(CNN) – Florida Gov. Charlie Crist tells CNN he never endorsed President Obama's $787 billion stimulus measure, in what appears to be the latest effort by the Florida Republican to distance himself from the president as he seeks his party's Senate nomination.
"I didn't endorse it. I didn't even have a vote on the darned thing," Crist told CNN's Wolf Blitzer in an interview Wednesday on The Situation Room. "But I understood that it was going to pass and I wanted to be able to utilize it for the benefit of my fellow Floridians."
The comments came a day after former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio, Crist's conservative challenger for the GOP nomination, launched a Web site featuring a photograph of the governor appearing with President Obama at a Florida rally for the stimulus measure last February.
Text under the image reads, "Get the picture? Donate now to stand up for conservative principles."
Crist was one of only a handful of Republican governors to publicly extend some support to the president's $787 billion stimulus package – a move that rankled some conservatives in his home state and across the country.
Watch: Crist extends support for stimulus measure
In the interview with CNN, Crist called the move a "pragmatic" one given that the bill was certain to pass and his state stood to benefit from federal dollars.
"That was back in February, less than a month after the president was sworn into office, the first time he visits our state," Crist said. "And I was pragmatic, I think, about what we needed to do. Everybody knew the bill was going to pass."
"I, like all other Republican governors, utilized that money for the benefit of the people in my state. And that's what a pragmatic conservative does - a CEO, if you will, of a state does that," Crist also said.
But Crist appeared considerably more enthusiastic about the spending measure at the Florida rally on February 10 when he was introducing the president.
"It's getting harder every day, and we know that it's important that we pass this stimulus package," he said then with the president by his side. "It's important that we do so to help education, to help our infrastructure, and to help healthcare for those who need it most - the most vulnerable."
"This is not about partisan politics, this is about rising above that, helping America, and reigniting our economy," Crist also said then. (video below)
From CNN Politics
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Guess he realized the direction of Obama's influence....
BTW, it sure is not upward.
BUT he did accept stimulus funds, just like a bunch of his Republican colleagues. AND the people of Florida benefited from it.
Silly Charlie, don't back peddle now! Don't be fooled by the stoooooopid Palin far right faction!!!!!
Very funny.
I guess he saw what affect that sucking up to Obama got other Gov want to be's on Tuesday.
Obama seems like a really nice guy, but he does not live in the real world. To protected all his life to relate to Americans.
Time for everyone to start backing away from supporting any of Obamas agendas..............they are bad news. Pay attention Blue Dogs or you're next to be voted out. We need Boxer to get voted out in Bankrupt California, we can't afford her and her wacky ideas. Nutty San Francisco needs to vote out Nancy Botoxi, but they are way left wing nuts there.
Good for CNN, Crist should be held accountable for the stands that he took. Let's try to do the same for liberal Democrats. They need accountability as well.
Republicans are shameless... Disgusting...
Typcial GOP hypocrit. I supported it but now I don't because I'm running for re-election.
Oh, the ol' "everyone-else-was-doing-it defense." What a gutless wind-sock of a human being. He's basically admitting that he has absolutely no principles and he will do and say anything that will bring money into his state (and a re-election into his future). This guy is a perfect example of what is wrong with the republican party.......democrats pretending to be republicans.
HEY CHARLIE, MONEY IS NOT EVERYTHING. THERE IS SOMETHING CALLED PRINCIPLES......or atleast there used to be.
My god, Does Crist think that we are stupid. He pushed for the stimulus package and has used the money to balance the states budget and brags about it. now that he has a right wing nut as a primay challenger he speaks on the other side of his mouth. I guess this make Charlie nothing but a lying "Queen"
Oh those horrible Republicans....they don't have conservative values. Palin/Fat boy/etc are splitting the party in two. Either you follow Oxycotin boys' "Mein Kampf" and pledge alliegance to his bloated body (and ego) or you are out.
Recall that the $700 billion stimulus plan was signed by George W. Bush in the Fall 2008. Although Obama supported a stimulus plan, many Democrats did not. Who is right and who is wrong may never be known. Deregulation, 2 wars, excessive borrowing and spending for 8 years put us into a huge hole. The bailouts were terrible but I don't know what would have happened had they not been done. Paulson could have done a better job of requiring accountability for the bailout funds but that's water under the bridge. We have to move forward but try to learn from those mistakes. We need intelligent regulation that will control greed without inhibiting growth.
Crist and his ilk remind you of the old Mark Twain saying that if you take a dog in from the cold, put in in front of the fire place and feed him, he'll never bite your hand. That's the main difference between a dog and men.
Palin's cult members will get him too - or try to.
What exactly did Crist do wrong?
Liberals are incredible with their logic, or more accurately, their lack thereof.
Like most GOP governors, Crist was entirely against the stimulus as a principle. But given that it was absolutely going to pass, because of the vast majority of Dems in both houses, why shouldn't he best represent the people of Florida and accept it?
