Rangel: Lame-Duck Victories Spared Obama From 2012 Primary Challenge

Will President Barack Obama face a challenge from within his own party in 2010?

When MSNBC's Chris Matthews asked Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., this question Tuesday (after the pair had lunch together), Rangel noted that he feels differently about this issue now that the president delivered victories for his liberal base during the recent lame-duck session of Congress, including the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

In other Rangel-related news, the censured 21-term congressman announced Tuesday that he had established a fund so that supporters can help pay for his legal defense. Rangel fans can donate up to $5,000 to help foot the bill for his mounting legal bills, stemming from his House Ethics trial in which he was found guilty of 11 of 13 violations.