Report: Bill Clinton Pushing Democrat to Drop Out of Fla. Senate Race
- Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:45pm by
Meredith Jessup
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According to a new report from Politico, former President Bill Clinton traveled to Florida last week to campaign for Rep. Kendrick Meek, while simultaneously urging the Democrat to drop out of the three-way race against Gov. Charlie Crist and Republican Marco Rubio for the U.S. Senate.
Politico reports that Meek agreed on two separate occasions to concede the election and endorse Crist’s independent bid in a “last-ditch” effort to stop conservative favorite Rubio.
Meek, a staunch Clinton ally from Miami, has failed to broaden his appeal around the state and is mired in third place in most public polls, with a survey today showing him with just 15 percent of the vote. His withdrawal, polls suggest, would throw core Democratic voters to the moderate governor, rocking a complicated three-way contest and likely throwing the election to Crist.
The former president’s top aide, Doug Band, initially served as the intermediary between Meek and Crist, and Clinton became involved only when Meek signaled that he would seriously consider the option, Clinton spokesman Matt McKenna confirmed to POLITICO.
“The argument was: ‘You can be a hero here. You can stop him, you can change this race in one swoop,’” said another Democrat familiar with the conversations, who said Clinton had bluntly told Meek that he couldn’t win the race.
According to Politico, Clinton had convinced Meek to exit the race and the Crist, Meek and Clinton camps even set a date for an endorsement rally.
One aide told Politico that it was “a done deal.”
Meek was to give Crist his blessing and explain to his disappointed supporters — many of whom deeply distrust the governor, who was elected as a Republican — that their votes could save the Senate for the Democrats and save America from the rise of Rubio, who is viewed both as a hard-line conservative and a potential national figure.
The White House, Democrats said, had knowledge of the plans and viewed them as a path to capturing the Senate seat, but did not initiate the talks.
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Comments (119)
Morning Star
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:45pmYet another reason NOT to vote early. This maneuver, although asinine to say the least, could possibly rally sympathy votes and outside $upport for Mr. Meeks. However, the risks of a ‘swat the beehive’ tactic is that a swarm of bees can sting many times over.
Report Post »eddie333
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:42pmAt this point, isn‘t Meeks’ name already on the ballot? People could still cast a their vote for Meeks. A little too late of an effort from Bill Clinton…GOOD!
Report Post »USAVET
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:41pmWhy does Clinton think he’s still president? Meek should tell Clinton to go find a real job.
Report Post »tallypatriot
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:41pmThis just makes me sick. I”m really tired of these people undermining the will of the people. Crist shouldn’t even be in this race. I hope Meek stands his ground and doesn’t let the dems humiliate him.
Report Post »rstarce
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:33pmThe more I learn about the political process in our country the sicker I become. It is beginning to disgust me. It’s about Power over the people. We mean nothing to these blood suckers. It’s time to throw them all out, every last one of them and start over. Term limits are a must.
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:26pmAll the progressive liberals should drop out of the election. Bill is giving him solid advice. I wish Bill could cover all the states and tell them the same thing. We deserve what we get so be sure and get out and vote for the Republican in that state. Let’s send the liberal progressive democrats a reason to be scared of us. So that they will drop this nonsense.
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:10pmI just now watched the first few minutes of Greta Susteren. She interviewed Charlie Crist about the Clinton allegations about the Democrat Meeks being asked to step aside. Because I’m not from Florida and know very few people from that state I never really paid much attention to Crist. This time I paid very close attention to him and I must say… what a sleazy dirt bag of a con-man.
No doubt all you Republicans that voted for him feel pretty darned foolish right about now. Crist is just like Obama in the way he tries to sway everyone by using his polished smooth talking lies. For Floridas sake, I hope and pray that Marco Rubio spanks Crist on Tuesday!
PatriotShops.com
Report Post »crackerone
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 11:05pmNo problem PatriotDave. Saw the same interview. The good people from the State of Florida figured this out a long time ago!
Report Post »OklahomaBound
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:02pmThis is sort of like the Dems who held out on the Obamacare vote, wait until the eleventh hour when their desperate for your cooperation and then get your payday. So what dollar amount or position will this guy hold out for?
Report Post »1776
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:51pmHow much is Soros going to pay him?
Report Post »eyestoseeearstohear
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:48pmI am GLAD Meeks stayed in the race.