Liberals (at least the ones that post comments here) never truthfully examine motivations at all, they blindly hate. All of these "why do they accept the stimulus money now!" comments prove the commenter to be profoundly ignorant to the choices the governor has.
That's it Charlie. Forget about principles. Forget about what it means to be a good republican (fiscal responsibility). All that matters is getting your hands on those federal dollars and getting yourself electected. Whoever can help you with that is whose side you are on.
This gutless little RINO needs to be eradicated from the republican party. If he's going to act like a democrat, he should do the honest thing and declare himself as one.
Well, look on the brightside... when conservative voters come out in droves in 2010 to offset the Democrat Dead Voter Brigade, and Crist is booted from office, maybe his big spending buddy in the Oval office will give him a czar job, no?
When will you economically illiterate liberals get it through your head that the GOVERNMENT HAS NO MONEY OF ITS OWN!
The government cannot give away ANY MONEY to ANYBODY without first having to confiscate it at gunpoint from a citizen.
That is why ANY "stimulus" spending is bogus... stealing a dollar from my wallet and then handing me back 45 cents worth of "stimulus" does not create wealth, rather it is simply the lifeblood for government bureaucracy.
What a worm this guy is. Of course, he had to distance himself from the President. He wants the campaign money from the Republicans and does not want what happened to Dede Scozzafava in Ny – 23 race to happen to him. Now, he found his conservative principles.
Crist should stand up for what he believes is best for the people he represents. That he's joined other establishment Republicans in desperately trying to placate their volatile base has caused me to lose whatever respect I had for him.
He's basically pulling a McCain.
This will be interesting as only obstructionist and isolationist GOP candidates get the conservative nod. While many are expecting the typical backlash to the party in power, this will likely mitigate the impact. A majority of GOP and independent voters may be conservative, but do they represent a majority of the electorate – debatable. And there are negative associations too, that have not been addressed very well in the conservative movement.
Crist stand up to the republicans dont be scared to speak the true
The concervatives are trying to destroy you and Florida knows what best for there states.
You are going down the wrong road. Americans in the middle want to see politicians that will work with the POTUS and get things done.
Rubio is a hero for Hispanic Republicans and Conservatives alike.
Crist should step away!
Go Rubio!
AZ Conservative
Go for it, Republicans. Keep nominating extremists and you will go down in flames. You are attacking one of the most able moderate Governors in the country. But then again, you are from the "pup tent" school of governance. It is always more fun for you to spend your time flaming people in online blogs than actually doing something usefule.
No.No..I didn't sign that thing that helped the people..
No..I did not....because I am a heartless Republican!!
Spineless hypocrite speaking with a forked-tongue.
Evidently politicians only feel comfortable with people of their ilk: liars, thieves, adulterers, drunks, drug-users, corrupt, quitters, on the take, or on the down low. To stand next to another politician that no one can attribute any of these characteristics to, i.e. Obama, makes them crap their pants, and shun him. We the citizens of this country that elected our President are quite proud at finally having someone in the White House that is NOT plagued by any of these character flaws.
Go take a hike Crist.
Sounds like he supported it to me. Caught in a lie, how stupid does Crist think people are?
Where are the jobs?
Any Obama supporters want to answer that one?
He should stand up and say he supported it along with practically every reputable economist on both sides of the isle. Most economists think it may have been too small. The recovery act was needed and politician need to be honest and stop playing politics.
Can You Say Flip Flopper, Kameleon, Or Forgetful Jones. If You Can, Then You've Just Found Out Gov. Charlie "Cheddar-Bacon" Crist's Alter Ego.
Typical politician speaking out of both sides of their mouth. We need a strong 3rd party to keep the other two in check.
Typical republican!!
These republicans are crazy. What's wrong with any governor, wanting what's best for his or her state. Get a life republicans.
I'm curious, Crist, how did the stimulus money that you took work out for you and your state?
Another Totally Confused Moron from Florida. I am not at all surprised.
Is Charlie getting ready for a "Conservative Party" challenge to his senate run, perhaps?
You know its really sad that Chris even has to defend himself against those who thinks it was a political sin for him back the stimilus. These Republicans...something is wrong with some of them.
The Republican party needs consistent and principled leaders. Crist is obviously not one of them. It will be interesting to see how liberals react to this Republican revamping. They have been working to label it a "fringe" takeover. I'm not so sure that a conservative position should be labeled "fringe" since most Americans now days consider themselves conservative.
Crist is a liar. Doesn't he realize that the invention on the 'Internets' can prove him a shameless liar? Rubio will use this to get the 'Tea Baggers' riled up in the Primary. Ergo, the Righties will lose again.
Looks like the NY23 race scared the bejeezus out of him. Now he's gonna pander to the right wing nuts so that he doesn't get purged from the party of nope. Have a nice day!
"Crist was one of only a handful of Republican governors to publicly extend some support to the president's $787 billion stimulus package"
So there are only a handful of smart Republican governors?
That's not news!
Go ahead and return the money... acceptance is as good as an endorsement.
