Dana Milbank offers these thoughts (with video) on Rep. Charlie Rangel’s speech on the House floor yesterday — which apparently came as a surprise to his fellow Democrats — responding to ethics charges against him. Milbank calls it “one of the most extraordinary pieces of political oratory in recent memory.” The NYT, Boston Globe, and NPR have more on Rangel’s pointed criticism of the ethics committee. CNN notes that this may dampen the celebration at Rangel’s 80th birthday party/fundraiser tonight in New York. Here are some of the excuses that invitees have given for missing the party.