CNN

You know what really sets me off,
when people say we need to spend more so that the economy gets better.

I don't think any stimulus package will do much, maybe give us a bump, but that is it.

Because, the last 30 years, our economy has been based on BORROWING (loans, credit cards, etc etc), not production (we left that to outsourcing).

We need an attitude change. A whole new attitude. A whole new discipline.

Gov. Crist one of a few good Republicans. There is hope.

The last 8 years, the Republicans have gone so off the deep end that when a Republican does something that makes sense, the first thing I say is what is he (she) up to?
I hope Governor Christ is sincere.

By the way, I have heard Republicans talk about tax cut for years, no matter who gets a tax cut, its like blood in a water for a shark, but if you don't have a job and I don’t have a job, and you are paying 10% taxes and I'm paying 20%, we both pay the same amount and the gov't gets nothing.

By the way, I pay approximately 24-25% (avg) taxes, my cousin in England pays 22% (avg, I asked him to calculate it for me). But if he doesn’t buy his own health insurance, his gov’t provides him and his family, with one. But they pay 40% taxes there, oh sorry, that’s an old Republican myth (thanks Rush). Wait a minute, Canada does it too, so does France, Norway, Germany….

I get it, its about the freedom to BUY….
…you people should really watch WALL-E

Joel Isaacson – So you want all the "bad" mortgages so these people will have no loans. What about the people who have struggled but paid their mortgages on time, cut back on their spending to meet these debts. Would their loans be paid off also. I'm a democrat but what you just proposed would reward those how got in over their head . I recently lost my job but my husband and I have cut WAY back and are able to meet our obligations. We aren't taking a nice vacation or buying a car this year. When I become employed again and AFTER we replenish some savings, then we will look at spending again. You would be surprised at how much people consume that is unnecessary. I know, I am living proof.

Campaign Diaries just released detailed rankings of all 38 gubernatorial races, and Democrats will have A LOT of defending to do.

Christ realizes that being a part of (and getting some credit for) Obama's winning strategy is much better than obstructing progress and clinging on to failed ideology.

Gov. Christ and the other responsible Governors are looking at ways to cut spending and ride out a tough recession so that they can leave a stronger, healthier state for their children. Why should the Federal government be different? If we borrow the TARP and the stimulus money we'll be saddling our children with $1.5 trillion in additional debt. This is a problem both R- and D- parties have with spending more than we can afford. We need no stimulus. We need to cut spending, balance the budget, ride out the tough recession and we'll end up with gradual slow growth and a healthy economy based on real growth (not debt) for our children. Everyone needs to work harder, save more, conserve more etc. We can't keep taking the "easy' way out, someone sometime will have to face this national debt.

I knew Crist was an undercover Democrat. Good for him Florida needs the money!

Remember the song about the guy who found the snake, nourished it back to health and then the snake bit him? The snake said, You knew I was a snake when you took me in.

@ Rob

Keep telling yourself that. Just like a GOPer...informed, educated and thoughtful people disagree with you and your only response is to fabricate a lie that they are not, in fact, informed, educated and thoughtful. How about using facts and evidence to support your position instead of attacking the person who is disagreeing with you. Oh, that's right, I forgot, you're left with nothing else because the facts and evidence don't help you here.

This is amusing. The last time McCain stumped in Florida, Charlie had somewhere else to be. (I think he had a dog to walk, or hair to wash, or something.)

Good for you Gov Crist!! I know Florida is having many problems now. Crist is liked by both Democrats and Republicans in Florida. He is smart to put partisan politics aside and focus more on what is best for the people in his state. Too bad his fellow GOP members don't follow suit......

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

-Matthew 5:9

Well, Mike in Dallas, YOU ARE NOT obama! I couldn't imagine anyone that wanted to be!

I told you guys a while back, Crist is the GOP's only chance for a future. This is the move that America wants. No one understands the stimulus or why we are where we are. We want someone to lead us. We want someone who knows what they're doing. We don't want our government pointing fingers at each other while nothing gets done. Thank you Charlie for taking a risk, you will be rewarded with this faithful democrat having your back. I hope your party won't turn thier back on you.

GOP you have a choice. Crist or Rush. (Steele will be a lame duck. He is not a leader)

Finally!
A Republican with common sense who cares about his people more than failed ideology!

FDR and Obama have the same ideas to stimlulate the economy. It worked for FDR. So it is a proven package.
_______________________________________________
Investigate it a little more, it didnt work so well for FDR.

Thanks for the laughs everyone. It was great reading. I am so tickle at some of the comments.......LOL.......especially the one about OooH, Rush is going to be so angry at Crist! Hahahah....so funny....I am tickled.

But seriously Vine15, I will be praying for you and others in your situation because this is not a funny situation. But I think we all have been under a lot of stress; and I needed a good laugh. May God give you peace during this time

Someone should either bite or pull his finger.

