Politics

Tag Team: Meek and Crist Team up Against Rubio in FL Sen. Debate

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The three-way race for the Senate became a discussion of extremes during a debate Wednesday night — radical-right, far-left and all over the place.

Gov. Charlie Crist, who’s running as an independent, and Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek teamed up to call Republican Marco Rubio a radical conservative. Crist and Rubio said Meek was far-left, and Rubio and Meek said Crist changed his positions to suit his political needs.

In the hour-long exchange, the candidates often talked over each other in heated exchanges as Crist and Meek sought to make up ground against front-runner Rubio, a favorite of the tea party movement. Rubio has called the health care and domestic spending policies of President Barack Obama a disaster.

Crist repeatedly mocked the tea party movement while attacking Rubio, calling him an extremist for wanting to outlaw abortion.

“You haven’t been drinking the Kool-Aid, my friend, you‘ve been drinking too much tea and it’s just wrong,” Crist told Rubio.

Rubio, a former Florida House speaker, pointed out that Crist decided to run as an independent only after falling behind in the Republican primary.

“I think it’s always funny to listen to the governor attack me for the positions he himself held just six months ago, when he was trying to be the biggest conservative in the world and win the Republican primary,” Rubio said.

Later, Rubio criticized Meek for voting for what the Republican called an even more radical version of the health care overhaul than the one that eventually passed Congress.

“I’m shocked that Marco Rubio would even use word the radical, because I guess he’s been called that quite a bit,” Meek said.

There were obvious differences between Meek and Rubio. Meek supported the economic stimulus package and said it kept the country from going into a depression; Rubio said it was a failure. Meek said he would vote for the health care overhaul again and Rubio said it should be repealed. Meek wants to continue President George W. Bush’s tax cuts for all except those who make more than $250,000, Rubio wants them extended for all earners.

“You think government creates jobs,” Rubio said to Meek, cutting him off.

“No, I don’t,” Meek said.

“You do,” Rubio said.

“I think tax cuts for small businesses create jobs and incentives for local communities to move forward,” Meek said.

Crist, who supported the economic stimulus and said he likes some things in the health care law but that it needs to be fixed, portrayed himself as a centrist who backs the best policies of each party.

After Meek and Rubio argued over the stimulus, Crist said, “What you just witnessed is the problem and the reason I’m running as an independent. These two guys are going at each other because one’s the Republican right, one’s the Democratic left. What’s true is there are good things that both parties can present to the future of our country.”

Meek pointed out that Crist has changed his position on several issues, including once being against allowing gay couples to adopt children and later praising a legal decision that said Florida’s ban is unconstitutional.

“Charlie Crist stands on a wet paper box,” Meek said. “You don’t know where he is.”

Rubio said neither Crist nor Meek would oppose the Obama administration.

“The values of Congressman Meek can be found in his voting record. His voting record is virtually identical to (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi’s, and Gov. Crist was a Republican six months ago, now he’s changed his position on virtually every issue,” Rubio said. “People deserve a senator that’s going to go to Washington D.C., stand up to the direction they’re taking our country and offer an alternative.”

___

Associated Press writer Travis Reed contributed to this report.

Comments (57)

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  • Les Panek
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:47am

    In 26 days I will have the privilege of voting for Rubio and sending Charlie home, and I get to vote for Webster and send the animal Dis-Grayson back to the zoo. Ain’t America great? I may have to call in sick to work the next day, as I plan on celebrating the oficial beginning of the New Conservative Awakening in D.C. with wild abandon.

    My homemade bumper sticker: Do you know what Charlie Crist stands for? (Neither does he)

    Report Post »  
  • Ahcma
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:31am

    Charlie Crist not only lost it supporting McCain (he had promised to support Guliani), or when Obama came to the state and he embraced him, but when he signed into law the state fee increases (driver’s license, car tags, LLC’s, anything that is a state fee), that doubled, tripled, even quadrupled these fees. So it was no surprise that he was losing the Republican support and he went over as an independent. He ,and the others who lost the Republican nomination when they thought they should have won, are like little children who don’t get their way – they throw their little temper tantrums in hopes that people will forget they lost and allow them to have the piece of candy.

    Report Post »  
  • Lion420
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:10am

    The first time I noticed Crist, was when he endorsed McCain in 08. (I was thinking about joining the Republican party to vote in the primary. Thanks to this jackass, and the rest of the Republican establishment, I never got to. They handed it to McCain loooong before I had my chance. Where’s me bleedin voice?

    Report Post » Lion420  
  • hotrodrockets
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:02am

    This “third party puppet TAG team” is a tactic that’s gotten popular in the last few years. It’s a version of divide and conquer.
    A broadcast debate can be dominated, or one candidate gets “cover fire” from the third or forth party participants.
    It’s a way to dominate the precious time available in a sound-bite world.

    Hmmm… call it Puppet Politics?

