All Florida Democrats should be placed on notice as of this day: Beware of Charlie Crist.
The former governor has endorsed President Barack Obama. He wrote a glowing editorial in the Tampa Bay Times about Mr. Obama, stating that his response to 2008’s financial collapse was “swift, smart and farsighted.”
Crist has slowly made the left political turn since deciding to recede from the Republican Party in 2010.
He supported Obama’s stimulus, his jobs plan and fully embraced the president during the gulf oil crisis.
Crist has also endorsed Senator Bill Nelson and has voiced his aversion to voter ID laws.
Sounds like a Democrat to me.
But while the Democratic Party is a big tent and is welcoming to all, well almost all, most on the left should take a side eye toward Crist.
Yes, it is great that Crist has realized that making a left turn is good politically. That it is best to be a voice for the voiceless instead of a gross grandstander for the opulent, like his old colleagues on the right.
But what is Crist’s angle? He currently sits as an independent with no party affiliation, so why rock the boat now? Why come out for Obama and Nelson if he did not have a personal political motive?
Crist has served as state senator, Florida Education Commissioner, Florida Attorney General and governor. He is, in essence, a career politician.
Is he building political currency to cash in for a run at the Florida Governor’s Mansion in 2014?
If so, let’s remember a few things about Crist’s political background.
He roundly criticized former Florida Governor Lawton Chiles, called himself an anti-tax Republican, a Jeb Bush Republican, compared President Barack Obama to Jimmy Carter and hoped for a failed Obama re-election in 2012.
Crist changes his political positions with the wind and may turn out to be a member of the Green Party once Hurricane Isaac passes.
Once Crist officially changes his party affiliation to Democrat and its shown that he is the party’s best chance of beating Rick Scott in 2014, he will be embraced. The Dems want the mansion back and would take Crist if he’s their only option.
But be wary fellow Democrats.
Crist is a nice guy who may turn out to be a political asset in the end. He’s playing his cards carefully and waiting for the right time to make his final move.
Until that day arrives, give him the warm church hug. Not full body and done with a fake smile.
He just may change his position before we get to that point anyway.
-JH