Thanks for the laughs everyone. It was great reading. I am so tickle at some of the comments.......LOL.......especially the one about OooH, Rush is going to be so angry at Crist! Hahahah....so funny....I am tickled.

But seriously Vine15, I will be praying for you and others in your situation because this is not a funny situation. But I think we all have been under a lot of stress; and I needed a good laugh. May God give you peace during this time

Kingsley February 9th, 2009 1:36 pm ET

Now thats Bipartisanship for you. Republicans in congress need to take a cue from the governors who know exactly how this bill would benefit their states.
_________________________________________________
Dont forget the dems in the house that voted against it.

There are four types of activity in an economy
1. Business Spending
2. Consumer Spending
3. Exports
4. Government Spending.

1 and 2 are drastically cutting back on spending. 3 isn't a possible route to recovery given that this is a worldwide recession. That leaves government activity as the only possible stimulant to our economy in its present state–unless you want to see how far we can fall as business layoffs/closures ensure less consumer spending which leads to more layoffs, closures, etc. We face a very real possibility of facing a lost decade a la Japan in the 90's.

The above shows why criticizing the stimulus bill as "just spending" is insipid. You can criticize the timeliness of the spending, but any sane observer recognizes that spending is exactly what the government needs to be doing now.

The worst words in the English Language have got to be:
The vote was along strict Party Lines." Party loyalty is to be admired but taken to an extreme it becomes absurd.

A Rebublican with some sence... there is hope after all!!

HA HA, VERY MOTIVATING!!!!!!!!!!

Keep this guy out of Congress. How can he support such a SPENDULOUS BILL that does nothing to stimulate the Economy – it only lines the pockets of those who help NOBAMA get elected.

One smart Republican who knows his constituants are watching, and capable of changing things in Florida if the Republicans do not get on board with helping middle America. It is a rare situation to discover any Republican caring about anything except kissing A– of the rich. They NEVER have cared about middle America, and expecially those needing a hand up. All they want to do is play kissy face with the rich.

Americans all over the country should revolt against all obstructionists. Let's all march to washington or the head quarters of their party, the various state capital, to let them hear from us.

We all need to support a stimulus to clean up from the bush and republican administration.

All those who have lost their jobs, their house or are in the way to lose any thing due to this economy should make their voices heard !!!! Americans UNITE.

Has anyone read the stimulus package? Where can we get a copy of it?

I am a life-long PROUD Democrat and I would vote for Charle Crist in a heartbeat.

Hey you giuys stop hating on Florida, you know we do things different here. It' all the sunshine and water, no state income tax., Disney, etc.

Zack Greenham you're a bigger idiot that you think you are.
Obama's "Trillion" spending bill is needed because BUSH spent this economy to the ground. Obama isn't doing this because he just feels like doing it. He's doing this because every economist says he must do it. Blame Bush for the state of the economy. Don't blame Obama for trying to do something about it.

@Debi,
Here's some ideas:
1. High speed rail (300 MPH +)construction between US cities, particularly the overcrowded air corridors in the East and west Coasts
2. True flood contol systems in the Mississippi (like the Netherlands)
3. Deport every illegal alien in the US. Yes the buy groceries, but they also use services and take US jobs. Pay a bounty to anyone who turns one in.
4. Tax credits for anyone who buys a fuel efficient, US built car. The high the MPG, the higher the tax credit.
5. Buy up bad morgages from banks for 50 cents on the dollar (no not full value, as they deserve a lot of the blame). Refinance at low fiwed rates for 40 years. When property values recover, sell the morgages to the public for a profit.

Chipster, I agree, the Republicans always get MAD when they get SCARED.
They must be plenty scared right now.
Go Gov. Crist!

Florida voted blue in the general election and I think Governor Christ is looking for a Senate seat in 2010. I think he'd change parties if he could get away with it. The obstructionist is Sen. Mel Martinez who is playing partisan politics rather than looking out for our state and country's best interest. Give him a call and tell him to represent you, his constituent, and support the new president :
(202) 224-3041
http://martinez.senate.gov/public/?p=EmailSenatorMartinez

Way to go Charlie,

I knew you were smart the moment you set foot in Florida. I just wonder why you are a republican.

Most of us in the USA voted for President Obama, rejecting McCain and the republican party. They had nothing to propose because anything reflective of the past 8 years spelled catastrophe.

Let them just go away. I was for impeachment of all that bunch. Pelosi didn't want to impeach them. That's why they are still out there opening their greedy tax cut pit and talking .

Finally the GOP realizes the President is behind the eight ball!!! Now they should come together to help all of us!!!

