just to keep it straigh in the florida senate race

[SwampG8r]

crist is the turd in the punchbowl
i know a lot of yall think hes all "better" than rubio
but he isnt
they are interchangeable
if anyone is trying to tell you meek is the "spoiler" please
remind them he is the ELECTED representative of the Democratic Party in florida
crist is the spoiler as his vote theft will enable his crony to win

thanks for your time

[gateley]

1. So it's gonna be Rubio. I understand what you're saying about Crist, but the

thought of Rubio in the Senate scares me much more than that of Crist. Crist is just a slimy politician whose main goal is to get elected/re-elected, whereas I feel Rubio is a despicable, evil person. But I'm on the opposite corner of the contiguous US, so my observations aren't from first hand experience.

[Tony_FLADEM]

2. I live in Florida and I'm voting for Crist

After the Republican party practically kicked Crist out of the party I doubt he will caucus with them.

In order to win in Florida you need independents to vote for you.

Independent voters are not voting for Democrats this year, therefore Charlie Crist has the best chance at defeating Rubio.

I don't agree with all of Crist's positions on the issues but you can at least negotiate with him.

I am pragmatic and try to make the best of each political situation.

[caledesi]

4. tampa here...voting for crist...here's why

- i hate rubio (don't want to be a DUMB state)
- crist is sane
- crist is against drilling
- crist does not believev that women should be obligated to watch a sonargram before they decdide on abortion

- the RWs kicked him out of the party for hugging Obama

CRIST WILL JUMP!

[monmouth]

7. West Palm Beach here...voting for Crist for all of the above reasons given...n/t

[elleng]

13. I think he'll jump, too, because he IS sane.

Might be part of small group of 'former' repugs we could rely on for sanity, like R.I.'s Chafee.

[elleng]

10. Noreaster here, glad to see some DUers saying this.

Have always liked Meek, and feel sorry that he's in this position, but he is and so are we, so if I were there, I'd go Crist too.

[Dr.Phool]

47. Tampa area, already voted for Crist via absentee.

I hated Jim Davis, who was the Democrat who ran against Crist for Governor. And I know Davis personally. I voted for Davis anyway, Dino that he was. Supported bankruptcy "reform", Patriot Act, etc.

I ain't holding my nose anymore.

Fuck Rubio!

[Tony_FLADEM]

55. I'm in Pinellas County as well

I voted for Jim Davis as well. I met him back in 2000 at an event for Al Gore.

[The Northerner]

3. If I were a FL DUer, my vote would ONLY go to Meek, the Democrat

And never that Reagan-loving, anti-choice, repuke dressed as an independent moderate.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[catgirl]

26. Same here n/t

[BlueMTexpat]

49. Same here. n/t

[Sancho]

6. Meek can't win in Florida...

I'm not a Crist fan, but I'd rather write in Atilla the Hun than Rubio. Our only hope is that Rubio's credit card scandal or something will turn up big -but even if it did Crist would win.

[DrDan]

8. have you looked at them in terms of issues? or just in terms of partisan politics?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

9. Crist Was And Is A Pragmatist

To me a pragmatist is preferable to Jeb Bush's protege and Tea Party darling but what do I know?

I do know Meek is going to come in a distant third.

Whether someone thinks Crist is or isn't poaching votes from Meek isn't it odd Meek can't even garner enough indy and Democratic votes to come in second. After all he is the Democratic nominee.

[DrDan]

11. I never thought being a pragmatist was totally bad - after all, don't you

want a politician that listens to their constituents and takes action based on what they hear?

To say someone is poll-driven doesn't totally bother me.

****************

listening to and appeasing special interests? . . . now that's a different story

[DemocratSinceBirth]

14. It's Not For Love Of Crist But Fear Of Rubio That Some Left Of Center Folks Are Supporting Him

The last time a Democrat ran for the Florida Senate seat in this environment Hugh Rodham got 33% of the vote.

The political and economic environment in Florida for Democrats is horrible. Meek would have to be perfect just to be in a competitive race, let alone win, and he is not.

