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Election Preview: Charlie Crist, The People’s Governor?
October 19, 2014
Editor’s note: This is part of a series of articles from The News Service of Florida, which will include an upcoming story about Rick Scott. This is not an endorsement for any one candidate or party.
It takes at least half an hour to walk down the block with Charlie Crist.
It’s not because the trim, 58-year-old is slow. But a stroll down the street with the former Republican governor, now trying to get his old job back as a Democrat, exhibits Crist’s strongest assets as a candidate.
He glad-hands with store owners, pedestrians and drivers stuck at a stop light. He poses for pictures. He asks about their jobs, their children and their hobbies. With a knitted brow, he listens to their stories. He writes down his cell phone number on the back of a business card if they say they need help. He makes them feel that they matter.
Friends and foes agree Crist is the quintessential pol.
“He is a consummate politician, particularly in the sense that most politicians are actors,” said J.M. “Mac” Stipanovich, a GOP consultant and lobbyist who has known Crist for 25 years and has supported him in every election — until now.
“His social sensors are extremely highly developed. In any situation, he immediately knows the role he has to play in order to please. Then he plays that role flawlessly. It’s intuitive. It’s almost instantaneous. And then, knowing his audience, he knows exactly how to act out his role,” Stipanovich said.
That Zelig-like quality has also made the Republican-turned-independent-turned-Democrat a subject of ridicule from critics, especially those at GOP headquarters.
At an event in his hometown of St. Petersburg where Crist formally announced he was entering the race for governor as a Democrat a year ago, Republican Party of Florida staffers handed out fans bearing Crist’s visage on both sides.
“Charlie Crist is a fan of whatever you want him to be,” the fans — blue on one side, red on the other — read. The gag was just a taste of a bitter battle waged over the past year by the Republican Party, whose leaders view Crist as an apostate. Incumbent Gov. Rick Scott, his backers and the party have reportedly planned to spend up to $100 million, as they paint Crist as an untrustworthy flip-flopper.
Less than three weeks before the Nov. 4 election, the soft-spoken Crist, who often refers to himself as “a live-and-let-live kind of guy,” seemed unfazed by the assaults.
In an interview, Crist said he is confident he can defeat Scott “by going to people in person and having the chance to reacquaint them with my heart and what I care about, which is them.”
As witnessed during a sidewalk promenade or at one of the many black churches he’s visited on Sundays for the past few months, Crist appears to genuinely enjoy something many politicians hate — campaigning.
“I think it’s nice that a person who’s in politics actually likes people. He enjoys retail campaigning. He enjoys politics. He enjoys governing, but I think he enjoys politics as much as anything. I think it’s refreshing when a guy actually likes to mix it up with his constituents,” said Brian Ballard, an influential Republican lobbyist and fundraiser who once raised money for Crist and is now doing the same for Scott.
Campaigning is an activity that Crist, who registered as a Democrat in 2012, has engaged in throughout his two decades in public office, even during the rare times when he wasn’t seemingly running for office.
“Charlie Crist — a lifelong Republican, Reagan conservative — can go to a black church and preach with the appropriate cadence and applaud with the appropriate rhythm and be as tactile and as huggy as anyone in the building. He can drive across town and go to a Republican women’s club and knock the ball out of the park just as easily. And would do both if he thought there were votes both places,” Stipanovich said.
A protégé of former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack, Crist started his two decade-long political career as a Republican when he was elected in 1992 to the Florida Senate, where he served six years before an unsuccessful bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Bob Graham.
Crist then racked up a series of statewide victories, starting with a two-year stint as education commissioner, which became an appointed position two years after he won the seat. In 2002, Crist — a lawyer who flunked the Bar exam twice — was elected attorney general. Four years later, Crist sailed into the governor’s office, defeating Democrat Jim Davis by a seven-point margin.
He never sought a second term as attorney general or governor, another point of ridicule for Crist critics.
A bachelor during his first two years in the governor’s mansion, “The People’s Governor” — a moniker Crist still clings to — could frequently be seen shopping at a nearby Publix supermarket, earplug-wearing bodyguards in tow. Carrying a green plastic basket, often filled with just Crist’s trademark Red Bull and a pre-packaged salad, the governor would turn on the charm for the cashier, holding out his hand and introducing himself as “Charlie.”
The rail-thin Crist’s eating habits — he eats but one meal a day — is also a source of ribbing, and of frustration for campaign workers and staff, who often go hungry on the campaign trail, and even, at one time, for the chef at the Governor’s Mansion.
Crist’s culinary tastes are just one of the quirks drawing derision from detractors.
An avid fisherman who lives in a condominium overlooking the water in downtown St. Petersburg, Crist’s George Hamilton-esque, golden-brown appearance earned him the nickname “The Tan Man.” Crist — an admitted sun lover who once jetted around St. Petersburg in a yellow convertible Mustang — laughs off the handle. He says his Greek heritage is responsible for his bronze look.
The ubiquitous miniature fan inevitably found at Crist’s feet beneath the podium is another source of teasing. At a recent event in Panama City, Crist was cooled by not one but three fans as he delivered remarks to the NAACP’s Florida conference.