To Jackie in Dallas..............THANK YOU VERY MUCH !!!!!

joel isaacson February 9th, 2009 2:51 pm ET: Let me guess you have an upside down mortgage an are looking to be rewarded for your irresponsibility. The gov't should not use my tax dollars to bail out people who bought more house that they can afford. What they should do is sell these foreclosed homes to people who can afford it.
Or if they are employed extend the mortgage period to 35 or 40 yrs. My tax dollars should not be used to reward stupidity. I applaud governor for putting his state before the party.

Cue the Rushpublican outrage. Is Crist going to beg forgiveness from Lord Rushbo?

Anyone who is saying that Congress should give the money directly to the people is not thinking this through. Obama would lose any credibility as a bipartisan leader if he 1. Payed off mortgages for people who defaulted on their loans. What about people who payed theirs. 2) Gave an equal amount of money to everyone, given that some people obviously need it more than others

People must realize that no matter which way the president turns he will meet criticism. Put yourself in his position and appreciate the job he is doing to manage it. Not saying don't hold him to his word, but don't be just part of the problem, be part of the solution

Before too much longer, there will be many more republicans hitching their wagons to President Obama`s recovery package.....

Well, well....Crist never ceases to amaze...He certainly is jumping on the bandwagon now that there is the possibility of getting a piece of the pie....I just hope now that he's dragged the educational system in FL through the mud and bled tertiary education dry, he'll make sure to give back a little to well he's scraped ruthlessly should the stimulus bill come through.

It's really amazing to me that Governors and Mayors throughout the country, both Democrat and Republican, understand the current state of the economy and are willing to work together to get something done. Unfortunately, members of Congress, especially Republicans, seem to believe it is more important to play the old partisan games rather than get to work. The Republican Congressional leadership should spend less time in front of TV cameras, trying to win the message battle, and more time trying to get a package past that can get this countries economy moving again.

Okay folks, lets get back to what is in this stimulus bill: millions to repair statues in federal cemetaries (yes, obviously the dead need a stimulus too), millions for healthcare to the rich (yep, there is no maximum income cap with this bill... someone could have been making mega bucks before they become "unemployed" from one of those corporations and they don't even need the money but are eligible for FREE healthcare with this stimulus...how crazy is that?)

Hey "Mari", you criticize the previous administration for spending too much, but you think the Obama Trillion dollars spend bill is okay? Aren't you confused?

I guess some of them (republicans) have seen the poll numbers and understand the country is behind the president and the stimulus package. 58 percent according to ABC poll supports the package. I can't believe the repubs are wasting time on this- so much for country first.

Way to go Charlie!! First you extend voting hours (republik party hate's 'ya for it)...then you support That One's stimulus plan (republik party hate's 'ya for it again)...now you introduce him at an event (republik party hates 'ya for again, to there also).

Either you're gettin' ready to jump ship and come on over to the thinking person's party...or you really can THINK!

Hey rob,
I'm willing to listen to public debating, and I will also come down on our President for mistakes he will make, but are YOU being objective? Sounds to me like you're still a bit angry over McCain losing.

Gov Crist et al, are you thinking the GOP senators are not working hard to get the stimulus bill right?

The Chipster is right. besides, a government of, by, and for the people should be well reflected in its leadership acting responsibly and in the best interest of its citizens. Let our leadeship unite, Republicans and Democrats, for the common good of the people they are sworn to serve. Let self-serving, opportunistic, and obvious pandering be put aside and let our statesmen and stateswomen arise to the occasion of working together "As One" to provide for the good of this nation and its people. To our senators and congressmen, make the people of this nation collectively proud of you.

California, New York, Florida – all heading for the Alms House. That's why the governors/mayors of these states are desperate for change.

Finally a republican with a brain!!!! Go Gov.

Charlie, you should join the democrats. Do you know that John McCain is against the stimulus bill so why do you send wrong signals to American people. If you cannot follow Republican position then you better leave the party. We do not need you. You should know that Obama wants to use the money for his own publicity, the money which web have to borrow from somewhere.

Florida First. Good for Governor Crist. Do the right thing for the people that voted for you. I'm a Democrat and I voted for Crist, not the Republican party. People in my age group don't vote for parties we vote for people. I am 25-year-old Afro-Cubana in Miami. Volunteered for Obama and we probably volunteer for Crist.

Rob.. without useing the words "pork" or "spending package" please give us your definition of the stimulus package.
Then, give us your ideas of how to stimulate the economy. Please do not say tax cuts. Tax cuts do no good when the people needing the tax cuts have no job. Tax cuts are good for corporations, but those corporations find the cheapest labor in other countries at our countries expense.
FDR and Obama have the same ideas to stimlulate the economy. It worked for FDR. So it is a proven package.
Infrastructure works. Keeping jobs in this country works. If you think about it, having illegal aliens in working in this country also works. Those illegal aliens are renting houses, shopping at stores etc. When jobs are outsourced and companies get tax breaks for outsourcing to other countries the money does nothing in this country.
So please, what is your idea? I would love to hear something better out of republicans besides "this will not work". IDEAS PLEASE!