Republicans are such hypocrites. I sincerely feel bad for Crist. I think they are going to ram-road this guy, who aparently seems to have more sense than those in his very party. I guess the Republican party sincerely does not want moderates right now. They are trying to have a strong party and the way to do it, is it get rid of the moderates.
This is going to carry on in the future of the party and people with moderate views might as well re-group and form another party or become Independents. It's really sad how Conservatives in this country operate. It's getting crazy out there.
I am disappointed that Crist can't stand up for his earlier actions, but not surprised... he is, after all, a Republican. It must be part of the Republican credo to be okay with flip-flopping - IF YOU ARE DOING IT TO WIN.
As an independent, I vote the issue(s), not the party. I believe the stimulus HAS helped the economy. I am seeing it in the work coming my way now after a year of little to no activity.
Who in their right mind thinks that 8-25yrs of bad policies can POSSIBLY be fixed in a mere 9-12 months? If you think so, you are hopelessly and incurably stuck on stupid.
Hope that Floridians realize that ALL the republicans in control in Florida MUST be voted out of office in the next election. Just to read all the blogs and how the democrats are put down just because they want to help those in more need (health insurance) is just sick! No more republicans in Florida. Not even that Marco Rubio who got me to my last nerve!!!
Here is my question. Are Republicans going to go after all of the Governmors in this country that took the money from the Stimulus?
I didn't support the 2nd stimulus plan either but I was at least willing to give Obama the benefit of the doubt since he was willing to attach strings to the plan unlike Bush whose plan was to hand out $780 billion to any and all comers (but we will never know exactly who or how much money any of his big business buds took). I don't really understand why anyone would make a big deal over Crist taking the money from the 2nd stimulus package since it has all gone to the state and is being used to try and make things better for the people in Florida. Is it really a matter of who handed over the money (democrat or republican)? That's just pathetic for any voter to fall into that dumb trap...seems it's just what the politicians want, go figure.
Watch your back Crist. The GOP will not support any measure, regardless of how much the American people benefit.
They are out to eliminate all moderates which will make them the party of the radical religious right.
Many hide behind the bible, claiming their virtues while losing
all sight of true Christianity.
One cannot continue to try to destroy our country and us, putting
party, anything to win over the welfare of the American people.
What is the definition of terrorism?
First, it is way too early to say whether or not people actually benefited from the spending spree.......inflation could be just around the corner.
Second, it is never smart or conservative to spend money you do not have. That is actually what got us into this mess.
Third, Christ is a person who believes in whatever he thinks he needs to in order to get elected. In other words, he is a populist, not a true leader.
Forth, he has really screwed up the insurance market here in Florida. Oh….and just ask how the government run insurance company is doing.
Fifth, he has worsened the property tax situation in the State by advancing the Save Our Home discount scam.
And finally, I won't be fooled by or voting for this RINO again.
Jimbo> President Obama was "protected"? Are you serious? Please read his autobiography. You really have no clue what you're talking about.
And the Dems who lost on Tuesday, do you think, perhaps, that they were just unpopular politicians who would have lost regardless of the President's support? Has that occured to you at all? No, of course not.
As for Crist, what a weasel. Not surprising.
This is the perfect example of pathetic, spineless politicians who stand for nothing other than re-election. Until the moderates in the GOP stand up for something honest and true their followers will continue to be brainwashed by the likes of Rush, Beck, Hannity, Bachman and Palin, doing huge damage to the country.
A politician is a politician, is a politician no matter what then?
Bring it on right wing nut cases. We need Marco Rubio!! When is quitter Sarah and her cronies coming down. NY 23??? here we go again!
Who cares any more? Politics is a tit-for-tat game that sees no end. What is the point. It has become a game of one-upmanship.
All you people are fools! Stop depending on the Washington and the government to fix your problems. None of them care about the average citizen, whether you tag or label yourself as republican, demorcrate, or independent. Stop being a bunch of fools, this is how it is. Cut up your credit cards, go thru the emergency rooms, like the illegals, pay your mortgage and main house bills, and forget the rest. Then and only then will wall street, credit markets, and Washington pay attention to what the people are saying. What do you think they are going to sue every person who don't pay their credit card, I doubt it seriously, they can't take your house because it belongs to the bank, they can't take your car, most of them belongs to the bank. So who really gets stiffed? That's right, the crooks who raised your interest rates whether you paid on time or not. I will not give another penny to the credit market, or the insurance company. If you have any since at all, you would do the same, before you find yourself and your family streets for not paying a bunch of crooks, who is robbing us every day.
All you people are fools! Stop depending on Washington and the government to fix your problems. None of them care about the average citizen, whether you tag or label yourself as republican, demorcrate, or independent. Stop being a bunch of fools, this is how it is. Cut up your credit cards, go thru the emergency rooms, like the illegals, pay your mortgage and main house bills, and forget the rest. Then and only then will wall street, credit markets, and Washington pay attention to what the people are saying. What do you think they are going to sue every person who don't pay their credit card, I doubt it seriously, they can't take your house because it belongs to the bank, they can't take your car, most of them belongs to the bank. So who really gets stiffed? That's right, the crooks who raised your interest rates whether you paid on time or not. I will not give another penny to the credit market, or the insurance company. If you have any since at all, you would do the same, before you find yourself and your family on the streets for not paying a bunch of crooks, who is robbing us every day.