And, I HOPE MEEKS AND CRIST LOSE…TO RUBIO…
OBAMA WILL HAVE MANY RESTLESS AND SLEEPNESS NIGHTS! HAHAHAHA
Report Post »eyestoseeearstohear
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:46pmThis just goes to show HOW DEEP & DIRTY CLINTON IS & INVOLVED.
Of course, Clinton AND Obama schemed this one up….Obama COULDN’T be seen or heard in this one…but YOU KNOW he gave the OK to do this.
They are running SCARED….and are AFRAID IF RUBIO were to WIN – HE’D BE SURE TO WIN OVER OBAMA IN 2012.
OBAMA & CLINTON ARE PLAIN AND SIMPLE – CROOKS!
Report Post »crackerone
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 7:32am“The Rainmaker” doesn‘t realize that’s pee all over the front of his pants.
Report Post »robert5635
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:38pmIs a shame no one will slap the RICO Act on obama. clinton, crist, and meeks. Is Chicago politics all over again.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 11:17pmI agree … sure sounds illegal to me. Trying to FIX an election!
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 7:19amNot only trying to fix the election but at the bidding of the White House. I remember when they wouldn’t give Crist the time of day when he asked if they would help him, now they are buddy-buddy. If I were Meeks, I would be P.O.’d that they had turned on me, a true Dem, for a two-faced lying…oh, wait, that describes much of Washington.
Report Post »robert5635
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:35pmTalk about showing true colors,they’re all corrupt, and unafraid to hide anymore.
Report Post »MiketheTrucker
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:25pmI lived in FL for 20 tears, Crist has always been a piece of crap.
I think Rubio still wins.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:34pmThe ballots are printed and people have been voting absentee and early for over a week now … for RUBIO!
Report Post »WISEPENNY
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 12:15amRubio is now going to win by such a large margin that the dems may call for an investigation into GOP voter fraud. (LOL) Thanks Chucky, thanks Willy!
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:23pmWhat high-level White House position was Mr. Clinton authorized to offer Mr. Meeks in exchange for his leaving the Florida Senate race? C’mon, Glenn!! Isn’t this exactly the kind of question The Blaze was established to get answered? I bet it involves Cass Sunstein and Van Jones, for sure. Perhaps Mr. Meeks was offered the contract on Glenn Beck and his family that Mr. Beck implied was taken out by Mr. Jones.
Report Post »Deovindice
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:14pmThe dims would rather have a turncoat Rebublican than one of their own ?
Report Post »This sure says a lot about Crist’s true colors.
Meeks is just waiting for Soros to offer the magic dollar amount before he drops out.
Dotski
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:11pmBlack americans should be outraged about this…..but then it all depends on what you think “PUSHING” means….hahahahaha
Report Post »mutt
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:02pmSo the self proclaimed ist black President is arm twisting the black guy to drop out against a pale old white guy who used to be a Republican WTF… News flash for all Blacks who thinks the Democratzi’s are looking out for you Once again you folks are just pawns being used by these progressive/ corrupt bastards. There is no limit to how low these people will go to cling to power. I watched some of the debate and Meeks was doing alot better than that POS Christ. Christ should be the one to drop out. He has the moral fortitude of jellyfish. Florida, we pray you come to understand that the Dimocrats are willing to throw you under the bus for themselves and their power, Shame on Obammy for dispatching Free Willy to do his dirty work!
Report Post »whitaker
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:23pmCrist sounds like he would fit right inwith them. I still wounder why people would vote for him, if he can dump is party so easly he could do the same to the people voteing for him.
Report Post »be heard
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:58pmWhy didn’t Clinton ask Crist to drop out to let Meeks win. If I were Meek I would be a ticked off. After all Crist already lost to Rubio so bad he had to change parties. How can you trust anyone who is willing to change their views and party just to get into power?
Report Post »clhathaway
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:06pmCrist’s ego is too big for him to drop out. That’s why he is running as an independent. He wouldn’t do it to help the Republicans. He certainly won’t do it to help the Dems.
Report Post »OBAMAWORSHIOER
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:58pmBelieve it. Crist will win because he is perhaps even more moldable to our plans than even Obama. We love snakes in the grass. Remember 2000 when we rigged the voter counts? We’re even better at it now.
But IF he turns on us than ???????
Report Post »crackerone
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:46pmCrack Kills!
