A theory about the Crist-Meek-Clinton situation

[Divine Discontent]

I believe it's very likely this did happen last week, and Crist had pledged to back the President's agenda, but, when Crist was told it was a done deal and they were scheduling the Tue. rally where Meek would support him, the strategists realized if Meek dropped out that it was possible that many potential black voters would simply feel insulted, and thus, not come and vote for Alex Sink - thus, Rick Scott would win a close contest and Florida is EXTREMELY important to the president for 2012, and if Scott was in, it would be substantially harder to get FL again whereas all the things that the governor controls would be in the hands of a progressive-minded Democratic governor, so they pulled back. Crist is probably furious, which is why he's saying Pres. Clinton had worked a deal, and such.

Just a thought. I expect Meek's poll ratings will drop again because of this, but perhaps it is very wise after all that he sticks around since they'd rather have a Democrat get the Florida governor's mansion back. Rubio is a dangerous fascist if given the opportunity, I believe, and I know it's a hard game they're trying to figure, but I think this could work, and if it happens that Crist barely loses, oh well, it'd be better we get a Democratic governor if we only get one.

[DFLforever]

1. I would think they would have figured Meek's withdrawal

would impact the black vote from the very beginning.

I think Meek wouldn't go along with the idea and I don't blame him.

Democratic voters don't need Meek's permission to vote for Crist. They can vote for him all by themselves.

I think that is probably the best outcome both for Sink and for Crist. And at least Meek hangs on to his dignity.

[Divine Discontent]

2. yep, it just sounds like the best course of action, your point about voters making their own mind up

while Meek hangs on to his dignity for a future run remains intact. Of course, Crist will hopefully realize he doesn't need to talk about this past tomorrow, because he needs to hammer Rubio for the next 4 days and say he's the only choice that can beat him, etc... and just let it go, because saying the former President isn't telling the truth wouldn't be a wise thing for him to say.

Rubio is a fascist. Just wanting to remind anyone reading this again... and Rick Scott is a sleezeball filthy rich con artist.

[butterfly77]

16. Meeks and Debbie Wasserman Shultz are two of the..

good ones they stood on the floor many nights spelling out bush lies and told the people what they were doing when they were doing it..Go Meeks!!!

[wmbrew0206]

3. I think Meek realized what would happen if he did drop out.

Listen, I think Bill Clinton is probably one of the hardest men to say no to. The guy is great in person and can argue a point a thousand different ways. I think he had Meek convinced to take one for the team.

However, I think Meek left the meeting and realized what it would look like if he did drop out and how it would look to the voters. He probably realized it was better to go down swinging and live to fight another day than take a dive with no promise of anything in return.

[Divine Discontent]

4. hmm, I could see that also. thanks for the post. I do believe the convo did take place, and it's

either what you said, or what I said. Either way, I want Sink in as governor over Scott, more than Crist instead of Rubio. Scott as governor will be dirty as hell, especially when it comes to who runs the elections in 2012 that he would "appoint" to do their dirty work. I hope this option (Meek staying) works out for Sink and Crist, but will be happy with Sink winning against slick Rick.

[rufus dog]

5. or the most rational scenario

Crist is an opportunistic asshole who is behind and has no problem throwing Dems under the bus for personal gain.

[RockaFowler]

11. You got it

CharLIE Crist is only in this for CharLIE Crist

[wmbrew0206]

12. Well both sides have admitted that conversations took place.

[DemocraticPilgrim]

6. I don't think it would insult african americans it's a practical thing whatever empowers the

Preisdent most. Anyone can see the intentions are noble are the nubmers make sense. I think that view is from a perspective before President Obama was elected.

[angee_is_mad]

7. you r delusional

that is why the White House ain't touching this miss. Since crist was losing the rethuglicam primaries, progressives have been urging him to switch parties like spector. he didn't but quit primary and became a rethug/indie. Then those same progressives started blogging and going on pundits tshows saying that Meek should drop out.

This fiasco is going to be ALL OVER Black radio 2morrow. It is going to be talked about in church on Sunday. crist doesn't give a damn about the democratic party only about getting elected.

The big question is after tonight will blacks come out on Tuesday? if they don't, what is going to happen?

[glowing]

9. It's why so many are waiting on voting... If it looks close, I'll hold my nose and vote for

Crist.... Many people are going down dem except for Crist. Rubio is intolerable to so many people.

[Misskittycat]

8. What if they are trying to force a concession by Crist ....

as a condition to Meek dropping out in the next few days -- something like Crist publicly announcing he will caucus with the Democrats? In other words, hold the prospect of Meek dropping out as leverage for that promise.

[Divine Discontent]

14. that makes a lot of sense also.

[Misskittycat]

19. Tonight, Crist's advisers are "leaking" that he will caucus with the Dems.

Sounds like somebody is asking for a quid pro quo -- that's a refreshing change to see Dems play hardball.

[playstation]

10. "..it's very likely this did happen..."

I guess that's one way to characterize it.

-----
TRENDING: Clinton to CNN: I spoke with Meek twice

(CNN) – Former President Bill Clinton says he talked to Rep. Kendrick Meek about ending his bid for Senate twice...

-------
Clinton confirms Meek talks


In an interview with CNN, Bill Clinton appears to contradict Meek, and to confirm our account:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/28/clinton-to-cnn-i-spoke-with-meek-twice/

“He was trying to determine what was the best thing for him to do,” Clinton said in an interview with CNN’s Susan Candiotti Thursday. “I knew it was being discussed, people had discussed it on and off… it was no secret.”

Clinton said Meek did not have enough money to break through in the polls.

“He was trying to think about what was the best thing for Florida,” Clinton said.

In response to Meek's denials, Clinton offered this: “I think he should be free to say whatever he wants to say about it.... He’s the candidate, it’s his life, his choice, his decision.”

[JCMach1]

13. Kind of a pseudo-withdrawal... If it works and Meek/Clinton/Crist

were all in on it and it stops Rubio... bless them...

[Divine Discontent]

15. good phrase to call it - pseudo-withdrawal. something that shows yeah, he knows he won't win, but

he won't drop out and endanger the vote from the people that share his race, or, are deeply affectionate of his beliefs.

[enough already 2]

17. I don't believe Big Dog ever asked...

...and I don't think Meek would ever offer. He's the Democratic nominee for god's sake. Why the hell should HE drop out to accomodate a puke in sheep's clothing? No, this whole fairy tale story came from the Crist camp.

[Divine Discontent]

18. Clinton did admit saying this last week to him -

“I told him that how he proceeds was his decision to make and that I would support him regardless.”


and what "decision" would that be? obviously, backing Crist to prevent Rubio the fascist from winning. Regardless, Meek never agreed to drop out it seems, even if he asked the Big Dog what he thought would happen if he did, and Clinton said he never asked him - all of that is still possible with Meek at least asking about doing it and Clinton saying, "his decision to make and that I would support him regardless.”

[Honeycombe8]

20. Nah. The Dem Party lacked the balls to get Meek to drop out.

That's part of the Dem Party's problem. They're spineless. They couldn't even get Meek to keep his mouth shut about it.

All this has caused much harm to the state and the country and the Dem Party.

And that Meek should revel in this? Makes a person wonder...what is Meek getting out of it?

If Meek had been a Repub, the Repub Party would've gotten him out of the race for sure. They would've done whatever was necessary...whether it was to grease his palms, or to threaten him. But the Dem Party lacks the control and will to control its own members.