Obama and the Dem's are in big trouble. They are still mis-reading the public. It is about one thing only – JOBS. The Dems policies and initiatives will only cost jobs and not add any. I am talking about private sector jobs not government jobs funded with debt.
Look for big Reoublican gains in 2010
I used to like Crist as governor until the republican machine got a hold of him. He did what he had to do for his state, whats wrong with that? Florida needed the money, and we got it.....Thanks Mr. President
Losses in Governor's races is getting a lot of Republican attention, but Governors do NOT vote in Congress. Palin drones made a point of embracing the far Right and abandoning Republican moderates and Independents who are trying to find balance in the center; the result – Republicans LOST congressional seats, and thereby lost voting power. If the Republican party thinks that is a victory, great.... I think it's just one more indication of how disastrous Sarah Palin and her admirers are for the country and any chance we have to climb out of this trend toward divisiveness and polarization. I foresee the marginalizing of the Republican Party and the emergence of the Independent block as the new power player in Washington.
The one thing you can say about Crist is that he always know what direction the wind is blowing. Right now it is blowing back in his face.
I am neither Democrat nor Republican but I have to admit, it is kinda fun to watch the Repuplicans tear each other apart to obtain control of the party. Maybe if we are lucky the Democrats wil start laying into each other with the same vehemence and we will finally be rid of both of these disfunctional, irrelevant parties.
Gee....sounds like Kerry's 2004 claim of "I opposed it after I supported it". Sorry, Crist, you can't have it both ways. We Democrats are more than happy to have Rubio, a Palin-style extremist, to run for Senate so that the average Floridian can be represented in the Senate by a Democrat.
The GOP is funny to me. Criticize Gov Crist for accepting money on behalf of his state. Please name one, just one GOP Governor who did not accept the money from the stimulus and use it for his state. Gov Jindal was going around personally handing out stimilus money to his constituents. If the GOP is so conservative (as they claim), I'd like to see 2 things – ALL of them NOT request any earmarks (which expand government) AND they all look at the government programs in their state that are wasteful and cancel them.
When the DOD decided to stop spending on the F-22 and divert the funds to more practical aircraft that can help in the middle east, the GOP Congressman immediately went on record not supporting that. It affected his district as they will lose some jobs. Again, this was Sec Gates idea. ALL congress (GOP and DEM) will stop at nothing to keep programs in their district even if they believe they are wasteful. If you started dropping programs from teh government, unemployment will rise as well. Let's see these conservative GOP support that initiative.
Must have gotten "the call" from Rush Lamebrain. That's okay Charlie, those will grow back in no time, that is, if you ever had a pair!
Why would he back peddle on this. Florida got a lot of stimulus money and it probably helped a lot of people. If there were no extra money they would be in a lot worse shape than they are now and then what would he be campaigning on.
The Republican/Conservative Party is a disgrace and an abomination. There is something putrid about these guys and gals. The Republican Parties of past decades did not make me want to shower after I hear or see them speak on issues. I think it may have started with the Newt Gingrich Crew a few years back.
Coulter/Beck 2012
Still waiting for the day when people start considering it a good thing for politicians to actually work WITH their fellows instead of constantly working against each other. I'm also tired of the hate mongering that's taken place in the republican party. The Republicans are appealing to peoples worst fears without regard to the truth of their statements or the damaging effects that hyper partisan creates. Democrats, this includes you too. Stop saying stupid things like "Republicans are shameless... Disgusting...", it does NOT add to the conversation in a constructive way.
The stimulus money is good for Florida. Crist supported it and he should be proud he did what was right for Florida rather than pandering to the tea bagger crowd. Anyone can go look up the news stories and/or video from 10 months ago and see he supported it. Denying it now just makes him look dishonest. Maybe there is some difference between 'supporting' and 'endorsing' that makes it not a lie? It's sad that a popular ex-governor would fold so quickly.
Interesting, since Bush actually got the ball rolling on the stimulus before he left office. I wonder how whole-heartedly Crist would be supporting the plan if Bush's term hadn't ended when it did. (Not that I agree with the stimulus plan at all – just wonder about Crist's position).
yeah, that is smart back away from obama (a winner) and align yourself to palin (quitter and a loser)...align yourself to palin and that bunch and you will be sitting exactly where they are today...running/governing absolutely nothing and running around with sour grapes!!
Christ, you mean problematic, not pragmatic
Crist will be KICKED TO THE CURB by the far-right REPUBLI-CAN'Ts – just like they did in NY-23 and a DEMOCRAT is going to win!!! CRIST should stand for what he believes and if it does not take him TOO FAR RIGHT – so be it!!
But OH NO, the REPUBLI-CAN'Ts are too afraid to become moderate and it's going to cost them. There are already three parties – RePUBS, Democrats and Independents!! The RePUKES are trying to form another one and it's not going to work!!