[DrDan]

15. tell me about it - lived here for 28 years

[DemocratSinceBirth]

16. The Fact That Alex Sink And Rick Scott Are Running Neck And Neck Should Tell Folks Something

Rick Scott "took the Fifth" fifteen times in a Medicare fraud investigation and he's competitive.

I really don't see how any sentient person can say Meek can win in a low turnout mid term election with a wind at his face. It's childlike thinking.

[benlurkin]

19. How do you REALLY know what Crist is?

3 months ago he was a loyal republican, 3 years ago he was a loyal republican under the (Jeb) Bush administration . He has a republican record.

He is an opportunist who will stab you in the back. But he thanks to all of you who will vote for him in November.

(Disclaimer: I will be voting in FL via absentee ballot)

[DemocratSinceBirth]

20. I Know He Isn't Rubio. I Know He Isn't Part Of The Bush Machine

My vote is immaterial. Meek will come in a distant third, with or without my vote.

The political and economic environment for Democrats is toxic.

[flyarm]

36. and the supposed Dem we had running in the Primary against Meek was a former Repuke..

who ran for office in California as a Repuke..and yet he ran as a primary opponent to Meek in the DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY.

We in Florida have seen over and over again, republicans run as Democrats. We have also seen our Democratic money go to those candidates by both our State Party and the National party! While great Dem's got no money or help from the State Democratic Party nor the National Democratic party!

It has been done over and over again ..in Florida.

We have had Republicans register as Candidates, the last day of registration to run ..change their party affiliation to Democrats and primary great Dem's and they ..not the real Democrats got the Party (both state and national) money and support.

So please spare us the indignation now.

[Bluenorthwest]

23. A Pragmatist? Do you know what that means?

Crist said Palin was ready to be President, and he stood on stage chanting 'drill baby drill' with her.
Do you agree with your candidate about Palin? Would you campaign with her for Crist? Are you a 'drill baby drill' proponent?
Crist is a Republican. I do not vote for Republicans. Meek is a Democrat, and we as a Party seek majority.
Florida to the nation: we are of no help to you, make your own majority, we are stuck in the 1950's....

[DemocratSinceBirth]

43. My Candidate-LOL

I was in Buddy McKay's Ocala mansion when he lost to Connie Mack by 50,000 votes after ABC declared him the winner. Look up the race. I have worked on several Democratic statewide races.

All I am saying is that Meek is a weak candidate in a state that tilts Republican in a year when Republicans are poised to make gains nationwide. Meek is fortunate that Crist is running so he will have someone to blame when he comes in third.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

45. Bookmark This Post

I never instructed anyone to vote for Crist. I just commented on the structure of the race, having lived in Florida for forty years, having received a graduate degree in political science from a Florida university, and having worked on several statewide races.

Florida is a tough nut for Democrats. The state congressional delegation is majority Republican and Republicans have a near veto proof majority in the state senate. President Obama has a disapproval rating of 56% in Florida. The last time the political environment was this bad for Democrats and a Democrat was in the White House the Democratic senate candidate lost 67% -33%

[SwampG8r]

48. you have made a very accurate assesment of florida politics

i have to say most likely you are right
when you add the racial element in the panhandle area i agree meek has a very large fight ahead
i just would rather we helped him if we can and not a GOP shill

[BlueMTexpat]

50. +1! n/t

[DemocratSinceBirth]

51. President Obama Won Florida

But it was a "Democratic" year in a high turnout election. Mid terms historically have lower turnouts

I really don't think Meek's race is a determining factor as Democrats and Republicans running in "bad" years for their political parties in Florida have been similarly drubbed. See Hugh Rodham (D) and Cruella Harris (R).

To win Florida , a Democrat has to win huge in South Florida, be competitive in Central Florida, and limit his or her losses in North Florida.

I don't want to be misconstrued. Florida is not a red state like its neighbors but Republicans always have an easier go of it.

Dems might as well vote for Meek but he's doomed to come in third. He seems like a nice enough guy but he's running in a bad year.

