I just watched Gov Crist talk with Tavis Smiley about civility and respect and independence. I especially liked what he said about "the hug" with President Obama.
It's worth a watch IMO: Tavis Smiley . Shows . Gov. Charlie Crist . August 18, 2010 | PBS
Replies
25
Beach Fanatic
In a time where I am becoming more and more politcially jaded, I like this guy more and more...
Good listen...
Good listen...
SoWal Expert
In a time where I am becoming more and more politcially jaded, I like this guy more and more...
Good listen...
Oh me too! I had to break the news to the Meek and Green robocallers that I might have committed to the independent guy.
Oh, and Jeff Green's people- I willl let out a blood-curdling scream in the ear of the next tool that calls our house. Once call is fine- I think we are on 8 or 9 now.
SoWal Insider
In a time where I am becoming more and more politcially jaded, I like this guy more and more...
Good listen...
I think he'd be ok in the roll. I'd rather have someone who I knew better though, you really don't know what you get with Charlie until you see it. But overall he's done a fair job as governor, so if he won, I wouldn't be upset. I would like for him to commit to which party he would caucus with however, before the race ends. That's going to be pretty critical with an evenly split Senate.
Beach Fanatic
A while back I was saying that the day is near when we can and will elect a POTUS who is from neither party. After I listened to this interview today I thought-
Holy Moly- what if it was Charlie?
What if the same political climate that could very well take a FL Republican and turn him into a successful independent US Senator ended up later providing a path straight to the white house?
At first read this might sound ridonkulous, but think about it for a bit and let me know your thoughts.
Humor me and rather than posting why you would support this or why you would be against it, share what you believe all the dynamics would need to be for it to actually happen.
Holy Moly- what if it was Charlie?
What if the same political climate that could very well take a FL Republican and turn him into a successful independent US Senator ended up later providing a path straight to the white house?
At first read this might sound ridonkulous, but think about it for a bit and let me know your thoughts.
Humor me and rather than posting why you would support this or why you would be against it, share what you believe all the dynamics would need to be for it to actually happen.
Beach FanaticAuthor
A while back I was saying that the day is near when we can and will elect a POTUS who is from neither party. After I listened to this interview today I thought-
Holy Moly- what if it was Charlie?
What if the same political climate that could very well take a FL Republican and turn him into a successful independent US Senator ended up later providing a path straight to the white house?
At first read this might sound ridonkulous, but think about it for a bit and let me know your thoughts.
Humor me and rather than posting why you would support this or why you would be against it, share what you believe all the dynamics would need to be for it to actually happen.
I am thinking he is the "leading edge" of some moderate politicians who will find just what he said in the clip--that the people are sick to death of both the Rs and the Ds as they are presenting themselves currently, and want someone who will "do the right thing" and behave like civil adults who show respect not only to the President but to each other and the people they represent.
I think if he wins the Senate seat then others of the same ilk as he will follow suit and we will see the dynamics of the system change--it may be confusing and untidy at first, but then, it might turn out to be much better.
Our government can not function well in this gridlock and it's hard to say who is more "beholden" to the special interests-- Ds and Rs, fit that definition equally.
So, I think we will see more people following his lead if he wins and then we will see the current group scrambling to see where they fit. ..and some of them will not know how to function in a system that does not follow the "status quo" . I think he has a good chance of taking the seat and I do not think he will decide to caucus with either party--he will hold on to his independence. He is making a statement and I think he will see it through once he's elected. All pure speculation, of course; it will be interesting to see it evolve. Who knows what may happen--there will be better information after the primary.
Edited
Beach FanaticAuthor
Independents grow in Florida voter rolls
This seems to support thoughts above...
"If these independents do well in Florida, you can guarantee that it will be a model that is transported to other states," MacManus said. "That is one of the reasons that Florida is so intriguing to political movers and shakers outside the state. They want to know, 'Will these independent candidates prove successful?'"
This seems to support thoughts above...
Edited
SoWal Expert
I would vote for an Independent just to piss off/reduce the influence of the Democratic and Republican party machines.
Beach FanaticAuthor
looks as though many feel that way, Scooter...may be what it takes for the Ds and Rs to get their acts together.