Feb1

I've been blogging for almost ten years about Bush. We here in Texas know him all TOO well. For my efforts to point out the obvious cronyism, the blatant disregard of logic, the breaking of binding treaties and international conventions, the blatant disregard for the Citizens of this country, the erosion of the Constitution, the executive privileges taken in direct contradiction to the Constitution, and the absolute idiocy of the Iraqi war, I have been threatened, called a traitor, verbally abused, and accused of being stupid, a radical left communist/socialist/fascist (some of these bloggers need remedial civics and history lessons so they actually know what those labels MEAN), and a welfare parasite - and those are just the ones I'm willing to repeat!

Despite that, I'm a moderate Independent professional who has spent a lifetime working for civil rights for all, but believes in fiscal responsibility. I'm also a white, 58-year old Vietnam Era woman veteran. I voted for President Obama, not because he was half black, not because he was a Democrat, but because he is truly interested in building concensus, working across the aisles, and helping this country. Yes, he will make mistakes (don't we all?), and I'm not going to agree with him 100% of the time. I like to think for myself and do my research. There have been voices who spoke out disagreeing with President Bush, but the neo-conservatives yell louder.

Wow, and I thought the conservatives loved this guy.
Looks like a big ugly break-up around Valentine's Day.

Maybe Charlie does get it after all.

Geez Louise...would you GOPers please look up the definition of "pork" so you can at least be using it incorrectly on purpose, rather than out of ignorance?

Here's another GOPer to get rid of, as far as Obama getting elected by huge margins, would not happen if the election was today !

BRAVO GOVERNOR he is looking out for his people not the few in his party!!! BRAVO

Dont blame me February 9th, 2009 2:22 pm ET

And here I thought that Crist was a republican. Now I see that his TRUE colors are showing.

-----------–
You mean, he's acting like an American? Well then, I agree!

I am a registered Republican, I am ashamed that the last time this nation had a surplus and a balanced budget was under a Democratic President. You finance plans as you go, the way you finance plans is called Taxes. Trickle down economics did not really work under Reagan, failed under HW Bush and destroyed the national ecomony under G W Bush.

The only way our nation is going to come though this mess, is if it pulls together behind our President. Intially we are going to have to spend money and put people back to work. The simulus package in conjuction with the stabilizaton package should if its not alreadyto late slow things down enoughto get money flowing in the finacial circles. Get people back to work, which will generate income and in turn generate more jobs through increased spending. Then we can look at getting things back in order, but the partisan bickering that contiues from the far right is harming the nation not helping the nation. It was the conservative far right wingers that put us in the situation we find our nation today.

Hey, guys, here is a guy in the GOP that is working for bi-partisan support of the stimulus package. Don't DISCOURAGE IT! Of course, it will benefit his state and his people...it should benefit ALL states and US citizens!

I thought president obama was going to look outside the box. The stimulus package doesn't do that.

What our government should do is pay off the bad mortgages, not pay off the banks. What I mean is simply pay the mortgage off.
When they do this the following will happen:
1. The banks and lenders will now have money to loan.
2. The banks and mortgage companies will no longer have a bad debt on their books.
3. The homeowner will no longer have a mortgage to pay. With the extra money they will take care of all of the things they put off to pay their mortgage. Fix up the house, but clothing, buy a car, go out to eat, take a vacation, etc. The money they were using to pay the mortgage will be used to buy things, which will help create jobs.
4. The house will no longer be on the market. This will mean fewer homes for sale, which should raise the price for the homes that are on sale.
5. The government will know exactly where our money went.
6. The states will gain tax revenue from the money the consumer spends on things other than the mortgage, plus the rising value of homes.

This will have a quicker impact on the economy then giving the money to big business.

While I appreciate Gov. Crist's apparent support of President Obama, I cannot help but wonder if this is another opportunistic maneuver by the governor. Crist is vying for a possible Senate run next year, and Obama just won FL in the recent election.

Gov. Crist certainly can talk the talk, but he has shown less walking the walk in FL. Sorry, but this Floridian remains suspicious of ulterior motives here.

I'm from Florida and a die-hard Democrat. If you talk to many Democrats in Florida, they will tell you that Christ is well respected. You may not agree with everything but the guy does think about the people first. Maybe it comes from his time as Attorney General and seeing first hand how people get screwed by big business and government.

If I was President Obama, I would tell Crist to get his good buddies in Congress to get on board or get the hell out of the way!

THAT'S RIGHT CRIST YOU TELL THOSE REPUBS TO EITHER LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET THE YOU KNOW WHAT OUT OF THE WAY.