I love it that the Party of NO is trying to reinforce their BASE with FAR-RIGHT thinking – it makes it better for the Democrats!!
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire! You are a HORRIBLE governor, and you will be a WORSE Senator. People of Florida, WAKE UP and vote this tool completely out of office. His administration is a sham and so is his marriage. L-O-S-E-R!!! Why not say, Crist, "You know, I've ruined the State of Florida, especially education, and I felt it best to put the state on the right track and take the stimulus money in order to save jobs." Something wrong with stating the truth? Oh...I forgot...you a REPUBLICAN POLITICIAN. Shameless...
Looks like more and more are jumping off the Obama/Pelosi/Reid ship. The rest better hurry because that ship is sinking real fast.
It takes a special brand of homosapien to become a politician and it takes a honed professional at the quick-handed 'find the nut' game of "nut and shell" to maneuver around the easily influenced and malleable electorate. I was against it before I was before it before I was against it. Political speak that voters really understand and will come in droves to re-elect.
Many will be running from the Obama grand vision in the coming weeks and months. Self preservation trumps party ideology.
Wow! He accepted money that actually helped his constituents during one of the worst economic crises of our time! ***GASP**** THE NERVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Conservatives won't win....the vast majority of the country are somewhere in the middle. But to all you "Conservatives only when a Democrat is in office"....keep thinking that "conservatives" won yesterday. The Republicans that did win ran very middle of the road, positive campaigns. The Democrats that lost ran negative campaigns. People don't like that. I hope you don't have your hopes too high.
It would be irresponsible for any Governor to reject stimulus money for his or her state, after it had been approved by Congress. That is just common sense. Rejecting stimulus money is pure politics.
Just like all Republicans, they don't have a mind of their own and will not stand by the discissions they make, they back peddle and then lie about what they said or what they did.......for fear of the repercussions from, Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity, O'Riely, Palin....the far right wing wacko's....we have 3 more years with this President and in that time the stimulus will show you all that it was the right thing to do for the stituation Bush got this country in........then what? You watch then the Republicans will all be saying "Yeah I supported it".......won't work we all took Names when this stimulus came out and we know each and everyone of you that didn't support it......
You lie, Crist, pandering to the Republican base (again) as he desperately bashed the president and Judge Sotomayor. No gracias.
republicans don't know if they are coming or going and they appear to get confused very easily. Their intellect tells them one thing but they desire to be elected as a republican tells them something else. republicans have no tolerance for other other republicans, and if they cross the line one time they will be punished by the republican guards and ostracized by them.
..if you didn't accept funds you were threatened by the Fed gov't and you still had to pay in to it...it was a fear-based shakedown...seen the price of gold lately....that is a hedge against the inflation this disaster of a plan is causing.
Is it kind of scary that Republicans are now using scare tactics to attack their own?
Doesn't that seem kind of weird to anyone? Is this what politics will be like from now on. Attack anyone even if its your own party.
Great! I didn't spend any political capital on this policy, but my state greatly benefited from it. I don't like ice cream, but I ate it anyway. I didn't ask for the ice cream, but it was cold and I was hot, so I gobbled that stuff down like no tomorrow. But after I ate it, I realized that I really don't like it.
Charlie...I am glad you DID back stim. I am one of 700 teachers jobs that were saved in Broward County alone.
Stop lying GOP....you might do better.
Gov. Christ has always put his own best interest in front what's best for his state. As a Florida resident he's been nothing but a disappointment expecially since he announced he was going to run for the Senate. His reasoning as he explained was he "could do more for Florida as a Senator in Washington" than remain as Govenor....oh really ! ! !
Now he's pandering to the Conservative Republican's. Here's a man who even got married when he thought he may be selected as a VP running mate to McCain just to keep up for appearance sake. He even seems willing to give up his year round TAN to be in Washington.
HE ACCEPTED ALL THE MONEY AND HE HAD TO ACTUALLY REQUEST IT FOR EDUCATION. The rules were he had to have a budget set at 2006 levels for education. His current education budget is at 2004 spending levels. He had to specifically request the federal dollars for education and get a WAIVER because he had cut education so badly and increased prison building budgets by $300 million. This man has lied repeatedly and the children and the people of Florida are suffering for it.
His tax property amendment savings millions for Floridians – bull – just got my tax bill for 2010 – up $222. In January of last year when his "hold harmless education budget tax property relief" amendment was passed I got a $45 property tax break and education funds were immediately slashed. Get rid of Crist before he completely ruins the State of Florida.
I think this shows a very concerted effort by the far right wing of the Republican Party to takeover the forefront of American politics. If 40% of the nation describes themselves as "conservative" this doesn't imply a victory in every state. (You need 50%+1 to win.. sorry). Moderates in this country need to stand up and defend this.
The Stimulus Package was meant to help our nation's INFRASTRUCTURE (aka the roads we drive on, the power grid, the utility lines). If you were expecting some trampoline of economic recovery complete with roses at the end, you were sadly mistaken.