SoWal Expert
looks as though many feel that way, Scooter...may be what it takes for the Ds and Rs to get their acts together.
After the kajillionth call from Jeff Green's computers today, I can't wait to vote for Christ in November. Kind of like the GOP gubernatorial choices (McCollum or Scott? please they are both ridiculous), I feel the same way with Meek and Green (once again is this the best the Dems could do?)- I didn't have decent choices in my party, but I am OK with supporting a candidate outside the party.
Beach Fanatic
Thanks Goodwatch, finally, a speck of sanity and decency in politics.
It's a miracle.
One light in the midst of a dark sky is still stronger than the darkness.
I say start a bonfire.
Gov. Crist seemed to have an epiphany of sorts.
Lately I've been watching news reports that usually make me flip the channel in a New York second, but have noticed men in politics with genuine interest in doing the right thing because they were concerned for people- I was shocked.
It wasn't the fake yeah yeah I go to church, etc., watch me hug this starving child thing.
My daughter laughs at the ridiculous campaign ads where one is verbally slashing the throat of another. She adds her own version of what they are saying by making comments like:"This candidate cheated on a test when he was in the ninth grade and wore polyester repeatedly."
This Dem/ Rep battle is so toddler.
Big hug to the people in politics and out who are making a difference.
It's a miracle.
One light in the midst of a dark sky is still stronger than the darkness.
I say start a bonfire.
Gov. Crist seemed to have an epiphany of sorts.
Lately I've been watching news reports that usually make me flip the channel in a New York second, but have noticed men in politics with genuine interest in doing the right thing because they were concerned for people- I was shocked.
It wasn't the fake yeah yeah I go to church, etc., watch me hug this starving child thing.
My daughter laughs at the ridiculous campaign ads where one is verbally slashing the throat of another. She adds her own version of what they are saying by making comments like:"This candidate cheated on a test when he was in the ninth grade and wore polyester repeatedly."
This Dem/ Rep battle is so toddler.
Big hug to the people in politics and out who are making a difference.
SoWal Insider
WTH are you people smoking? You do realize he's doing and saying whatever he can to get elected right? Do you honestly believe he'll represent *you* in Washington? If you do, IMHO you've been snookered.
Beach Fanatic
WTH are you people smoking? You do realize he's doing and saying whatever he can to get elected right? Do you honestly believe he'll represent *you* in Washington? If you do, IMHO you've been snookered.
I have been fooled before, but someone cannot keep up a front forever.
If he is up to something it will come out sooner or later.
That was a funny reaction- I'm entertained.
SoWal Insider
I just don't trust the guy. Maybe I'm paranoid. 
Beach Fanatic
I just don't trust the guy. Maybe I'm paranoid.
I think it's good to question, there's nothing wrong with that.
After all, politicians are guilty until proven innocent.
Banned
WTH are you people smoking? You do realize he's doing and saying whatever he can to get elected right? Do you honestly believe he'll represent *you* in Washington? If you do, IMHO you've been snookered.
No, you've been snookered into thinking you have a better grasp of things than the average Joe. Carry on with your self-flagellation.
SoWal Expert
looks as though many feel that way, Scooter...may be what it takes for the Ds and Rs to get their acts together.
They really need to wake up - I don't think they realize just how P.O.'d the voters are.
Papa Scooterbug is really upset - that takes a lot! He's mainly Republican, but is tired of all the nonsense, the just trying to make the Dems look bad, and not getting anything done.
He only cares about one local race - the rest of them he is just voting against the incumbent. Even though he knows they may not be the best choice, he just wants new people in to break the cycle.
And the news media is also on his list - he wants news, not an entertainment/ratings agenda.
Beach Fanatic
WTH are you people smoking? You do realize he's doing and saying whatever he can to get elected right? Do you honestly believe he'll represent *you* in Washington? If you do, IMHO you've been snookered.
There is an element of that (he is a politico). But that said, when he was still a republican I witnessed him vote for what was right despite/in spite of his affiliation on more than one occasion.
SO if he is going to govern reasonably then I won't fault him for using that as a selling point.