Now, there's a guy that would have given Obama a run for his money, but definitely not McCain.

ok i guess this is good. at least he is better than the governator!! my goodness..

i wonder if he is in terminator 4. bad pub if he is. LOL.

"I'LL BE BACK!!!" come on what is that!!!!! ROFL!!!

Whatever Crist's reason for backing the stimulus, I'm happy to see it. Maybe he really cares or maybe he's trying to keep his job, but at least he appears to be listening to what Americans (Floridians) are saying... which is a hellofalot more than I can say for MOST republicans.

Thank you, Governor Crist.

You understand that you were elected to help the people in your state.....not play partisan games to try to thwart a President with an actual plan.

I think you will be easily re elected for another term.

Mr. President,

Forget about bipartisanship, work with the dem controlled house and senate to get everything done, and If the filthy republicans don't like it, let them filibuster so the people can see them for what they really are, and that's against helping the american people. Let them hang them selves out of existance! Please!

Obama's supporters are completely ridiculous. They have NO IDEA what's in the stimulus bill...I guarantee you not a single poster on here supporting it knows very many details of it. (Not that knowing the details would help much anyway, because it's unlikely that 'Betty loves Barack!' in St. Lous is exactly an expert in finance or economics.)

They are simply in love with Obama, like a mommy loves her little boy, and will brook no criticism of him! Whatever Obama does, is right! And if you don't like my little Barry, you must be an evil hater! He's so smart, isn't he! So not knowing any relevant facts isn't going to stop them from defending him.

If you can't think objectively, you are useless in any public debate. This is serious business, not a soap opera with you and the object of your affection as the central characters. You can always tell a person like this when they respond to criticism of THIS bill by responding with Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh (!), John McCain, or blame George Bush for every ill in creation. Completely useless. They blame Republicans for not cooperating but they make it impossible for any sensible debate to take place.

But this is why they will go down. When Obama starts making the mistakes all Presidents make sooner or later, his supporters will bitterly refuse to accept the reality. And that always leads to failure.

To Had it:

Poor, poor dear. If every illegal immigrant were deported, the price of everything you buy would skyrocket. You don't really believe that, now do you?

Many folks may say this guy isn't playing with a full deck, but he's up for re-election next year. In other words, he'd better fess up or else kiss his political career goodbye.

I say the senators and representatives that against the stimulus package get nothing for their states. Then lets see what the people of those states do then. I'm sick in tired of them playing with the american peoples lives. Maybe if this is done these people in these states will start to stand up. If your state doesn't want the money or the help good more for the rest of the states and people that actually need the help. I love when they say food stamps are welfare but you know what those things put food on peoples table that have lost their jobs. We have to many dumb down americans listening to others instead of listening to what they need. Let their neighborhoods go to hell and then lets see if they can go to their senators and representatives homes to live and work.

Republicans appear to be complete terrified that this stimulus plan will work. It's very sad actually that they wish for the nation to suffer more than it already is. Where was all this vigilance and concern for wasteful spending over the last 8 years? Pathetic, simply pathetic. This may or may not work but trying nothing is not an option. We know that tax cuts for the wealthy do not trickle down. We know that deregulating and counting on top managers to control themselves is foolish (to put it mildly). This frantic wailing is unproductive and wishing the nation to fail is unforgivable.

Everyone knows this guy is full of crap, and so is his untrustworthy party, so for those of you still on the fense, please get off of it.

Save your country, and don't EVER VOTE REPUBLICAN!

Debi – are you a native Floridian who has seen our state ripped apart every year? If not, then STFU!

Crist is a realist. He's working in the best interests of this constituents, not wasting time on foolish political games. He's doing what's right.

Any Republican that does not vote for this Simulus package, should be voted out of office. We have done it their way for the past 8 years, and what has it gotten us? The tax cut that was given to the big companies, is still in affect, and our country is in bad shape. What good did it do? It is time to put people to work, in a short term or long term, working is working.

He just wants money into his state so his doesn't have to change the tax structure in Fla.

Oh look, a picture of a GOPer pointing fingers...how unexpected.

Charlie, you are now my favorite Republican!

Finally a Republican who wants to move this country forward. The Republicans are the reason why we are in this economic mess because they supported a stupid idiot of a President (Bush) and his administration. The Republican party refuse to try something different for fear it might work and which would make them look like fools because they didn't think of this idea. It's like most of them are still whinning because they lost in the elections and don't want the new administration to succeed. We actually have an intelligent President who is going to the people who elected him for support. President Obama is the peoples President, who WE the American People hired to lead our country in a different direction. All those who are not on board need to shut their mouths and stop spurring negative toxic energy into the atmosphere. End of Story

boooo to Obama's bailouts and stimulus plans. boooooo

Greed tops common sense and the "moral hazard" is ignored!

