Charlie Crist signs papers to become a Democrat

[madfloridian]

Source: Miami Herald

It was just a matter of time. Charlie Crist is becoming a Democrat.

Crist — Florida’s former Republican governor who relished the tough-on-crime nickname "Chain Gang Charlie" and used to describe himself variously as a "Ronald Reagan Republican" and a "Jeb Bush Republican" — on Friday evening signed papers changing his party from independent to Democrat.

He did so during a Christmas reception at the White House, where President Obama greeted the news with a fist bump for the man who had a higher profile campaigning for Obama’s reelection this year than any Florida Democrat.

The widely expected move positions Crist, 56, for another highly anticipated next step: announcing his candidacy for governor, taking on Republican incumbent Gov. Rick Scott and an untold number of Democrats who would challenge him for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.



Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/07/3132538/charlie-crist-signs-papers-to.html

---

Good for him. Look out, Rick Scott.

Signed papers at the White House Christmas reception.


Charlie Crist and his wife, Carole, are shown at a White House Christmas reception on December 7. Crist tweeted the image out through his @charliecristfl twitter account.

[Firebrand Gary]

1. Wooooo Hooooo

[RBInMaine]

2. Charlie, welcome to the party of reason, moderation, progress, and SANITY ! WELCOME ABOARD !

[madfloridian]

7. The FL Republicans are going after him with everything they've got.

It's gonna get ugly.

[amuse bouche]

13. I bet he can hold his own against

that God awful Scott. He makes me sick

[madfloridian]

44. I think he can also.

I can't think of anyone else who would, at least not right now.

[flpoljunkie]

80. We have no Democrat who can do better than Crist against our Medicare fraudster Governor.

My money's on Charlie Crist to beat Rick Scott.

[madfloridian]

82. I agree.

It should not be that way, but it is.

[rhett o rick]

85. What makes you think he isnt bringing his ideology with him? I want a two party system. nm

[madfloridian]

88. I yearn for a real two party system. Been writing about it for 10 years now.

I believe FL is nearly a lost cause for Democrats the way it is now. So....baby steps maybe with Crist coming our way?

[rhett o rick]

91. I dont welcome him because I think he should stay a Republican and help make that party better.

With all the Republicans like him coming into our party, our party will get stronger but will be much more conservative. I dont want one big conservative Democratic Party. I want a liberal Democratic Party and a decent Eisenhower-like Republican Party.

[csziggy]

100. [phone]

I didn't like Crist as a Republican governor pushing Jeb Bush's ideas and I wouldn't like him as a DINO governor STILL pushing Jeb Bush's ideas only undercover.

Crist is an opportunist, he's doing whatever he can to further his political ambitions. His philosophy is NOT that of the Democratic Party I grew up with. The way the Republican Party has gone, he is not a real Republican, so his only choice to win another election is to change parties. Crist will never be a real Democrat, at least not the Democratic Party I used to know.

I'm afraid I am too old and will not live long enough to see, as you said, "a liberal Democratic Party and a decent Eisenhower-like Republican Party". With the trend of moderate Republicans taking cover in the Democratic Party, maybe we will live long enough to see a third Liberal Party form? Because the Republicans are becoming the bat shit crazy fringe right wing party, the Democrats are becoming the centrist conservative party, and liberals are being left out in the cold.

[Art_from_Ark]

125. Sounds like this "party change" could be "Theresa LePore redux"

And I agree with your take on the potential for a re-emergence of "a liberal Democratic Party and a decent Eisenhower-like Republican Party".

[jeff47]

94. Because he wants to win.

He's going to have to pander....er.....move left in order to win.

[TexasTowelie]

3. Welcome to the party!

While he may not measure up as the ideal Democratic candidate, Crist is preferable to Prick Snot. I'm glad that he saw the light.

[Baitball Blogger]

8. As long as he's ready to dump his Republican buddies,

I'm okay with it.

[madfloridian]

4. Signed at the WH Christmas reception. Picture included.

Charlie Crist and his wife, Carole, are shown at a White House Christmas reception on December 7. Crist tweeted the image out through his @charliecristfl twitter account.

[MynameisBlarney]

5. I knew it!

I knew he wasn't gonna stay with the GOP!
Welcome Charlie!