Crist was a terrible Governor so I hope he doesn't get the nomination for other reasons. He cut education in our state's University System and many school disctricts, he was responsible for the loss of jobs for thousands of first responders like police and firemen, and crippled many local governments in the process.
Have a debate on issues, and not the "identification" politics of ideology. THAT IS REAL CHANGE
Don't worry about Crist. He won't make it far once hes outted for being another closeted conservative homosexual. Enough people know of his sexcapades that eventually this will all come out. If they can't be true to themselves, how can he be true to his constituents?
LoL... Funny .. when things start going good Next Year as it should then will he say something else .. people dont understand that 787 billion was approved and things are looking good so far and we have not even used half of that money yet .. and may never have to .. but let the others tell you that Obama is spending money like crazy .. when he has not even SPENT anything really... its been approved to be used that does not mean u have to spend it ... its just like a credit card with a limited thats all .. maybe if some people read and understand then they would know , but i guess thats asking to much
Crist has no firm convictions. He'll go with wherever the winds blow. Go Rubio!
This is too funny. I LIVE in Florida, Mr. Christ, and you not only endorsed it, you sang its praises from the rooftops – and it has benefited our state tremendously. All those teaching jobs saved and health care jobs created, money invested in education and in our infrastructure. There was a time I thought you'd be the one Republican who could actually get my vote. You just blew that.
Christ points to “successes” and “needs” that were paid for through the stimulus measure. Initiated and fought through by the Dems and the President AGAINST the whole GOP crowed – and then he has the nerve to criticize the President for it? I was for it before I was against it…"pragmatic". Well, I guess a real GOP hope for – what????
I hope the conservatives purge Crist from their party and open up a senate seat that democrats had no chance of winning with a moderate, well liked Crist. He was the only republican that I dared vote for based on his more rational thinking than his party of do nothings.
A move to the right will further isolate republicans from the mainstream. Keep that tractor heading for the cliff you warmongering, economy busting, middle income hurting conservatives!
Anyone that won't vote for Crist because he agreed to take funds for his state need to rethink their priorites as Floridians.
Every state has been hit by the economy. Every state needs help with teir budget. The Governors job is to do his best to ease shortfalls. Crist did this. If he hadn't, it meant he was playing politic with his people.
That's not Reublican or Democrat- that's a job well done!
Crist stay in Florida with all the rest of the old fools who believe the Republicans are winners.
You were for it before you were against,,RIGHT !!
I kind of feel sorry for Crist, he is having to explain himself to people who have a 4th grade education. Who am I kidding, that's an insult to 4th graders..
Go ahead. Pander to the extreme right. It'll only help kill the GOP faster. A grateful nation thanks you.
Hey guys, give the guy a break! I'm a Democrat through and through, but here's a Republican who is just trying to do right for his state & he's being jacked by his own party. They're trying to pull a fast one on him like they did to Scozzafava in NY....just because he's a little more moderate than the crazies like Palin & Limbaugh! Look what that kind of crap does anyway? Gets the first Dem in office in that part of the state in over 100 yrs!!
While I have to take issue with the fact that he feels the need to defend his stance & back away from the President, the reality is that its his own party turning on him! Its a sad day when things like this happen.....Like I said, give the guy a break!
This is like all the right-wing gov's who took the stimulus money and then railed against big gov spending. The hard right call the democratic leadership names but don't put forth concrete alternatives to the progressives' solution. Pres. Bush had almost eight years to not win 2 wars, but Pres. Obama takes flak from progressives and conservatives when he doesn't rush to figure out how to win both in 10 months. Everyone needs to calm down, stop shouting, give support to each other and we'll be fine. The blind obstruction (and blind acceptance) needs to stop.
Technically, he supported the measure. Endorse are very different things but in all seriousness, he was in fact favor of it.
No offense but I can name you some GOP Gov who accepted the money. Like for example, the Mississippi Gov. But only one distinct difference...didn't want the unemployment benefits. So in all fairness, I can name a couple of GOP Gov who accepted the money but at their own limits. Heck, some of them went to go as far as to call it unconstituonal, like Texas who wanted to seceded(that's funny). But slow down, if you wanna pick on Gov Crrist, pick on other Governors who greatly accepted the money because that was a different and Crist is right. It was about a month into his inauguration, it was very early.
And watch out, what did Gov Palin do? Or should I say, Ex Gov? She quit her job, right? Hey, anything goes,
send back the stimulus money to the fed govt they can spread it to the other 49 states or accept the money and say thank you to me the taxpayer
Yes you did, Crist – and you're GOING DOWN for doing so.
I watched this interview and I realized that I had never heard him speak before. When the interview was over, I also realized that this appearance was nothing but quality control for his appearance in February with the president. He squeezed and squealed his way out of this tight corner like a greased hog. It wasn't pretty. I've never seen swine tip-toe through the stimilus tulips like Crist did. I am always amused by politicians when they are coddling senior citizens. Since his constituents are largely senior citizens, he has perfected his pandering.
nothing could be better. Isolate your state even more from mainstream America. Become part of the "south"...that is really something to be proud of
The stimulus was a joke. Democratic pork. But since they are using our taxes anyways, the governors can't turn down the money or we get screwed. Here is the deal....I'm independent. Anyone who voted for that waste of money that they call stimulus or votes for a public option in healthcare, will not get my vote in the next election. Think before you vote congress because we are watching you.