    Report Post » hotrodrockets  
  • Country
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:39am

    I hope Crist political career will be over after this. I did not like him when I saw him stand behind G W Bush during every hurricane visit for Bush in 2004. What was he then, an attorney general? He did not miss a photo op with GWB, and he does not miss a photo op with Obama. I voted for Gallagher by the ways. Crist is creepy.

    Report Post »  
  • BQI
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:39am

    Well this proves it without a doubt. Conservatism is twice as good as Progressivism. For every Conservative, you need two Progressives / Liberals to make their point.

    Black Conservative Blog: http://www.blackquillandink.com NEW LINK: BQI-Opedia, ammunition for conservative debate.

    Report Post » BQI  
  • Lesterp
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:37am

    I watched the whole debate last night and Marco absolutely owned those two. Meeks and Crist answer to everything is to tax us to death inj the “name’ of the middle class.

    Report Post » Lesterp  
  • Josh3620
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:21am

    Charlie Crist is like the wind, subject to change at any given moment depending on the situation ….like many today, he is a self-serving political prostitute who will say and do anything to be elected ……….. the words honor, integrity and honesty do not apply when speaking of Charlie Crist ………unfortunately, I voted for him as our Governor ………. my mistake…NEVER AGAIN.

    Marco Rubio is proof the American Dream is still alive and well, in spite of what the politicians ( Democrats and some Republicans) in Washington say,

    Report Post »  
  • SND97
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:17am

    Simply put, Crist is a T.R.A.I.T.O.R

    He has no values..morals..or decency

    He HAS to be a Liberal in sheps clothing

    Report Post »  
  • Beckofile
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:58am

    Go Rubio bromide….Already on the canvas under Christ and the Bamster. How does Florida do any worse? Oh elect a rubber stamp for the progressive movement. All these guys make an arguement for Keynsian econ….the only one that validates a politician to spend you into prosperity.

    Report Post » Beckofile  
  • wingedwolf
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:57am

    This is a surprise? We can only pray that Floridians have more sense than to listen to this blathering. As regards them picking at one or two issues, abortion and entitlements, does any one single person agree with any other single person or group of people 100% of the time on 100% of every issue? I know I don’t, and I‘d be bored with life if that’s how it was. When it comes to voting for lawmakers, I align myself with the group of people with whom I most closely identify, as it is a government of the people, not an army of one. We can disagree about certain issues among ourselves, but refusing to vote for a candidate because he or she doesn’t quote your own philosophy chapter and verse is absurd. People who vote for demolibersocialcommies because they are pro-choice apparently value the right to abort a child over the total collapse of the system and they will get the government they deserve if they win. They think they will have a choice, but obama and his fabian socialist cronies will decide whether or not they bring their babies to term. Thanks to the medical takeover law, they will have the power to put something in your food, water or vitamins that will make your body abort spontaneously. Just wait.

    Report Post » wingedwolf  
  • mallsniper
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:56am

    Blah blah blah pick me
    blah blah blah pick me
    blah blah blah pick me
    All a politician has to do is cut your taxes, not reduce the size and influence of government.
    That makes him the greatest of all time?
    Isn’t that right Reagan?
    So FL has a choice,
    An R, R/D or a D
    Wow another radical revoutionary change in our electorate!!
    Go tea party!!! *smirk*

    Report Post » mallsniper  
  • TheWholeTruth
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:55am

    OOPS sorry about the double post.. seems my computer decided to HIDE the first one and I thought it hadn’t gone through..

    My apologies

    Report Post »  
  • TheWholeTruth
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:54am

    The difference in these guys is black, white and grey. That about sums up their platforms.

    Want to see what we should do about taxes according to the US Treasury’s own website on the history of taxes? Seems they should really read that because it states that every time taxes have gone up revenue has gone down. Conversely, every time taxes go down revenue goes up.

    LEARN FROM HISTORY!
    .ustreas.gov/ education/ fact-sheets/ taxes/ ustax. shtml

    Report Post »  
    • Beckofile
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:05am

      Who is white? I thought that Rubio is a Cuban American which would classifiy into the hispanic faction?? Don’t know but this was my memory???…So what you have is a socialist on the right and a confused democrat progressive in the middle and on the very left of the screen you have our savior. He can deliver Florida and the states from the DC daily heist..

      Report Post » Beckofile  
  • Huskavarana
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:54am

    I live in Florida and Christ has done nothing to lead our state. He is the worst Governor in our state history. I would never… repeat never vote for this idiot again. Marco you have our support.

    Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:52am

    This is why CHRIST did NOT win the nomination. See where his allegiance lies? With the liberal attackers! GO MARCO.
    TEA, anyone? ;)

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • snowleopard3200
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:52am

    It seems Gov Crist has forgot two important differences of history – the kool-aid reference is about the Jonestown murder-suicides led by a (dare I say it) FANATIC that was out of his MIND! The original tea party is what finally led a bunch of fed up at-the-time british citizens to create the greatest of nations on the earth AMERICA!

    Note the differeces he fails to understand – one led to mass murder and suicide, the second led to the people creating a new nation based upon freedom!

    Interesting on how he seems to link freedom loving citizens of America with the act of mass murder and suicide? Maybe he forgot to “Read the Book (American History).”