[Baitball Blogger]

6. Never saw that one coming.

[madfloridian]

9. I did.

I figured it a while ago. If he wants to stay in politics as a fairly moderate guy, he has no other choice.

[Baitball Blogger]

10. I was being a bit sarcastic.

I've been watching Crist, like a hawk. I hope he understands that he can't bring his Repub buddies along on this ride.

[madfloridian]

14. Nobody along for the ride. So true..

There are things I disagree with him about, quite a few of them. But I believe many Democrats like me find him a good fit for the party. So many of our state party have forgotten who they are and what they are supposed to stand for. I think he's a good bet for beating back the teaparty onslaught here.

[Baitball Blogger]

61. I'll have a post out that will show you why you need to be concerned about Crist.

It's not about him. It's about the old guard buddies that he brings along with him. If you want to make a change in Florida, you will have have to exorcise those demons from him.

[csziggy]

103. Yep, until Crist PUBLICLY repudiates Jeb Bush I won't trust him

Actually I wouldn't trust Crist if he told me the sun comes up in the East.

This year Crist made it clear he still is a Bush follower, just as when he was governor. I remember Jeb Bush's and Crist's (aka Bush redux) twelve years in the Florida Governor's office. They pretty much paved the way for pRick Scott to be elected. Floridians do NOT need Crist back in office pretending to be a Democrat while still shoving Jeb Bush's ideas down our throats.

Jeb Bush was the one who pushed through the Florida voter ID law in 2004. Crist did not change that.

Of course, Crist will not ever alienate the money crowd. And it seems many Democrats will welcome Crist with open arms rather than work to get a REAL Democrat to run against Scott.

If Crist is the Democratic nominee for governor in 2014, I will NOT support the Florida Democratic Party. I will NOT vote for Crist in any election EVER.

[Baitball Blogger]

109. Let's hope the Democratic Party keeps it together and comes up with a

suitable candidate. And let's hope the info in the Greer case that a lawyer is trying to gag has nothing to do with Crist--because those would be the same kind of legal maneuvers that I will be writing about.

[csziggy]

111. The Florida Democratic Party is a hot mess

They totally screwed up the Alex Sink campaign. Any Democratic candidate is pretty much on their own. I wish the OFA would turn to supporting good local candidates to foster a new generation of Democratic candidates, though their choices would likely not be as liberal as I'd like.

I haven't kept up with the details of the Greer case, just have been seeing him on TV giving Scott a hard time. Any links so I can catch up?

[GatorLarry]

58. Are you kidding?

Those "friends" are going to treat him like a Leper.

That's the way Republicans roll . . .

And for anyone who says they'll go after him with everything they've got, he was an Insider and knows as much dirt on the mud-throwers.

Yes, it will get ugly.

[Baitball Blogger]

62. You aren't watching it from the local side.

Crist had a strong Republican following. And they weren't clean. Look at Jim Greer. He was only one of them. Sure, they're fighting now. But the point is, that there were other local Republicans, like Greer, who are still beholden to Crist AND the Republican party.

I don't think it will get ugly. All these people have to do is pay huge sums in campaign donations and old wrongs will be righted.

[Left Coast2020]

97. Surprised me too.

[Marie Marie]

11. Welcome. Come on in and make yourself at home.

We are glad to have you on our team Mr Christ.

[David Zephyr]

12. I'm one of the oldest Dems on this site and I say welcome to Charlie

I remember when a right-wing woman named Arianna Huffington converted.

And I'm glad she came over. Look what she's done.

And David Brock, a Reaganite devotee, who came over from the dark side. And look at what all he has done.

I've been a Democrat my entire long life and I am always stretching out my hand to those who join our cause.

Welcome Charlie Crist.

[amuse bouche]

15. I'm pretty sure Charlie

is the only repub I ever tolerated without retching. This news makes me happy

I knew he was going to run for Gov again. I just thought it would be as an Indy

[UpInArms]

21. well said!

Same here - nice to see those folks with their eyes wide open - and they are welcome to the party!

[jaysunb]

28. Hey David....

I couldn't agree more.

btw, there are several of us here that out "Age" you.

Happy Holidays

[David Zephyr]

119. You don't outage me, but I adore you.

Happy holidays right back to you. We won and we won big.

I'm so proud of my President. I love saying that.