And here I thought that Crist was a republican. Now I see that his TRUE colors are showing.

He is already looking to get re-elected.

Good Job Crist. People before Party is always the right way to go. You can actually get things done when yo put partisanship aside.

Smart Republicans like Crist who will have better political future.

Those who oppose like Mc Cain will go with him down the drain.

@ Give me a break and ALL the other negative people.

Finally a Republican who wants to move this country forward. The Republicans are the reason why our country's in this condition, they support a stupid idiot of a President (Bush) and his administration. The Republican party refuse to try something different for fear it might work and which will make them look like fools becasue they didn't think of this idea. It's like most of them are still whinning because they lost in the elections and don't want the new administration to succeed. We actually have an intelligent President who is going to the people who elected him to reach for support. President Obama is the peoples President, who WE the American People hired to lead our country in a different direction. All those who are not on board need to shut their mouths and stop spurring negative toxic energy into the atmosphere. End of Story

Now that's a SMART Republican! What the far-right-GOPers not get is that Obama was elected by a huge margin! He received a mandate from we, the People!

The GOPers continue their obstruction and their vile lies. While our president is doing all he can to SOLVE...... THE BUSH DISASTER!

WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS WHERE WERE ALL THESE SO-CALLED-FISCAL-CONSERVATIVES WHEN BUSH WAS SPENDING THE U.S. INTO .....OBLIVION???????????

Hypocrites from the far-right.

s cantrell, u are such a Jerk....

McCain – your pals Crist, Schwartzenneggar, and Lieberman disagree with you. Are these the moderates that will bring some sense to the republican party?

Nice way to get Republican support for a future Republican office contender to the Office of the President and cheapen the Republican discord with the stimulus plan. Is Crist a fallen Republican? Divide and conquer, Mr. President!

I'm curious. What about Arnold?

I NEED HELP!!! My husband and I work hard everyday just too see most of our income going to utilities and car insurance not to mention trying to buy groceries. I will be laid off the end of this month. I work for a bank who received govt bail out money, but has concluded people from other coutries can do a better job than me. I need what ever the stimulus will provide, the extra 20. dollars on my husband's paycheck, to an extra 25 dollars on unemployment benefits. this is not a repub or demo problem, this is an American problem.

This is good. Now, I can't wait to see how hard and fast the Senate Republicans who are against this bill work to push through more money for the banks. Watch, they'll insist we will all die if we don't give the banks more money, but the people, they say, well they don't need any help. Let them swim or drown. Watching these idiots is like watching an exorcism. Sickening.

In the world of stimulus plan, it appears that the governors are the good guys, and the GOP senators, sad and sullen sect of bozos. Nope! They are not the ones to learn from their past debacles in every field of their administration, led by another bozo, Bush. They, in all likelihood, resemble pre-programmed zombis.

With the influx of minorities and old people, Florida has fallen on hard times. It's almost as bad down there as it is in Minnesota..

Thanks for helping-out Republicans. Enough of the games and start working together on a new plan. Old Republican politics of the past is obsolete.

See this just shows you that both sides of the isle dealing with local state budget issues do support this stimulus bill because states desperately are in need of additional funding- however the Republicans in Congress are just playing the politics "game as usual". Do not be fooled to think all Republicans stand on this "anti-stimulus" line- Republican Congressman are just purposely being difficult to spite President Obama at the expense of the rest of the country. If this doesnt put it into perspective- I don't know what will!!
Pork=State funding, Pork= Infrastructure Funding, Pork=School Funding.... don't believe the hype that Pork is this EVIL thing- PORK makes up the funds that help local governments around the country. Wake Up people and support this bill- let you congressman know you support this bill and expect their support as well!!

*******Haha, I meant Crist not Christ. OOPS!

Wow what a difference a few months makes. I guess all it takes to get a Repub on your side is to bail them out.

This is the second time he's thought first about Fl and second about the Republican party.

The first time is when he extended polling time/hours during the Nov election.

I like him way btter than Jeb.

Die hard Democrat, but here in Florida we'll take what we can get.

I've been pleasently surprised by Charlie Christ in the past few months. First it was the extention of time for early voting and now rallying around this economic effort. Well done Gov. Christ! Well done!

Iowa Hawk Man is an idiot.

You are what's wrong with this country. You are the people who want to stir up partisan hatred. You jerks on the left and right who put party first will ruin this country.

Time for Americans to take back this country from partisan idiots on the left and right.

At least there is one rational republican left in this GOP party. Hurry up Congress and help the people that need it most now!

Where were all you people 4-8 years ago. Maybe if you would have entered all of your comments, when Bush was still in office we would not be stting here smack in the middle of a national felt down.

Oh No Crist The leader Limbaugh is not gonna be Happy with you sir!,Its great seeing a Republican with a little Commonsense Now get to work on your Pathetic party!

