crushed soul. Only to emerge fiery defiance.
All this from one lonely character in just a few minutes on a cramped stage in a room full of dupes.

Charles Hurt is Washington Bureau chief for the New York Post. To continue reading his column, click here.