Eight years!!! One day we will have to have our beer together in Old Pasadena.

[obama2terms]

16. wow

Haha my mom and I joked about this we never thought it would happen though lol

[calimary]

36. Welcome to DU, obama2terms!

LOVE your screen name! Most invigorating, and a great ongoing reminder for republi-CONS everywhere!!!

Glad you're here! We need you! Stay vigilant!

[NBachers]

45. Now we need someone with the screen name obama3terms

so the freepers can say "HA! I Knew It! He's going to try for a third term!"

[Andy Stanton]

60. I'd vote for him again

And I bet he'd win in a landslide.

[Rowdyboy]

17. I look forward to seeing him run in the 2014 gubenatorial primary....if he can get past that-

and I believe he can, Rick Scott is toast.

[sheshe2]

18. Charlie Crist!

Thank you.
K&R!

[glinda]

19. Merry X-mas! Nice gift!

[Grassy Knoll]

39. Merry CRIST mas. n/t

[madfloridian]

40. Ha!

Good one.

[glinda]

126. lol!

[shenmue]

20. Well played, sir!

Huzzah!

[quakerboy]

22. He didnt have to change

his opinions for that switch to be valid. Democrat now encompasses everything from Reagan republican and left. Only the far right are welcome in the modern Republican party.

[bluestateguy]

23. I don't live in Florida

but if I did, he'd have to earn my support. So far, I like what I hear.

[olddad56]

24. don't trust him

[jsr]

33. I agree

[calimary]

37. Perhaps it remains to be seen. Let's see what kind of team he assembles around him.

Good guys or bad guys? Gryffindors or or Slytherins? Advisors and fundraisers who lean more to the left than to the so-called "right"? So called, because it's anything but!

His actions will speak a lot louder than his words. Let's watch his behavior and where (and how fervently) he stands on the issues.

[madfloridian]

41. Who would you trust to run for governor in FL?

[olddad56]

64. maybe a female democrat with a solid track record.

if one existed in FL.

[madfloridian]

66. If such exist they hide it well.

[csziggy]

104. Pam Iorio! Former mayor of Tampa

On April 1, 2003, she was sworn in as Mayor of Tampa, becoming the second woman to hold the office. Her first term dealt largely with re-energizing the downtown area, as well as the economic revitalization of Tampa’s most neglected neighborhoods. Iorio was also a big supporter of the arts, working to make Tampa a major arts center in the South. Iorio has also been credited with a sharp drop in drug trafficking in the city limits and a significant drop in major crimes. In her second term, Iorio advocated for improved mass transit, favoring a multi-modal plan which included a light rail system.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pam_Iorio

She has much more drive than Alex Sink*, whose abysmally bad campaign gave the election to Scott. If Iorio runs, I think she'd have a very good chance to defeat Scott - unless the money people go with a DINO like Crist because of his name recognition. I wonder if Crist converted just so the Republicans won't have to run against a real Democrat like Iorio?

*A personal note - I tried to volunteer for the Sink campaign more than once. The first time, they had no office or campaign efforts here in Tallahassee. The second time, they took my info and NEVER got back to me. Apparently all of Sink's campaign efforts were in South Florida and they ignored the strong cache of very active, very liberal Democratic volunteers up here in the capital of the state. No one I knew from the 2008 Obama campaign was able to get any response from the Sink campaign so they could volunteer.

[madfloridian]

112. I liked Iorio very much.

I had not heard she would be running. If so that would be a good thing. Sink was on the news today saying something like she was running. Didn't catch all of it.

[csziggy]

117. iorio has not made an announcement but her name is being mentioned

She looks promising.

Sink blew her chance IMO. I tried to volunteer when she ran for Governor and could not get a response back from her campaign. Her campaign was very badly managed which is not likely to inspire confidence in another try by her.

It's great to see you here!

[madfloridian]

118. We felt that way during McBride's 2002 campaign.

We tried so hard, and the HQ acted like they were clueless.

Good to see you also.

[csziggy]

105. Another agreement here

I think he is jumping in to spoil the chances of a REAL Democrat getting into office.

In fact, I would not be that surprised if in a few years he jumps back to the Republican Party. Crist is a slimy snake and not to be trusted.