P.S. In fairness to Charlie he's in the mess he is now because he abandoned Jeb Bush's (k)onservative governing policies and publicly embraced President Obama and the stimulus. This drove the yahoos crazy and propelled Rubio. Also, Charlie passed a law that allowed felons who served their time to vote. The law prohibiting rehabilitated felons from voting fell disproportionately on African Americans. If there wasn't the scrubbing of the Florida voter rolls in 2000 for felons; many of whom weren't George Bush would have lost Florida and the election.

Also, don't be surprised if a Florida win doesn't propel Rubio into the national spotlight. He's smooth. He espouses the Teabagger philosophy without scaring the normal folk.

[SwampG8r]

58. he just started his ads here today

yes he is trying for a sensible look
i wont let charlie off my list of bush friends because i have seen too much tricky shit from them (bushs)for too long to dismiss it
i myself feel if he goes charlie will let the dust settle and caucus with the winner al a lieberman
what i stil cant understand here in rocket city is why the locals are so anti obama when he has kept the cape open waaaaaaaay past its usefullness
people are just stupid i think

[Freddie Stubbs]

30. Crist claims to be a 'Jeb Bush Repblican':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN7ZQDqzaOg&feature=player_embedded#!

[flyarm]

37. Crist is hated by Jeb..Rubio is Jeb's creation to get back at Crist, because Crist

would not support Jeb's ideology or his rule ..even while Jeb is out of office.

Crist is one of the first people in Fla to stand up against The Jeb/Bush crime machine..Rubio is Jeb's retribution to get back at Crist, for Crist supporting Obama's stimulous Plan and Money.
Yes..Crist stood up for Obama's plan..that was what set Jeb off to push Rubio against Crist.

Because Crist supported Obama!

[DemocratSinceBirth]

12. How Is Rubio Crist's Crony?

Rubio was mentored by none other than John Ellis Bush who resented the fact that Crist abandoned a lot of his (k)onservative policies.

[kdmorris]

17. Rubio is a completely insane corrupt nutjob

Crist is a Republican. There is a difference between the two (though so often lately, Republican and completely insane corrupt nutjob are the same thing). I have no idea what the Florida Democratic leadership was thinking in putting all their support behind Meek. We did manage to avoid a Greene disaster, but my number 1 priority is keeping Rubio out of that seat. If that means that I have to suck it up and vote for Crist (who I don't like either), then that is what I will do.

So often lately, our elections come down to having to vote against something rather than getting to vote FOR something. Right now, I still plan on voting for Meek, but the further he falls in the polls and the more likely it becomes that Rubio will win... the more likely it is that I will be forced to throw my vote to the only person that can keep Rubio out of that seat, even if I HATE that idea. From my point of view, that's what the Florida Democratic Leadership has forced me to do.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

18. The Way It Looks You Might As Well Vote For Meek

I think a Crist-Rubio race would have been competitive. Rubio would have always thrashed Meek in this environment. But Meek will get just enough Democratic support to prevent Crist from winning.

Ironically, a Greene primary win would have been the best outcome to stop Rubio. It would have been easier for Democrats to abandon him.

[kdmorris]

27. That truly is irony

A three way Republican race... what a mess this is. At least if your scenario comes to pass (and it looks like we get Rubio no matter what), at least I can vote for Meek and not feel as badly.

What the hell was our leadership thinking with Meek? They are the whole reason that we are in this mess.

[Bluenorthwest]

22. When you vote for Crist and help elect Rubio

Will you regret your plan? All your sort of voter will accomplish is giving first and second place to the Republicans, Crist and Rubio have both endorsed Palin for President, Crist stood on stage with her chanting 'drill, baby, drill'. And you can vote for that? Drill baby drill is in your acceptable lexicon?
Florida Democrats are not like the Democrats I know in life. We vote Democratic.

[kdmorris]

28. I love it when you post on DU

and you get this kind of crap in return.