Tan, fan and food aside, the most obvious target for critics is the decision by Crist, who reportedly made Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s shortlist as a potential running-mate in 2008, to abandon the GOP in a quest for the U.S. Senate in 2010. Crist ran as an independent against Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Kendrick Meek.
Without a party backing him, Crist earned 30 percent of the vote — 10 percent more than Meek — but was handily outstripped by former state House Speaker Rubio, whose 49 percent victory sent him to Washington.
Two years later, Crist revealed his registration as a Democrat at a White House Christmas party, where he was accompanied by his wife, Carole.
The Crists were married in 2008 — Crist was also married briefly in his early 20s — at the Vinoy Renaissance Resort in the former governor’s hometown, which he affectionately calls “The ‘Burg.”
Since then, Crist has been fiercely protective of his wife, who periodically accompanies him on the campaign trail but who is reportedly a major, behind-the-scenes force.
One of the more memorable moments of the Crist wedding featured a boozy Jim Greer, hand-picked by Crist to chair the Republican Party of Florida, who took the stage to belt out several Elvis Presley songs. Greer later pleaded guilty to four counts of grand theft and one count of money laundering and served an 18-month prison sentence. In a salacious tell-all released this summer, Greer excoriated his former pal Crist as a backstabber who would do practically anything to climb to the top of the political heap.
Crist maintains that he knew nothing of Greer’s wrongdoing.
Courting Florida Democrats for more than a year, Crist — a onetime “Reagan Republican” who as a state senator sponsored legislation requiring inmates to serve 85 percent of their prison time and at one time embraced the nickname “Chain Gang Charlie” — repeatedly invokes the mantra that “I didn’t leave my party, my party left me.”
His memoir, released this summer, is titled “The Party’s Over: How the Extreme Right Hijacked the GOP and I Became a Democrat.”
Crist points to his record bucking his own GOP as chief of state to demonstrate support for causes more aligned with his new party than the one he dumped.
One of his first actions as governor was to make it easier for convicted felons to get their rights restored, including the right to vote. He issued an executive order forcing polls to stay open later during the 2008 presidential election after reports of voters waiting in long lines to cast their ballots. He vetoed legislation that would have forced women to have ultrasounds before getting abortions, a measure later passed by the GOP-dominated Legislature and signed by Scott. In his final year in office, Crist inflamed Republicans when he axed a bill that would have done away with teacher tenure.
This year, Crist apologized to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community for his previous support of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in Florida.
He’s made increased education funding and the environment two of his top campaign priorities.
“All we need is somebody to lead with common sense again. That’s why I’m running. Who understands that everybody counts. That’ we’re all in this together,” Crist told hundreds of black activists in Panama City this month. “It really comes down to one word. Respect. It’s about respect. … These things matter. What goes around is coming around. It’s coming around in 24 days as long as we work hard and do what’s right. We’re going to finish strong.”
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Comments
21 Responses to “Election Preview: Charlie Crist, The People’s Governor?”
FYI~ I have lived in the northend of the county for well over 60 years…all my life. I have seen lots of things I didn’t like…and some of the things, politically speaking, were not what they promised nor what they said, but the undercurrents behind these ’so-called’ leaders. Sometimes we just have to choose the lesser of the two evils and pray for the best. Regardless to their promises, in my opinion, if they are not Godly people, none of the rest really matters…on their own, without God’s guidance, they will not make good decisions for the people or this country..
Some of you defend Crist~ he never did anything for me…matter of fact, while he was governor, I addressed an important/urgent personal matter with him and asked for his help and/or advise and he disregarded it as tho’ it meant nothing to him…it was a life or death situation concerning a friend and because of his unconcern, my friend died… yes, he could have made a huge difference, but he chose not to. So, for those of you who choose him for your next governor and he wins, I hope you get what you are asking for….Yes, I know I’m just ‘one’ person, but no one is more or less important than the other…Just saying~
Harrison seems to believe we are too stupid to know to vote for Crist.
I bet Crist wouldn’t approve such open disdain for potential voters.
Who wants to side with the elitist?
David for better people
I think a good place to start is voting out ALL retread politicians….does anyone doubt Crist is out for himself? He’s just a shameless, self motivated politician. I don’t doubt what the nay sayers say about Scott but don’t let Crist make a fool out of you….
Charlie has views on some things that I can not support. And will never support.
I don’t agree with all Scott has done. But from what I can see, has tried to do what he campaigned on. It looks as if a vote for Charlie might be a vote for Obama’s agenda. That I can not support.
Crist–been there, done that, now moving on
@Suzette ~ I don’t know what plan your daughter is on, but you better look before you praise Obamacare too much. According to The Washington Times, the “Bronze Plan” premiums are expected to increase by 14% next year. The other plans will follow, I’m sure. If you want to verify this, check the following site:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/18/obamacare-bronze-plan-premiums-expected-jump-14-20/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS
Know your candidates. Know your issues. Don’t follow blindly because they are “your” party or because they are the incumbents.
Amen Tankdiver and Steve.
Yes, Scott says he is for jobs, Charile goes further, he’s for the people. We retired folks don’t see the job thing as a problem. We see being micro-managed by this secretive gov. as being a big problem.