[Jester Messiah]

110. Agreed. Why should we welcome this infiltration?

He just wants the -D after his name because Dems are hot. I doubt he's changed his spots.

[onehandle]

25. He'll be getting a check from me, if he's the Dem nominee. nt

[madfloridian]

26. Hubby and I worked on Bill McBride's campaign against Jeb in 2002.

Most of those who worked with us were moderate Republicans. It was a top down campaign, run poorly, standing for very little. When his wife, Alex Sink, ran against Scott her campaign mirrored that of her husband in many ways.

FL has a unique situation as far as Democrats go. They have been in the extreme minority so long, they tend to act too ingratiating toward the majority party.

Charlie Crist may take some strong stands he never took before when he was having to cater to the extremists here. I really do believe that. I think he may be more to the left than many FL Democrats.

[sabrina 1]

75. I trust your judgement Madfloridian. I am always wary of taking more Republicans

into the Party which has already swung so far to the right. And politicians have ambitions which I am sure Crist has also. As a Republican he probably had no chance of moving forward with his career and as an Independent he would not have the support of a major party behind him.

As a Democrat however, he will have huge support and I am sure that was taken into consideration. I hope it's also because he has seen how wrong Republicans are for this country. Don't know much about his views on issues yet, but I hope he learns from Dems, rather than the other way around.

If he can knock out Scott this way, then it is a good move. And you seem to like him, so I will take that as a good sign.

[madfloridian]

98. In one article I read Crist said GOP party leaders went "off the cliff"

FL Dems are different than other states in many ways. Hard to explain. Even the ones I have respected like Lawton Chiles were conservative. I guess that's why Crist seems okay with me for the role he might play in getting rid of Scott.

[starroute]

27. I can foresee the Democrats eventually splitting into two parties

People here occasionally speculate about forming a third party and whether it could work.

But I'm starting to think that what might really happen is that the GOP dwindles to an increasingly sour rump but at the same time the Democrats become too big a tent to hold together and split into two new parties -- both of them sane but one more conservative in the old, solid sense and the other more adventurous and progressive.

It's perhaps the best path I can imagine to get us out of our current dysfunctionality.

[madfloridian]

29. Something is bound to happen sooner or later.

There is such a ready acceptance of Crist by so many of us....should make people question why.
There are no FL Dems standing out right now who could beat Scott...IMO.

Dems can not put Social Security and Medicare on the table, they can't keep on destroying public education...not without consequences.

[NickP]

30. Charlie Crist, thou hast seen the error of thine ways.

[calimary]

38. Welcome to DU, NickP!

Let's hope so! This is a good first step. Sometimes they really do need to choose sides. But let's watch and see. Glad you're with us! We need you. We have to build upon the ground we gained last month.

[DAMANgoldberg]

31. Q for Floridians

Now that Charlie Crist has seen the light. I am going to bring a name up from the past. "Walkin" Lawton Chiles. I lived in FL briefly while he was governor and thought he did a good job and about as liberal as your going to get in a statewide position.

[ornotna]

32. Chiles was well liked here in Fl.

May he rest in peace.

[madfloridian]

35. I still have the complete print form of the newspaper that was devoted to his accomplishments.

Getting faded now.

[madfloridian]

34. Remember him well.

Only looking back do I see how very moderate he was. That's because I was raised in one of the most fundamentalist, conservative areas of Florida. We all admired him, and I don't remember any issues I had then. Many of my family went to school with him, they were quite a bit older than I was. All I remember was respect and kindness for him and from him.

Today as I have changed to being more liberal, I would probably disagree on a lot. Crist and Chiles would be a lot alike.

I do believe that to beat Rick Scott it will take someone like Crist who is known for being sensible except when he pandered to the teaparty to try for the senate. I think Crist could do it, I don't think of anyone else who could.

[csziggy]

101. Lawton Chiles was the kind of Governor I wish we could have again

Lawton Chiles was not really liberal, he just seems like it from the perspective of today.

Crist just continued the Jeb Bush doctrines. He was and still is, according to statements he's made THIS year, a follower of Jeb Bush. Crist has not changed his spots, he'd just hiding them.