The only way I vote for Crist is if I'm sure that it will actually keep Rubio out. Both are Republicans, yes. BUT Rubio is a nutjob. A real first class nutjob and is much, much worse than Crist (who is much, much worse than Meek).

Sorry if I don't conform to your rigorous purity test. This whole Senate race has been disastrous for Democrats in Florida and it's pretty fucking hard for most of us who live in this state. While Crist may have said Drill Baby Drill, as our governor, he didn't. His positions have shifted quite a bit.

I wish I could live with your simplistic view of life where everything is so black and while and all your decisions are dictated to you so that you are not required to actually think.

[Bluenorthwest]

32. Drill Baby, Drill! Palin is Presidential!

If you call voting for Democrats over Palin supporters 'purity' well, what can I say, enjoy voting for Chralie "Drill Baby Drill" Crist. Instead of the Democratic candidate. Hope you get a Chris Matthews type tingle up the leg and everything!
When Crist said drill baby drill, he was your governor. He stood on national TV chanting along with Mooselini. As the Governor of Florida. He said Palin was ready to be President, and you are seconding him on that. Congrats.
If my advocacy for Democrats bothers you, alert on me. The definition of 'Democrat' is a person who votes for Democrats. I'm a Democrat.
Your personal attacks on me for supporting a Democrat on a Democratic board are charming. Characterizations and adjectives and snark. Because I do not support Recent Republican Rejects. What's that about? Seems really defensive to me. Also, not very persuasive.

[flyarm]

38. Our Democratic president also said DRILL BABY DRILL approx 3 weeks before the BP Gusher!

go look it up!

He went against his campaign promises to Democrats In Fla. approx 3 weeks before the BP OIL gusher in the Gulf..Obama opened up millions of offshore miles of oil drilling!

The same day there were democratic and Activist protests against Newdt coming to our state wanting more drilling..Obama did a presser opening up millions of miles of offshore drilling!

It was a huge embarrassment for Dems in Fla and activists both scientific and environmental activists, who work so hard to protect our once pristine shorelines ...when Obama decided to open up, not just the Gulf, but to sandwich our state with offshore drilling, both in the Gulf and in the Atlantic Oceans..to sandwich 2/3rds of our state with offshore drilling....

The protests of Newdt were in process when the word came that Obama was doing a press conference opening up drilling on both coasts of Florida!

I still have the front page newspaper of the protest and One sign that was put together fast.. slamming Obama for what he was doing as the protest was going on against Newdt!

[kdmorris]

44. I wasn't trying to pursuade you

so, mission accomplished.

democrat
- 6 dictionary results
dem·o·crat
   /ˈdɛməˌkræt/ Show Spelled Show IPA
–noun
1. an advocate of democracy.
2. a person who believes in the political or social equality of all people.
3. ( initial capital letter ) Politics .
a. member of the Democratic party.
b. a member of the Democratic-Republican party.
4. Also called democrat wagon. a high, lightweight, horse-drawn wagon, usually having two seats.

I never said I was voting for Crist, so your personal attacks are unwarranted, but "the definition of 'Democrat' is a person who votes for Democrats." is simply not a true statement.

When Obama said we were opening up the Gulf for further drilling (basically "Drill Baby Drill", he was my president, and yours, too. Are you planning on NOT voting for him because of that mistake? Or is it OK that he said it because he's a Democrat?

[Bluenorthwest]

21. Democrats vote for Democrats

Crist stood on the stage with Palin chanting 'drill baby drill' and yet some have the stones to claim he's not Teaish. Crist said Palin was ready to be President. Anyone who can vote for that man is far to the right, way over by Palin.
Those who claim the ability to predict the future are obviously overstating their abilities. Those who make that claim are spouting falsehoods.
The Democratic candidate is Meek. The Republican is Rubio. The Recent Republican Reject is Crist. Personally, I am a Democrat, I do not see Palin as Presidential, and I do not stand with Charlie Crist.

[DCBob]

24. All politicians say stuff for political expediency.. and BTW, he was a Repub back then.. remember?

What choice did he have? I think Crist is actually a liberal at heart but was stuck being in the Republican party which was turning more and more conservative. Not an easy situation for moderates in the GOP.