Report Post »DrPepper
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 11:16pmWhy even respond to that ******* he is obviously delusional.
Report Post »crackerone
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 11:55pmBecause, after watching T.V. tonight, I see a landslide! Will have the first, good night’s sleep in two years! I’m actually hoping for a Crist poll worker to knock on my door. Not to mock or ridicule, but to ask “ Are You Serious ”
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:57pmWay to go Billy boy. Don’t let the people choose. Manipulate manipulate manipulate.
Report Post »crackerone
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:34pmMake Bill the new spokesman for Bad Gas, Diarrhea and Constipation!
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:55pmCharlie Crist was a self-described “conservative” less than two years ago. As a Floridian, I can say with conviction that anyone who votes for Crist for Senate is either stupid or, well, Stupid.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:31pmOR super dooper STUPID … from a fellow Floridian
Report Post »WISEPENNY
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 12:05amCharlie has completely hit the bottom of the political pit. I have to give Kendrick Meeks credit for being consistent and true to the party he represents. He seems like the kind of guy you could shake hands with and not have check for missing fingers. However, when it comes to the only logical choice for Florida, Marco is the pick of the litter.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 7:11amOr blinded by his tan. If Meek dropped out it would be the Kiss of Death if he ever wanted to run again. I think, for his sake, he made the right choice. Go Marco!
Report Post »Redd
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:54pmThe black clinton and the black muslim usurper obama tried to get the black Meeks to quit in favor of the scum white guy.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:30pmand take out the Cuban-American (i.e.hispanic!) … yep looks like them Dems really care about the minorities.
Report Post »neverending
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:00pmThey are all the same so guess it really doesn’t make much difference
Report Post »drbage
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:56pmCATB, I don’t think the Dems have ever gotten over the fact that when they allowed all the Cuban flotillas and airlifts in, they did NOT get a huge influx of new Dems, but as O would call them, “enemies.” The Cuban community in Miami, not New Jersey, is a vibrant, hard-working community with strong faith and strong belief in family values. They have assimilated themselves into America and with the older generation to guide them, the younger generation knows the precious gift they have been given here in the United States. They do not line up for govt assistance, they work hard and they help one another. They are really a model for many other immigrant communities. Because of all that, the Dems cannot stand the idea that one of the members of the traditional Cuban community(found in Miami, not New Jersey) could actually be elected to the Senate.
Report Post »I sincerely hope that all the Floridians that supported Mr. Crist will especially take note of the fact that the Republican they elected who turned into an Independent was planning on becoming a Democrat. (N.B. for those who might have missed in, when Mr. Crist announced his party change, his first call was to Rahm Emmanuel). Whose interests/concerns do they really think he had in mind?
GulfPeg
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 6:22amIf Meek drops out, I hope the blacks vote for Rubio to let Clinton & Obama know that they cannot be manipulated.
Report Post »LadyIzShy
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:52pmso did he throw in the towel? If not when will he? This is as I see it politics as usual for the DC crowd Billy biy is king in the game playing camp
Report Post »Goohuman
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 11:11pmIts awefully late in the game to be bowing out and asking supporters to vote for someone else. If he makes a solid stab at it, maybe he can convince 1/2 to vote for Crist. That would be … 7 percent according to the latest polls. Good luck with that.
Report Post »paleoconservatarian
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 12:12amThere is nothing usual about these stories of Meeks and Sestak earlier. It’s unprecedented for an administration to take such an active hand, and there’s criminal statues all around they would have to dance through in order to come out smelling clean.
Report Post »MrObvious
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:16amThe ballots are already printed and in use. People uninformed enough to vote for the Dem will still vote for him, even after he drops out.
Report Post »MrObvious
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:17amAdd your comments
Report Post »MAULEMALL
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:51pmToo Funny bill…
Report Post »FreedomOfSpeech
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:00pmBill’s favorite movie is Blazing Saddles. The sheriff’s a {{BONG}}.
The Obama administration burns books.
This comment does not necessarily reflect the views of Glenn Beck, The Blaze, theblaze.com, Fox News or anyone else for that matter. The FAT CLOWN ANCHOR at MSNBC can eat balls.
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:21pm@Freedom of Speech
I always thought Bill’s favorite film to be “Blazing Britches” from when Hillary got after him for the affair he had (or did not have, depending on ones point of view). Honestly this part of him involved in Florida does not cause suprise, nor should it to anyone else.