The only 'light' Crist has seen is a beacon to money and power that the insanity of the current Republican Party has denied him. Crist converting to a Democrat is just a way for him to have a path to political office now that Florida Republicans have gone so far right wing bat shit crazy that even Jeb Bush knows they wouldn't elect him. Crist does not believe in the agenda of the traditional Democratic Party.

The problem is that the Democratic Party has moved so much to the right, it's more conservative than the Republican Party of the 1960s.

[kysrsoze]

42. HELL YEAH - The thought had entered my mind. Wish more had the courage to do so

...instead of just cowering to their wealthy masters like all those dirt balls in Michigan. Now I hope he beats the shit out of that criminal, Scott.

[Zambero]

43. Welcome to the party of sanity

In this day and age, the only good Republican is an ex-Republican. Crist worked hard and helped deliver Florida to President Obama. There's no reason to doubt his sincerity, and at this point any past associations really should not matter. Wondering if he has plans to take on Rick Scott?

[Resonance_Chamber]

49. I bet you are a big fan of Benedict Arnold too!

[Zambero]

72. Not really

If there is a prime example of what the politics of exclusion will buy, one look at today's Republican party should serve as a wake up call. They are increasingly marginalized because of adherence to extreme ideological purity. 99% conservative is not good enough -- their incumbents can expect to be primaried if not a "true believer". That's not the template that progressive Democrats should follow if there is any expectation of becoming and remaining a dominant political force.

[RandiFan1290]

46. Another crook changes labels

and naive democrats fall to their knees. lol

[Resonance_Chamber]

48. You are 100% correct!

[Resonance_Chamber]

47. Why cheer for a turncoat?

He can NEVER be trusted.

His jumping parties only proves he is in politics only for himself.

He is a REPUBLICAN who needs to stay in the GOP and fix the GOP and not come and destroy the Democratic Party.

The Democratic Party has enough problems as it is with blue dogs and corporatists right now and another DINO will only make things worse.

If he wants to leave the GOP become something else and not a democrat.

If the Democratic Party would rather move more to the right, that is the parties choice and they can just do it without me and my money.

Sure I do not have much of a financial impact to the party, the wife and I only give about 5-6k per election cycle, so I am sure they will not miss my money or vote either when there are plenty of moderates, blue dogs, centrists who will step up fill the void and endeavor to move the party further right which seems to the goal of many here.

[csziggy]

107. BINGO! I don't understand the celebration

I'll never support Crist. I want a real Democrat to run, not a turncoat, pretend Democrat.

Crist still supports Jeb Bush policies, the same ones he continued to support when he followed Jeb into the Florida governorship. Florida has been there. Just because Scott is so bad he makes Crist look reasonable, that does not mean that Crist is a good guy and will support real Democratic ideals.

I want to

[blkmusclmachine]

50. Crist: Go back to your old home, the GOP. We don't need more right-of-center BS.

[lib2DaBone]

87. True... the W.H. is over-flowing with Right-of Center...

I like Charlie....I hope he doesn't hang us out to dry again.....

Look at that egg-sucking dog Joe Liebeman... he has been playing both sides against the middle for how long? And he is happy as a clam... a very corrupt, repulsive clam at that.

[oberliner]

51. Nice looking beard

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[csziggy]

108. Some thought that was a fake beard

http://thinkprogress.org/media/2008/08/27/184076/chuck_todd_questions_charlie_crists_engagement/?mobile=nc

[katmondoo]

52. He was a good Governor for Florida

unlike the total Repuke we have now. I wish he would run again. He always seemed more of a Democrat than a Republican.

[Orlandodem]

53. On behalf of Dems everywhere, welcome to The Party. Now you must prove to

my skeptical Dem friends you are a true Dem. I am sure you understand.

[MsFlorida]

54. welcome back charlie

we have missed you. You were a good governor

[Kingofalldems]

55. It's a trap!

[katmondoo]

56. I want him back as Governor

[loyalkydem]

57. Welcome to the party big guy

Glad to have you on board

[Andy Stanton]

59. I'm OK with this but . . .

He was a Rethug for many, many years so I don't trust him.

[Zambero]

74. Religions seek converts

So should political parites, if they intend to become a functional majority. Republicans are well into a process of purging moderates, which will not serve them well in the long run. Reagan was a Democrat for years, but when he changed parties there was never a trust issue with Republicans over his politics. Crist worked hard to help Obama carry Florida and succeeded, particularly in reaching out to seniors. The narrow margin of victory in that state -- in the face of Rick Scott's suppression efforts -- may not have happened if not for his efforts. Trust is indeed earned, but given his recent commitment to and support of President Obama, I have no reason to doubt his sincerity.