People just go read the CBO reports. Why do you think the states need
money ALL the mandated policies from the fed. government
but the fed. government doe not appropriate funds for . Please people WHERE are our leaders. It is not this new admin.
same old same old. it is who's who

Well its nice to see at least one more republican standing up for the package. However, I am sure you have your own underlying plans on how to use this money. "Had it" does make a good point. Get all the illegals off welfare and you will be able to take care of your own financial bailout.

Dear President Obama:

I am with you 100%. There is so much that needs to be done, if only we as americans would put our differences aside and put our heads together to get it done. I think that it is such a shame that it take a disaster for americans to come together just a little bit. I love this country and I hope that more people would as well. I don't care if you are re or blue, dem or repub you should love your own country enoug to care for it and your fellow countrymen. While we are fighting each other, other countries are getting stronger. Wake up you fools before it is to late. When Bush was in office he was given a blank check for himself and his friends to do with as they will. Now that President Obama is leading us you want him to be responsible for everybody's misgivings. I pray for him and his family daily. GOD, Please take care of him. Proctect and shelter him from all harm.

This shows that, despite what the ultra-right wing extrememists that infest the HOUSE would have us believe, there is some Republican support for the stimulus package. Often, you find that there are GOP officials in state offices that are more moderate, because they have to deal with reality. For some of these GOP House members, all they have to deal with is the extremists, militia members and rightwing nut-jobs back home in their artificially created districts.

Its about time that our trade policies were reworked as part of the stimulus package. America is the only country on the planet who believes in free trade and outsourcing its good jobs. The other coun tries of the world practice protectionism through a variety of methods and keep their manufacturing at home with help from their government.

Crist supports the pork bill because his state has so many people in it that will benefit from its wasteful spending. 95% of the life of a politician is spent getting re-elected and Crist is doing just that. He hasn't "seen the light" or decided to become "bi-partisan," he's out to get re-elected.

@ Steph,

You got that one right! I bet he is hyperventilating as I write.LOL

Good for you Mr. Crist!!! Someone in the republican party is finnally, FINNALLY putting the American worker ahead of party partisian!!! AND I was a republican for 40 years until what happened the last eight years!!!! NO MORE REPUBLICANS!!!! Just Americans!!!

Good for him. Now it's a Republican who understand the issue at hand. This can be a real future for Republicans party if they don't want to become even more of a regional party for White Uneducated MAN

true or false for 50 points. When Obama bangs his head does he really scream BARACK HUSSIN OBAMA!!!, for the bonus round when GWBush fell off his mountain bike he screamed GEORGE WALKER BUSH!!!! or BARACK HUSSIN OBAMA also ha ha.

Didn't Rush Limbreath tell his followers to shun Obama? What is Crist doing? Didn't he get the Rush-email.

Before too much longer, there will be a lot more republicans hitching their wagons to President Obama`s recovery package .......
Gov. Crist is just ahead of the curve ......

United we stand; divided – - we fall.

Sounds like Gov. Crist understands his state turned blue and he had better get with the program. Wonder what the repubs think about that!

Dear Had It,

We could deport every illegal immigrant in the country and that won't do a thing to stimulate the economy. But at least you can get your hate on.

This governor is hot air. He is jumping on the Obama wagon because he isn't stupid. Florida went BLUE in the general, you do the math.

He's trying to play Obama, like he played Floridians. Republicans were responsible for the whole Florida Democratic voting fiasco.

He's not for change, just for himself. So be careful Barack, this man didn't believe in you until you won the election. Watch your back.

wow... wasn't this guy considered to be one of McCain's potential VP picks?

If a senator or congress rep votes against the stimulus, the respective state should not be allocated money from this bill.

well... it is very well understood that

1) The Governement HAS to intervene and reignite the economy
2) The Dems are going to have Pork and barrel spending and push political agenda items like the Hollywood one.

What is NOT likeable and appreaciated is ALL these MOTHAPUKKAS who complain about the PROBLEM (Stimulus) AND not pragmatically come up with what someone needs to fix and CUT down in that bill....

The GOP is behaving like the regular idiots here – if you STEP UP and list what items need to be cut out and seek public support, I will be the first one to support and there will be tonnes of solution oriented folks!! Is anyone interested in NOT just politics there??? I should give credit to Obama for reaching out and trying to get something done...

REMEMBER IF YOU ARE NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION, THEN YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM – period!!!

SO I guess Mark and JC don't want the economy stimulated. Ya see,t he only thing that will do that is government SPENDING!! It has the two fold advantage of 1)creating jobs and 2)fixing our crumbling infrastructure. Tax cuts WON'T DO THAT!!!

Governor Crist will make a good senator from FL. Unlike most republican senators, he appears to have an understanding of the depth of the problems facing the nation.