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:23pmI would find it hillarious if Meek’s turned on the Democrats and endorsed the Republican canidate. Now that would be worth seeing happen, as the Progressives collapse down among themselves.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:28pmBill Clinton needs to keep his rear out of Florida politics .. we are taking care of that turncoat Crist… funny how Obama and Bill want the Black candidate Meeks to drop out to try to help the WHITE guy Crist beat the Cuban-AMERICAN Rubio. DO you still think that Dems are FOR you minority.voters?… wake up .. they only want your vote … not your input!
I think Clinton wants Crist in there because he has agreed to help HILLARY in 2012. A Clinton doesn’t do anything for anyone but a Clinton. AND NEITHER DOES CRIST!
I have already voted PROUDLY for MARCO RUBIO!
Report Post »Blazergirl
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:35pmNow we finally know which political party Crist is. All this time he really was a democrat! For Bill to throw Meek off the bridge like that, just goes to show you that they are not loyal to anyone except to their own agendas. Watch out Crist. If they‘ll do it with you they’ll to it to you. If they do, you deserve everything that‘s coming to you and I won’t shed a tear when it happens. I sincerly hope your career is completely OVER. That goes for all the others like you as well! Pathetic!!!!!!!
Report Post »LONGLEGGEDMACKDADDY
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:08pmGreta just shredded Crist. He said he has conversations with the white house about getting the black candidate to drop out. Then he refused to say who he spoke with. There is more to this story. Why is the white house interfering in the Florida election like that?
Report Post »RichardSaunders
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:23pmGuess we know who the “real Democrat” is, huh? Gov. Christ!
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:26pmCATB, absolutely agree with you. I have never shouted at Greta but discussing Meek with Crist on her show tonight, Crist kept blah, blah, blah about Rubio. I wanted to gag the SOB. Over and over he droned until, finally, they cut him off. We have already cast our vote for Rubio and, honestly, I don’t know anyone voting for Crist, thank goodness. Crist continues to be a turncoat and the fact that he has been in touch with the WH just confirms he would follow Obama’s agenda. Go Marco! God bless.
Report Post »El Guapo 14
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:29pmDidn’t Bill already try this with Sestak in PA? Again it’s a regular occurance with the Dems. Isn’t there a legality here?
Report Post »chazman
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 11:08pmHey MEEK !!!!! Yer meek …. woosie … ya should have listened to yer wife, moron.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 11:14pmGRANDMAOF5…
I was on Gretawire and we all told her that we expect Marco to get equal time TOMORROW NIGHT. Crist got out his “talking point” LIES at least three times. I know they were lies because I have seen Marco twice in person and many many interviews and he has already said that those are NOT what he wants to do …. Crist is a piece of “work” … I used a nice word please feel free to insert another in your own mind! Greta gave a VERY poor interview .. and was called on it!
Report Post »rebel
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 12:55amsoooo kick the democrat to vote for the sore loser republican? oh wait i get it. the sore loser isnt really a republican. He’s a politician that will do anything to stay in office. How will this play with black voters?
Report Post »Robert W
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:24amWhen will Clinton go away?
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 7:07amCATB, yes, she really did. In fact, the first time I remember seeing her not in control of an interview. I was hoping she would rebutt his lies but if Marco will be on tonight he can speak for himself. Nothing about Crist is real and he is fast overtaking Alan Grayson as a jerk, which I didn’t think anyone would be able to do. Four more days!
Report Post »mcFirst
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:44amI wonder what was offered in return. You know he did not come without some goodies. Bottom line the Clintons are thinking 2012 and protecting the political landscape for that purpose.
Doesn’t give you a nice feeling to see an ex pres medling with senate races for personal gain. But this is a man that uses a vulger term to refer to a group of Americans who want fiscal responsibility as if they are the enemy.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:16amAh, it’s good to be the king.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:19amIs this something like a wolf in sheep’s clothes? Now where have I seen that before?
Report Post »BreeZee
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:36amI wonder if Silly Willy asks “How high” when O-bomb-r- nation says jump? As a Floridian it ****** me off that the WH is trying to influence the elections here. Wake up America and vote these incumbants out. I don’t have any respect for the “Liar in Cheif” anyways.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:37amIf there is one thing you can count on from a bad penny, you will see it again and again and again. Can’t even throw it away and it lives forever. “It’s good to be the king.”
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