Yeah, he's gotta back track a little. But focus on what he said. They all took it, he just didn't complain beforehand like the rest did.
Crist, you have now lost my respect for you. You were right in supporting the stimulus and wrong in denouncing it now due to political pressure from the left. If you do not win the nomination, it is not because of your support for the stimulus, which was good for Florida and the country, but because of your political pandering to the loonies on the right. Shame on you, Crist
Isn't this flip flopping? Maybe he should face his own demons and do what is right for his own spirit before he event attempts at helping the public. I live in Florida and I am embarrassed by our politicians.
Some politicians are becoming a little bid wiser in NOT aligning with Nobama!!
It's really beyond imagination how the GOP has degenerated. It's really very sad when you think about it. We are supposed to have 2 viable major parties, who, in the best scenario, would have constructive arguments that go back and forth on all critical issues concerning our people and as of now we just have the Democrats with thoughts about how our country's well being will be in the future as well as now. The Republicans on the other hand, as unbelievable as it sounds, haven't contributed anything, nada except trying to get people riled up for all the wrong reasons. I think even the true conservatives are shaking their heads in shame. This country needs help, and even if you don't believe in Pres. Obama's policies, at least this man is working hard in trying to fix what's wrong. I mean everything he say's is true concerning energy, We keep importing oil, lets stop the bull and go all out for solar and wind and renewables. Health, let's stop the bleeding caused by the Insurance Companies, Less Money for contributions means more money into the economy. Let's Wake up America.
YOU LIE!!! but in this case that's a GOOD thing!
Some Conservatives should ask themselves a question "What might have happened if the Stimulus never happened" Did you ever think what might happen if we entered into a Depression???? Would you have taken that chance ????? An adult with a 4th grade education is a sad thing.
As a Floridian, I konw just how soulless and calculating Crist can be, but to tell such a self-serving bald-faced lie is beyond my low expectations.
Crist openly and supported the stimulus bill. Period.
Since the stimulus bill has save us from a decade + long economic depression, it was the only thing a responsible, sane and ethical govenor could do.
Well he still has sane.
Mainstream America expects good hearted polticians like Crist to fight against the socialists who are looking to destroy this country in their quest for a power that our founding fathers never intended on any poltician having.
Just look at Detroit and Chicago, this is the end result of continuous unquestioned Democrat rule. Most Americans don't want their children subjected to a violent war zone that is designed to hold them back and make them the next generation of government dependent Democrat voters.
Crist is a liar, plain and simple. Just another pathetic Republican fool.
It's time progressive and independent people start to pick up the phone and call the main-stream media to tell them to their faces that we are sick and tired of being "fair" to the Right when all they do is lie, distort, deflect, and ignore. CALL THE MEDIA.
Tell them to stop falling for the Republican spin every single time. Tell them to stop paying attention to Faux Propaganda and their insane rantings for ratings that have no basis in fact either politically or substantively. Tell them to report ONLY FACTS AS NEWS and NOT OPINION AS NEWS. It's time we take our MEDIA back from the corporate shills who are only concerned about profit and sensationalism and NOT facts, news, and the betterment of the American people.
i guess its hard to be a republican moderate when your party is only 20% far right in the national elections but almost 100% in the primary elections. i guess that means you will have a whacko republican vs a democrat in local elections, which is fine by me
Kendrick Meek for Senate, 2010!
The Conservative wing of the Republican is to feared...and laughed at.
To think that members of their own party would buy into some of the nefarious lies they are spreading is disgusting.
Moderate Republicans – there is plenty of room for you in the Democratic Party to render the Conservatives irrelevant.
And as for you idiot Conservatives:
Don't go away mad, just go away.
Nice backbone Charlie. Way to cave.
Those who benefited, the citizens of Florida, aren't complaining about receiving stimulous money. Who is Rubio for, himself or the citizens; I think the answer is Rubio himself.
He should never accepted the money for the state of Florida if he did not back the stimulus..............................which way is the wind blowing today, Charlie???????
I just have to Laugh my butt off at all of the massive right-wing hypocrite hogwash I'm reading here. Everyone's tossing the word "socialist" around like it's evil. I expect everyone one of you nitwits to refuse social security and medicare when you retire, both are socialist programs.
Oh, and let's not forget on the spending thing: Bush spent more than anyone who came before him and ya'll just licked his toes for 8 years and never uttered a single word about it.
Hypocrites, every last one of you.
Sorry, Charlie. This dog won't hunt. Spend your damage control time worrying about the people who raised funds for you.
In other words, there is no room for Crist in the republican party either. The republicans who are being ousted out of the party should gladly go to show just how _ _ _ _ _ _ up the republican party really. They could really use this to their advantage if they weren't so scared.