So will he be thrown out of the republican party. It seems the republicans with their nay saying are trying to so hard to get obama to fail. What is wrong with them. Maybe the stimulus is not perfect, but it will help the American people to start to pull out of this mess. All they want to do is block block block. I think it is time the American people send letters to these butts and tell them either get with helping the American people or move to another country. We don't need that kind of obstruction. Remember when bush put forth the first stimulus plan they fell all over themselves signing up for it, BUT SINCE BUSH'S WAY DIDN'T PULL US OUT they don't want a democratic plan to help, they are moaning and praying it fails.

This country’s governors and mayors are on the frontlines of the “Great Recession”. They are clamoring for help because they are seeing their revenues drying up because of failed GOP national policy the past eight years. I think Charlie needs a heart-to-heart with his Republican brethren to impress upon them the seriousness of the situation.

Another Republican surrendering his principles for power and money.
All of these Republican governors and mayors are ignoring the big picture and just seeing the issue from their own little greedy perspective. (Of course Democrat govenors and mayors are doing the exact same thing, but from them it is expected.)

A Republican who agrees with the President! Horrors! What's next? The person who got the most votes winning the election? http://powerfulbeyondmeasure.wordpress.com/2009/02/08/filing-bankruptcy/

CNN please post
I support President Obama's plan b/c it will bring JOBS & income to those of us who are still trying to hold our heads above water after 8 years of failed GOP policies that help out only the "higher-ups."
Let's give the President we elected a chance to do things HIS way!!!

thank you gov. christ. we americans have elected our president because we need change. it is going to take strong republican leadership such as yours to convince republicans that they are not the answer to what we americans need right now. we voted for president obama overwhelmingly which should be a signal loud and clear to the republicans that we want change from the last 8 years of only looking out for the rich.

Well, at least one republican is interested in getting people back to work. Thanks Gov. Crist.

Glad to see a governor (Republican) who is willing to work with President Obama for the good of the country rather than those who just parrot Rush Limbaugh and failed Republican policies.

The challenges are huge. This is the time to be working together. Too bad too many Republican Congress critters don't understand this: listening to President Obama at the town meeting, explaining why these programs are really creating jobs in many ways was much more effective than the Republicans just yelling "pork" – after their bridges to nowhere – the GOP concerns ring hollow.

Wow.... someone in the Republican Party who understands the simple fact that if President Obama fails, WE ALL FAIL. Thank You Governor Christ. Despite your party's ignorance, you Sir are at least willing to HELP get our country back on track!!

Now will you please talk to your other colleagues and tell them that they need to get off their butts, shut their mouths and start pitching in to clean up the poop they've created for the past 8 years?

Now thats Bipartisanship for you. Republicans in congress need to take a cue from the governors who know exactly how this bill would benefit their states.

I like Crist. He is trying his best in Florida to see both sides of the picture.
Maybe he will run for senate when his term as governor is up.
Plus, Florida would get a massive boost from the package. Florida is one of the top 10 states on the foreclosure list, so something needs to be done here.

I must say this is a smart republican....perhaps he can show Palin & McCain what a real maverick is....

I'm sure that bump didn't hurt at all. That head is as empty as his suit!!

It's good to see a Republican put politics aside and focus on the American people and their needs.

OMG did he clear this with Rush?!?

Now where are all the tax cut fools? oh yeah this is a republican talking so he must be right

idiots

This is not a stimulus package that will affect most of us...

How does a tax writeoff for first time home buyers help me pay my mortgage? This kind of incentive is what got people into the problems we have now!!!! stop incentivizing people who can't afford homes to buy them.

Also, much of the spending is on long-term things like healthcare and don't kick in for a few years. These are not the "shot-in-the-arm" that the economy needs.

Bush vaporized $700billion and now Obama is set to vaporize $800billion. These bailouts are not helping you and me...they are only helping politicians grow government and waste our hard-earned money.

Oooh, Rush is gonna be so angry with you Mr. Crist!

Get all the illegals off of welfare in that state, and you won't need a stimulus.

Everyone I have talked with lately is scared to death!

We come to News sites looking for answers.

Please help us!

Where is the break down on "The Plan" and why does it have to happen immediately or else?

Something smells here!

Florida is a dump, is a much bigger dump than when the Spanish was there, LOL!!

Ohh, I gotta use that in my comedy sketch, pretty good...

Florida is in desperate need of anything but still shouldnt get behind the wasteful pakage

Government at all levels have been iresponsibly spending and now broke. Think anything will change with the same idiots running all this???

Gee,a Republican without blinders on,how novel.....

President Obama would do better w/o Crist. He's a LOSER! He actually supports a high-speed rail system in Orlando INSTEAD OF funding education (we rank 50th in the country). Our governor is a BOZO...you'd think he lived in Alaska...