[Bluenorthwest]

34. Crist is still a Republican. A Republican Reject!

And sorry but I do not share your empathy for the poor alleged 'moderates' in the GOP. They should leave that Party. I am happy that it is a strain for the less nutty Republicans to stick with them. I hope it becomes untenable for them. I have no desire to ease the burden of Republicans.
Yeah, Bob, it is not me that is forgetting that Crist is a Republican, it is me who is reminding voters that he is a Palin 'Drill baby Drill' Republican, much like the Republican who beat him for the Republican nomination.

[DCBob]

41. "They should leave that Party." -- Crist did leave the party.. several months ago..

or are you unaware of that too?

[RockaFowler]

25. Thank you

Like I wrote above - this is DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND. Not Crist Underground. He's a Repuke. Just because he says he's independent now, doesn't mean he'll stay independent. Chain-Gang Charlie is all for himself. Always has been. That's why I have never voted for him and I never will. As he said in 2006 - "I'm a Jeb Bush Republican". Yes you are Charlie and I can't believe people here are endorsing that.

[COLGATE4]

29. Tampa Bay area (Riverview) here - voting for Crist

I don't believe Meek has the chance of the proverbial snowball in hell. He's a nice enough guy, but, for one, his advertising has been ZERO. I've seen exactly ONE Meek ad, compared to dozens for Rubio. Crist to my way of thinking is no worse for us than any number of our famous Blue Dogs, and potentially better. After all, Charlie knows who pissed on him to put him in the position of having to run as a third party candidate. I think he'd be a hell of a lot more reliable for us than LIEberman or Ben Nelson. I sure as hell DON'T want Rubio.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

31. I whole heartedly agree. I don't know why people are drinking the turd-laden kool-aid!

[PopSixSquish]

33. Is Everyone SO SURE That Crist Will Caucus with the Democrats in the Senate?

Are you so sure that he won't go back to his buddies on the Repub side, particularly if control of the Senate is at stake and McConnell et al come begging with all kinds of sweets?

My mother who worked in higher education in Florida for years and who knows the score, says that Charlie Crist is out for only Charlie Crist. Always has been, always will be.

Careful what you wish for folks, because you just might get it...

[totodeinhere]

39. I think he would caucus with the highest bidder. And we know that the pukes are good at buying

politicians off.

[Umbral]

35. So in this year's Florida election, the Democratic candidate is being painted as the Ralph Nader?

Now isn't that just special.

[SwampG8r]

42. correct

you hit it
i didnt think of it and i thank you
in this race meek is being painted as nader

[ibegurpard]

56. yeah, go figure

[vaberella]

40. I agree. People on DU forget what the D stands for at times. n/t

[Malikshah]

46. You. are. wrong.

Rubio is by no mean interchangeable with Crist. I think Crist is an opportunist of the worst order. He will even lie to himself and his "wife" to succeed.
Rubio is not so much an opportunist but a crook and an rather unhinged one at that. Neither will do good by Florida, but as long as the "Democratic machine" down here in FL continue their efforts at Stockholm syndrome things will stay the same.

For me, this election is about getting Sink in office over the crypt keeper and getting Fair District amendments passed.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

52. Crist's Sexual Orientation

Who knows? But if he really is gay he won't be the first gay man to want for "straight privilege" and all the benefits it entails.

[Malikshah]

53. He knows. As do those around him. The fact that he went along with the

bigotry and oppression in order to get by for so many years is testament to his opportunism.

Changing his ways now, in order to get ahead further merely underscores that he is not be trusted.

Shame on him.

[golfguru]

54. Florida is Toast

So long as Crist and Meek both remain in the race, Rubio wins by 10 points.
I will bet 90% of black voters in FL will pull the lever for Meek, same as
they did for Obama. Which guarantees Rubio the win.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/01/AR2010100104208.html

[angee_is_mad]

57. kick

and recommend!!