We need moderates who vote on an issue by issue basis irrespective of the drastic right or left turns the political parties will have us believe is the way to go.
SoWal Insider
There is an element of that (he is a politico). But that said, when he was still a republican I witnessed him vote for what was right despite/in spite of his affiliation on more than one occasion.
SO if he is going to govern reasonably then I won't fault him for using that as a selling point.
We need moderates who vote on an issue by issue basis irrespective of the drastic right or left turns the political parties will have us believe is the way to go.
Wish Shelly was still here, I'm sure she'd/he'd have some commentary to add. When I imagine Charlie in the senate, I try to guess how he'd vote on certain key issues. Healthcare for example, I imagine he'd vote like Boyd did. TARP, he'd have voted for it. I also wonder how he'd vote on things like Afghanistan and Iraq? It's those unknowns that have me concerned about him as a leader at the national level.
Beach Fanatic
Wish Shelly was still here, I'm sure she'd/he'd have some commentary to add. When I imagine Charlie in the senate, I try to guess how he'd vote on certain key issues. Healthcare for example, I imagine he'd vote like Boyd did. TARP, he'd have voted for it. I also wonder how he'd vote on things like Afghanistan and Iraq? It's those unknowns that have me concerned about him as a leader at the national level.
I find it absolutely refreshing that you don't know ahead of time if a politico is going to vote the party line.
Here's a novel idea- let's get a Senator in there who will vote on an issue by issue basis. If the bill stinks and is bad for FL then don't vote for it and who cares what the politcial parties are going with.
I don't understand how it makes sense to the masses that you are either a Democrat or a Republican. How can it be that if I feel a certain way about say- immigration that I predictably feel a certain way about banking regulation, the environment, abortion, taxes, etc. etc.
It is totally unnatural.
The political parties didn't gain prominence because folks were already hardwired to take predictable positions on complex disparate issues. The political parties gained prominence because they set the agenda and make folks think the way they want them to.
I am fascinated by the number of folks who are staunch loyal supporters of a political party that effectively legislates in the manner opposite of what would benefit them the most.
Beach FanaticAuthor
I
It is totally unnatural.
I am fascinated by the number of folks who are staunch loyal supporters of a political party that effectively legislates in the manner opposite of what would benefit them the most.[/QUOTE]
Me too--I will never understand it.
Edited
SoWal Insider
I find it absolutely refreshing that you don't know ahead of time if a politico is going to vote the party line.
Here's a novel idea- let's get a Senator in there who will vote on an issue by issue basis. If the bill stinks and is bad for FL then don't vote for it and who cares what the politcial parties are going with.
I don't understand how it makes sense to the masses that you are either a Democrat or a Republican. How can it be that if I feel a certain way about say- immigration that I predictably feel a certain way about banking regulation, the environment, abortion, taxes, etc. etc.
It is totally unnatural.
The political parties didn't gain prominence because folks were already hardwired to take predictable positions on complex disparate issues. The political parties gained prominence because they set the agenda and make folks think the way they want them to.
I am fascinated by the number of folks who are staunch loyal supporters of a political party that effectively legislates in the manner opposite of what would benefit them the most.
I respect the hail out of people who don't vote based on what they'll personally get out of it. Those folks are more interested in standing on their own two feet vs. leaning on government to stand straight. The more people voting simply based on the idea that we are responsible for our own lives and welfare, then better off we'll all be.
SoWal Expert
I respect people who research and analyze each vote - then vote for what is best for their constituents and our country as a whole.
Politicians who vote the party line or based on their lobbyist contributions regardless of what is the right thing to do for their district can take a long walk off a short pier.
Politicians who vote the party line or based on their lobbyist contributions regardless of what is the right thing to do for their district can take a long walk off a short pier.
Beach Fanatic
I just hope the next time Charlie Crist shows up for an event in SoWal he isn't hung over like he was for the Chamber event and has to leave early.
Beach Fanatic
Just watched Charlie on CNN's State of the Union. What a bummer. I expected to see the guy from the TS interview. The guy I just saw is evidently trying to play to the whole poitical continuum by refusing to take a stand anywhere. I'll try to find a link. Anyone else see it? Thoughts?
SoWal Expert
You got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.
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