In place of his
opening statement, Mr. Rangel pulled out his cell phone and proceeded to engage in a mock conversation, using his allotted three minutes to theatrically jab State Senator Adriano Espaillat, who nearly ousted him two years ago in a newly re-drawn district, and Pastor Mike Walrond, an
impressive debater, whose backers packed St. Luke A.M.E. Church in Washington Heights.
If you want to be seen, if your wealth is an
open secret, and if you're not too worried about kidnappers and terrorists, the Phantom makes a more
impressive statement than anything but the Queen's Bentley or an armor - plated stretch limo.