[DCBob]

63. My prediction: Crist will beat Rick Scott in a landslide for FL Gov.

and that is good for Democrats.. all Democrats.

[madfloridian]

65. My response in a thread saying Crist is moving the Democrats rightward.

The Democratic party moved rightward all by itself in spite of many of us pleading and begging.

Charlie Crist had nothing to do with that rightward movement. Can you say DLC, Third Way think tanks and gullible leaders who feared losing campaign funds?

Charlie Crist vetoed SB6. The bill that would have put Democratic policies in place in Florida education....such as eliminating tenure. These are Arne's education "reform" policies.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article1087675.ece

" Under the bill, half of a teacher's evaluation would depend on students' learning gains. Good gains would equal positive evaluations and pay raises, which teachers said failed to factor the work that doesn't show up on tests — and ignores other forces that affect kids.

Tenure would have been out of the question for new teachers, which Crist highlighted in his problems with the bill. "

So if he vetoed Democratic education policies, what does that say about Crist and about our party?

Now there is no more tenure in Florida, and merit pay rules supreme. And Arne approves.

There is no Democrat waiting in the wings in FL who is very much to the left of Crist.

[Starry Messenger]

77. That's what I remember.

In a period of time when Democrats were gunning for teachers, Crist stuck his neck out in a way that didn't bring him any political gain (except kudos from teachers) at the time.

He has views on other things that I don't like, but his support for education in 2010 was like a breath of fresh air.

[madfloridian]

79. Exactly.

He had really nothing to gain then from standing up for teachers. The tea party here is so powerful, it was in fact not a wise move from their viewpoint.

[WeekendWarrior]

67. Blast me for saying this, but

his wife is smoking hot.

[are_you_serious_1234]

68. She is an attractive woman.

[Faygo Kid]

69. Welcome back to the fight. This time I know our side will win.

[Mustellus]

70. If possible... leave room for your enemy...

.. to become your friend.

Democratic Party, converts welcome.

[rhett o rick]

84. It is foolish to think that because a Rep changes his party means that he has changed his ideology.

He just brings it with him to muddle our party. I want a two party system.

[RiverSong]

115. Agreed.

This is always suspicious to me. Party infiltration isn't a new tactic by any means. Ever since the original wolf in sheep's clothing, 'eh?

[joanbarnes]

71. Good. Hoping for a Blue Florida.

[boguspotus]

73. I think that's great news!

He reminds me a bit of the only Repub I ever voted for here in MN - Arne Carlson. Arne's probably more liberal though.
Good news nonetheless.

[Blunt477]

76. Come On In The Water's Fine

Now We Need Colbert For Senator!!!

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/12/07/1168054/-Demand-Stephen-Colbert-for-U-S-Senate

[adieu]

78. He will be one of the first group

of sane GOP'ers to join the Democratic party. They're not joining because they've become Democrats, but because the GOP has slid WAAYYY too far to the right (and from reading some posts on FB, it doesn't seem like there's any stopping to that). The Democratic party will be probably more right wing than the GOP of the 1980s.

I'm hoping that there is some counter balance and having people from the Green party join the Democratic party as well and have a say at the table. If not, the progressives will be as pertinent as the GOP will be in about 10 years.

[Auntie Bush]

81. I have nothing to say except, "Welcome Charlie to the Democratic party."

[Liberal_in_LA]

83. should we let him join?

[rhett o rick]

86. Does he want to kill SS and Medicare? or dont we care?

The scary thing is that people here are happy when he changes the letter behind his name. But if he hasnt changed his ideology then he will do more damage to our party than good.

[madfloridian]

89. Are you lumping those of us who welcome him with those who don't care?

Because that is so not fair.

[rhett o rick]

90. Sorry I wasnt more clear. Let me ask this. Do you accept his ideology? nm

[madfloridian]

93. I don't accept much of the ideology of the present Democratic party.

So no, I only accept part of his ideology.

