Posted on 08/26/2012 9:03:10 AM PDT by Kaslin
Apparently, former Florida Republican Governor Charlie Crist is taking the term political opportunist to a whole new level by endorsing President Barack Obama for re-election. Heres an excerpt from the editorial he penned in the Tampa Bay Times:
Ive studied, admired and gotten to know a lot of leaders in my life. Across Florida, in Washington and around the country, I've watched the failure of those who favor extreme rhetoric over sensible compromise, and I've seen how those who never lose sight of solutions sow the greatest successes.
As America prepares to pick our president for the next four years and as Florida prepares once again to play a decisive role I'm confident that President Barack Obama is the right leader for our state and the nation. I applaud and share his vision of a future built by a strong and confident middle class in an economy that gives us the opportunity to reap prosperity through hard work and personal responsibility. It is a vision of the future proven right by our history.
We often remind ourselves to learn the lessons of the past, lest we risk repeating its mistakes. Yet nearly as often, our short-term memory fails us. Many have already forgotten how deep and daunting our shared crisis was in the winter of 2009, as President Obama was inaugurated. It was no ordinary challenge, and the president served as the nation's calm through a historically turbulent storm.
The president's response was swift, smart and farsighted. He kept his compass pointed due north and relentlessly focused on saving jobs, creating more and helping the many who felt trapped beneath the house of cards that had collapsed upon them.
He knew we had to get people back to work as quickly as possible but he also knew that the value of a recovery lies in its durability. Short-term healing had to be paired with an economy that would stay healthy over the long run. And he knew that happens best by investing in the right places.
That last line captured my attention. If by investing in the right places, the former governor is referring to the presidents investment in Solyndra, for example, then he is sadly and grossly mistaken. In any case, Republicans in Florida seem to be utterly shocked by the timing of Governor Crists endorsement, especially Republican Party Chairman Lenny Curry who released the following press release Sunday morning:
Today we have seen a repugnant display from a self-centered, career politician. While the people of Florida, and thousands of visitors whove traveled here, are facing an emergency, Charlie Crist has demonstrated, yet again, that his political ambition will always come first.
Beyond the appalling timing of this move, Crist now professes his support for Barack Obama despite spending his entire political career bashing the political agenda that Obama advances. Crist in 2010 said I dont agree with the guy on hardly anything he does.
Crist, who declared himself a pro-life Ronald Reagan Republican, is on the record opposing the national healthcare mandate of ObamaCare. On another signature issue for Democrats, gay marriage, Charlie Crist cheerfully supported the Christian Coalitions petition calling for an amendment to Floridas Constitution banning gay marriage and civil unions.
For Crist to pull this Obama stunt while the Florida faces a hurricane only proves Charlie Crist cares about just one thing: Charlie Crist.
For what its worth, lets take a trip down memory lane, shall we? In 2009, Mr. Crist predicted that President Obama was (already!) headed for a dramatic electoral defeat in 2012. He even compared him to -- gasp -- Jimmy Carter.
People decided they wanted a change. They got one...Jimmy Carter. Four years later they took care of business. Ronald Reagan. It may happen again.
Now he's endorsed him. How pathetic. No wonder Americans have a dim view of politics.
He wants to run against Scott as a Dem in 2014.
Crist is so gay.
Well he just proves what we knew. It wasn’t about principle for him, the GOP was just the vehicle he utilised for his own ambition. I don’t doubt that there are more like him, he just got outed.
He works for attorneys Morgan and Morgan who threw a fund raising party for Obama in Heathrow some time ago. What a jerk.
There are probably many other high level Republicans waiting to make similar announcements. Maybe we should start a pool. Which high level Republicans or former high level Republicans will endorse Obama in 2012? Anyone have any selections?
He was the GOP gov who refused to meet Bush at the tarmac as protocol dictates. At least Jan Brewer who despises obambo met him at the tarmac..then blasted and lectured him in front of everyone.
WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED!
Crist is letting this fly conveniently right before the convention, of course, but also right before Isaac (which literally means “he laughs/will laugh”) blows in. Is Jesus “laughing” at Crist (and so many others?)... just an obscure thought.
As good ole boy john morgan says, “For ma wallet”. Sure don’t miss his commercials since I left central FL.
Helping keep mankind warm for 65 years.
No reason to raise your hand. Crist was always a RINO and if I remember correctly, didn’t the left, when he ran as a republican call him an extremist. Some extremist !!
Crist knows that FL pretty much is in the Romney bag.
I don’t see how he can get any mileage out of this...a democrat and a liar/fraud that the people figured out. Far worse than Akin’s statement was Crist’s entire term as governor. Kind of like a guy saying he’s a Christian when he’s really a Muslim.
I always hated this guy.
Hmmm, I guess Barry has been getting behind Charlie, so now Charlie is backing Barry.
just a professional politician - can’t make a living doing work.
This pretty much seals the deal for Romney in Florida.
Butt Brothers
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