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Rangel faces five primary opponents amid ethics scandal
New York (CNN) - He's served in Congress for almost 40 years, but Tuesday's primary in New York will be unlike any other for Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel.
The 80-year-old Rangel is fighting five challengers and an ethics trial in the House later this month on 13 alleged violations.
In years past, his re-election has been a slam dunk. While he is expected to win again, Rangel's taking nothing for granted.
On the eve of the primary, robocalls using former President Bill Clinton's voice went out telling voters: "We need Charlie to go back to Washington, to work with President Obama to say, 'Yes.' "
In July, Obama called the allegations against Rangel troubling and said in a CBS interview that he hoped the embattled congressman could end his career in dignity.
Of Rangel's five opponents, Adam Clayton Powell IV has the biggest name recognition. He is the son of the late U.S. Rep. Adam Clayton Powell, who served from 1945 to 1971 and was defeated by Rangel after a scandal-plagued career.
Despite Powell's recognition, The New York Times editorial board said the assemblyman has done little in Albany and instead endorsed Joyce Johnson, a former business executive and educator who has run for state offices. Read more.
Tell us what you think:
What are Charlie Rangel's chances to win his primary? Does this affect what happens in November mid-term elections for the nation?
Obama to push kids to work hard in 'back-to-school' speech
(CNN) - President Obama will deliver his second "back-to-school" message to the nation's students Tuesday, but this year, no one's complaining.
The speech - to be delivered at Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - encourages students to make the most of their education opportunities.
"Nobody gets to write your destiny but you," Obama will say, according to a text of the speech released Monday night by the White House. "Your future is in your hands. Your life is what you make of it. And nothing - absolutely nothing - is beyond your reach. So long as you're willing to dream big. So long as you're willing to work hard. So long as you're willing to stay focused on your education."
Obama goes on to emphasize the importance of education in the text, saying it "never has been more important."
"I'm sure there will be times in the months ahead when you're staying up late cramming for a test, or dragging yourselves out of bed on a rainy morning, and wondering if it's all worth it," he will say, according to the prepared remarks. "Let me tell you, there is no question about it. Nothing will have as great an impact on your success in life as your education."
Last year, his first as president, Obama's plan to deliver a similar message prompted an unexpected backlash from conservatives who worried he would push students to support his political agenda. However, the speech Obama delivered at a Virginia school included no political references and was welcomed by conservatives. Read more.
Tell us what you think:
How is the president's speech different this year from the last? If you're a parent, what would you like to hear the president tell your children?