It's "far right" to point out Charlie Crist's support for the Obama stimulus? Only 2 out of 217 House and Senate GOP'ers voted for it.
Will Rubio put on the record that he doesn't want any Federal aid in the event of hurricanes?
Crist and Rubio,
And don't forget, when the oceans rise, most of your big cities will make New Orleans appear to be a cheap fix (if we ever do that!). You want us to let that pass also.
Or is this just another political "red meat" comment.
And we can have your part of the highway tax money and we will split all of your stimulus money 49 ways.
It is easy to be so righteous when you aren't the one having to make the difficult decisions.
Charlie Christ is a hypocrite and a liar. First of all, he needs to get out of the closet; those of us in this State were treated to his situation with a male lover (before he decided to do a 180 turn and marry a woman BEFORE the election) so we know that he is gay; for starters, he should own up to that fact and be honest with everyone; secondly, he has to come clean and stand by his comments in favor of President Obama's stimulus package, when he made them. It sickens me to see politicians lie so easily and treat the rest of us as if we were morons who don't read newspapers or are not aware of what is going on. They treat us their constituents as if we were all Sarah Palins, who can see Mexico from our houses.
What a shame that because of republican political ideology he's is incapable of admitting that taking the governments money was welcomed and was the right thing to do to help his state.
It's the same with health care reform – it's the right thing to do to help Americans, but because of the backward republican ideology their representatives have to vote against it.
What good is being elected if you're not representing the wants and needs of your constituents, but rather representing the interests of your political party. It's pathetic.
In light of all this, who do republicans actually represent these days? Themselves? The republican party? Whose interests are foremost? It surely doesn't appear to be "regular" Americans.
I seem to recall you Obamatrons bashing the few governors who did turn down the money as hurting their states to score political points. So which is it bozotrons? Is it better to be opposed but take the money, or be opposed and reject the money? Or is this too tough a question since it requires a definitive answer and you prefer to vote 'present'?
I am a conservative...but the criticism of Crist is ridiculous. He is conservative...but not an idealogue. We need more of him.
I love watching GOP "leaders" like Crist and Pawlenty bend over backwards to try and appease the right wing nutjobs and then have it thrown back in their faces!!!!!
Say it ain't so Charlie! Not you too. Another one of those GOP stimulus deniers who hypocritically run with the stimulus money but still put it down. Ugh!
I really thought this guy was the essence of what the GOP used to stand for. I guess he's just another tea bagger. Where are you GOP? What has happened to your party's principles?
I can see he's getting the Dede treatment, and he's responding.
Craven coward.
I live in Florida and although I am a registered Independent, I admired Crist for his moderate views. But now he seems to be bowing down to the right-wing conservatives and it is quite sad. I thought he was "his own man." The other day when President Obama visited Florida, Crist initially told local TV that he didn't even know the President was in his State. Yaright....like we believe that. Then later he back-tracked and said he didn't know the President's schedule. I can't believe these right-wing nuts are intimidating good-hearted moderate Republicans.
You're doomed Christ! Rush won't allow you in his party of conservatives who only understand saddling the next generation with its bills.
The people of Florida will vote for Crist just to get him out of the state Crist for Martinez, talk about getting hosed. Niether was or is worth a phoney 2 dollar bill. The right wing nuts in florida deserve to have the worst politician ever [ hard to beat most GOP'ers]. He will be so junior he will have to clean toilets in his first term, and for sure he will screw that up. I do not know where these red necks in florida come up with these white haired Hate mongering Bigots along the Bible Belt but they seem to find the bottom of the barrell here in Florida.
Crist took stimulus money and participated in Obama's socialist programs. He is a RINO! Throw him out of the party.
" Oh no, I never really supported the stimulus even though I was glad to take a big chunk of it. Now I would never support such a thing, ........... oh, there might be another round of stimulus?............UUUUhhhhh I guess I did support it after all.......I think, but maybe not, or did I?"
Yeah that's about typical.
I recall an editorial by Michael Steele a few months ago on this very site that chastised Obama for supporting an expensive "turtle tunnel" underneath a Florida highway. Steele said Obama "supported" the tunnel because stimulus money was used to build it. In fact, the STATES decide how to spend the money, and Crist and the Florida legislature were the ones who decided to spend that money on the tunnel. If the "turtle tunnel" was an important "education/infrastructure/healthcare" initiative, Gov. Crist should own it.
Gov. Crist is just doing his usual soft shoe.. dance to the right, dance to the left. His primary overriding and only real concern is his next election, which is usually for a new position... instead of sticking around dealing with the mess he is making as govenor.
He just will not or cannot "man up" to what he said because he might lose a vote from the fringe, or the left, no wait, the right, the far right, or the middle... whatever audience he is talking to.
By the way, don't politicians realize that everything is recorded and can be played back? I don't know about the rest of you but I am real tired of politicians talking down to us, like we are too dense to understand their deep thinking. Hey, we get it, you want to be elected, and reelected.