I have been outspoken for years that we were being dragged kicking and screaming to the right, with progressive candidates being squashed like bugs. I didn't post at this new DU for a year, yet I already have 5 blocking my posts and mail.

I am glad Charlie Crist became a Democrat. I believe he is the only one who can beat Rick Scott. I wish that were not so, but I fear it is.

I will vote for him if he runs against Scott UNLESS a very very viable Democrat as well.

I do not approve of the Democratic policy on education. It is killing public schools and harming good teachers. I do not believe any Democrat should put Medicare and Social Security on the table to the cut. I could go on, but I won't.

I am stunned that Crist is not being welcomed into the party.

[rhett o rick]

96. Interesting that I believe we agree on most issues. However, I disagree with welcoming Crist.

I dont want conservatives in the party. While it will give the party numbers it will also dilute the principles of the party. I want the decent Eisenhower conservatives to fight and take their party back. This will put pressure on Pres Obama to move left.

[quaker bill]

99. He ain't much of a conservative

which is why he ran indy against Rubio. He had no chance in a T-party primary. Most of his votes have come from Dems and Indys. Conservatives will do all they can to beat him, regardless of which party he runs in, only just a tiny bit more now that he will be running (D).

That said, he is not a liberal either. However, Atilla the Hun would be to the left of Rick Scott (and probably smarter as well).

[madfloridian]

113. Crist is very similar to many FL Democrats. Yes, he gets many Dem votes for sure.

He will fit right into the party here in Florida. Democrats are different in Florida.

[burnsei sensei]

92. As far as I can tell from the speech at the DNC convention,

Crist will not undermine the national compact with respect to Medicare and Social Security.
I'm pleased he's joined the Democratic Party.
I'm displeased that the opposition has turned into a fanatical, irrational troupe of monkeys.
He said that the Republican Party left him, not that he had left the Republican Party. This means that there has been a profound ideological shift over the past decade, and it's ugly.
Stay moderate, open-minded, Mr. Crist. The nation mustn't brook any more fanaticism.

[madfloridian]

116. Very true post.

He said the GOP leaders were heading off the cliff.

[sarcasmo]

95. Bill Nelson asks, how does that work?

[Tippy]

102. I knew it would happen....What took you so long Charlie?

[csziggy]

106. Appropriate timing - Pearl Harbor Bombing Day

As Crist bombs the chances of a real Democrat getting the nomination for whatever office Crist runs for as a pretend Democrat.

I don't understand the jubilation at this so called conversion. Crist is an opportunist, not an ideologue. He only believes in the things that will get him power.

I don't like seeing Democrats supporting this DINO.

[LeftyMom]

114. Welcome to the party Charlie. You can shave the beard now.

[DonCoquixote]

120. If it was not for the weakness of my own state

I would be throwing this snake tongued SOB out the door. I remember when he was ready to drill baby drill, back when McCain almost picked him. Hell, if McCain did pick him, Charlie would probably be the GOP president right now.

BUT, I know my state, the scum here voted for Rick because he was more of a raving moonbat then Jeb Bush's stooge, Bill McCollum was. The GOP will have all guns out, while the Democrats here will likely try to run Alex "I cave over quickly" Sink or her stupid Husband. And sadly, the people of this state proved that they would rather vote for Crost then a real democrat, even if Bill Clinton himself came down to campaign for Kendrick Meek.

So, this is going to be a nose-holder for me. I am voting NOT RICK SCOTT, but frankly, if a bolt of lightning struck Charlie a second after the election was confirmed, then I might pop a little champagne.

[losangeleslibker]

121. This is a switch that

I can live with unlike the governor of New Mexico.

[DonCoquixote]

122. Oh, I can live with it

But that does not negate nausea and overall disappointment in the so called "Democrats" of my state. Of course, Debbie Wasserman schulz takes credit for we work WE did, so she is safe to attack anyone to the left of Hillary.

[Downtown Hound]

123. Don't really want a wannabe Joe Arpaio in the party.

Let the repukes have the reactionary nuts.

[chervilant]

124. OMG!!!!!

MAD!!!! YOU'RE BACK!!!!!!!!!!

You have no idea how happy I am to see you here!

[madfloridian]

127. I just saw this post..

and I started smiling a big smile. Made me feel good.

[chervilant]

128. Well, now,

that means we're both happy!