I have changed my mind on things dozens of times, why can’t people in government? Pam Bondi was Democrat and changed and she’s polished – makes my skin crawl.
As far as Obama, well more folks voted him in, so I guess if you say Crist like Obama, great! Our daughter is paying $100 less a month on Obamacare than on BCBS. Should she not love that? I’m so glad it’s called Obamacare cause people will always remember throughout history, that he gets the praise for that.
Charlie will do well amongst those incapable of thinking for themselves.
Rick Scott frankly looked petty and foolish in the last debate. He never answered questions directly, seemed evasive at times, and babbled incoherently when trying to explain why he did not step up on the stage. It has been just reported that Scott is now going to personally fund 22 million dollars of adds, the last weeks of his campaign. It seems the republican donations are starting to dry up after his recent performance. Many Republicans privately admit that 2nd debate just cost Rick Scott the election, and are beginning to hedge their bet. Crist is a native Floridian, not another outsider, and cares about the affects of climate warning and the people living here. Denying a couple million people health care and livable wage is not going over big with the struggling voters, many of whom lost their homes during the recession. Rick will need more than money, Rick needs a new Rick, to late for Scott to turn things around. The turnout will be epic, not because folks love Crist, they just hate Scott.
While not always voting for the “Big R” people, I cannot endorse the things that the “Big D” people stand for. While most people think that Republicans stand for big business and Democrats are for the little guy, it’s just not true. Think GE and Obama, think big unions (corporations in disguise). The downward spiral of the country by spending, giveaways and socialist leanings have proven detrimental to the safety and welfare of our country. I’m afraid that a vote for Mr. Christ is an endorsement of the policies of the current administration, an administration of deceit, scandals and ineptness. An administration of constitutional blindness. The administration that owns the legacy of bringing Ebola to our shores, an administration that still refuses to impose a travel ban to the countries that are exporting this dreaded virus to the world. Wake up people and vote.
Charlie Crist, The People’s Governor? You have to be kidding me! This should have read: “Charlie Crist, Obama’s Governor?. Crist put the state in a hole that Scott has been digging us out of for the last few years. Did you ever see the cost of state services go down during Crist’s term as Governor? Scott has lowered state service fees across the board; one great example is vehicle tags.
Charlie Crist signed a $66.5 billion budget into law. The budget includes $2.2 billion in new fees and taxes. Much of the new revenue comes from a $1-a-pack cigarette tax and higher fees on driving licenses and motor vehicle tags. Those who use the court system, visit state parks, and even those who fish from beaches and bridges pay more in fees.
Crist is BAD for FLORIDA!!!!!
Florida’s citizens are faced with a no-win outcome no matter which of the two gubernatorial candidates wins in November.
Both Crist and Scott severely slashed the state budgets for education then later restored some portion of that funding and immediately took credit as being the Education Governor.
As with most politicians they will tell us what we want to hear and pander to our interests in order to secure votes then once in office they will do as their big funding supporters want. All about power, money, repaying those who supported them and not often about “We the People”.
I don’t see him as in bed with big business as $cott is.
He is more concerned about us little people.
Republicans or “conservatives” as they like to be called are so funny. Many have no idea what Rick Scott has done to this state. The narrow minds that we have in the north end of the county are pathetic and will just vote for who ever is the republican candidate with out looking at the issues at hand. Let me guess most of you also think the earth is two thousand years old and is flat?
@Katie It says up top that this is not an endorsement of either party. This was not written by Republicans; it’s just that it’s hard to say anything that good about the man!
This comment sums up who Charlie Crist is as a person. “Charlie Crist is a fan of whatever you want him to be,” Exactly right. He is a person with absolutely no personal values that he stands by only those he will change as the need to gain votes requires.
I a NOT a fan of Rick Scott. In fact he has pissed me off many times by doing things I don’t like but I have a clear idea who Scott is and what he will do. I won’t like a lot of it but he is who he is and is not changing. Because of this it is easier to plan for what he will do and how to impact those decisions.
On the other hand Crist changes who he is and what he believes daily if needed. No one knows what he stands for because Christ changes as it becomes apparent that the change will be an advantage to HIM NOT US. He has no interest in the general population AT ALL. It is clear why he changes his spots to stripes. If it becomes apparent that conservative is better for him then he will become conservative. My friends say he still is a Republican that is WHY they say he is doing this. Some of them are even more cynical than I am.
Charlie needs to get back under the rock he slid out from under!!! He’s a Lying Liberal Snake in the grass!
I like him, this looks like it was written by the republican party. I have met him and spoke with him, he is willing to learn, cares about people. He has educated himself on the environment of Fla. and understands the need to go green. The republican on the street goes uneducated and just votes Republican without knowing the candidate. Can’t go wrong voting republican, well you can and you have if you voted for Scott.
Crist is an Obama supporter, enough said?
While I don’t trust Scott 100%, he has done a lot of good for our state. I am much more wary of Crist and his willingness to hop on whatever bandwagon will garner the most votes. He sounds too slick, too polished….he makes my skin crawl.