By Yepoka Yeebo
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Rep. Charles Rangel called himself one of President Barack Obama's "best friends" Wednesday night, just days after ripping him, the Daily News reported.
Responding to a question at a candidate's forum on Monday about Obama's comment last month that the 80-year-old Rangel should "end his career with dignity," the congressman responded, "President Obama has enough problems without me ... quite frankly, he has not been around long enough to determine what my dignity is."
He added: "In the next two years, I will be more likely to protect his dignity."
Rangel acknowledged on Wednesday his response was terse.
"Obviously, it didn't go over big," he said, according to the News.
"I think that Obama would say that I'm one of his best friends," he continued. "And certainly one of his strongest supporters - I admire him. I respect him."
Adam Clayton Powell IV, who is challenging Rangel in the Democratic Primary, said voters should dump Rangel for working against the president, according to the paper.
"We need to send someone to Washington to work with President Obama, not disrespect him, not get into a fight with him," Powell told the News.
