It was only two years ago that Adam Clayton Powell IV was calling Rep. Charlie Rangel corrupt and ineffective.

Yesterday, the former Assemblyman took back those harsh words in a remarkable about-face and endorsed his lifelong foe.

“That was then. This is now,” said Powell, who admitted he wants to run again for the seat.

Meanwhile, Herman Badillo, the first congressman of Puerto Rican descent, endorsed state Sen. Adriano Espaillat to replace Rangel.