    Please encourage others to vote, do not neglect this granted right while we still can save our country and return it to the people – her citizens.

    http://www.artinphoenix/gallery/grimm (mixed art)

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • JohnnyGalt
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:51am

    @Charlie Crist> I could have sworn holes didn’t go that deep in Florida since the water table was is so high…

    Report Post »  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:51am

    Nov 2 will say all that needs to be said..I will be thrilled the next day to turn on the TV and see the progressives try to say this isnt about them

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
    • wingedwolf
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:59am

      LOL Lady, I will be up all night!!! I won’t be able to sleep a wink while the election is going on.

      Report Post » wingedwolf  
    • Lesterp
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:39am

      I told my wife that last night! If I have to stay up till 2:00 A.M I will.

      Report Post » Lesterp  
    • mamawalker
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:13pm

      I just hope we know the next day and don’t have so many races too close to call…recounts for weeks, or heaven forbid – dangling chads! One thing is certain – there will be vote tampering so I hope all of you volunteer to help at your local polling place! The more eyes, the better!!!

      Report Post »  
  • TheWholeTruth
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:50am

    You have black, white and grey HA! Seems to sum up the differences in these guy’s platforms.

    As far as taxes go? The US Treasury itself in “The History of Taxes” Fact Sheet shows that EVERYtime taxes have been raised, revenue goes DOWN. Conversely, EVERYtime taxes are lowered, revenue goes UP. Maybe they should start reading their own websites for a little clarity on this subject?

    http://www.ustreas.gov/education/fact-sheets/taxes/ustax.shtml

    Report Post »  
    • EqualJustice
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:55am

      Interesting. A consumption tax is a great idea, ONLY if they keep the rate low and eliminate ALL other taxes, like THAT will ever happen!

      Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • Freelancer
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:49am

    Christ is nothing more than a piece of used toilet paper in the wind…. He goes wherever he thinks the political winds are blowing. He is a very dangerous man playing a political game and Floridians are going to be his victims.

    Report Post » Freelancer  
  • Peters
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:49am

    The deceptions of Crist are appalling . . . as is his ability to turn his back on his party. He will do it to the country as well and is not worthy of being elected for that simple reason alone.

    But notice truth does not matter . . . imagery is everything. Creating images and false realities is the cornerstone of every Democrat/liberal platform . . . and now Crist is taking that notion to the “independent” as well as he has chosen the liberal road to his personal successes.

    Their duping of America, the skill set of politicians, it should mostly be considered a crime as it is rooted in deceptions that create great disadvantages and harm. There really is no other way of looking at it . . . Unless we’re ready to surrender ourselves.

    Report Post »  
    • bob.s
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:03am

      you are , unfortunately, describing what we are seeing with john mccain, too, before our very eyes..

      Report Post »  
  • Momma M
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:47am

    “…..you‘ve been drinking too much tea…”

    Taxed Enough Already! Got it… brew it… and DRINK IT…

    Report Post » Momma M  
  • bob.s
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:47am

    charlie crist has run so far off the rails it’s stunning. he reminds me of arlen specter at this point…willing to go in any direction the wind blows to hold on to his position.

    Report Post »  
  • t00nces2
    Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:44am

    Crist has his nose so far up Barack Obamas behind he should just apply to be Meeks Lt. Governor. I cannot stand the sight of Crist!

    Report Post »  
    • Steve
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:22am

      pssst… They’re running for US Senator

      Report Post » Steve Smith  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:03am

      It is really disappointing to see Meek teaming up with a snake like Crist on anything. I am embarrassed to even say Crist lives in FL as he has shown himself to be a close second to Alan Grayson which is pretty pathetic. Meek needs to bide his time and run for a different office. If he would move more center (and believe what it stands for) I think he would stand a chance in a different election. He seems like a good person.

      Report Post »  
    • Waiting4George
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:23am

      Guess who is running Charlie’s campaign?SKD Knickerbocker.SKD Knickerbocker’s partners include Mao lover Anita Dunn, Senior advisor to Obama and former WH Media Disinformation Specialist. Tis true….http://www.postonpolitics.com/2010/06/crist-taps-democratic-media-firm-used-by-obama-lieberman-bloomberg/

      Report Post »  
    • neverending
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:34am

      Could not have said it any better. little ol charlie is nothing more then a wimp. Hope everyone out there does all they can to help Marco Rubio win – we need him.

      Report Post »  
    • roguetea
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 1:25pm

      rogue, Twist, Evolving Alternatives
      I welcome apparent teaming of Crist and Meek here in Florida. This, late developing, call-it-like-it-is pairing, signals individual failure while arguing strongly the differences between these two are marginal. Both have invested heavily in failed Progressivism. Fiscal Conservativism is radical accounting to the Failed-Big-Gov RADICALS. However, at home, finical responsibility, well, it is at home, no stranger. Rubio emerges as the sole alternative for those who live and feel the radical rage against the power-hording RADICALS.

      It is hard for me to believe the tidbits of overheard conversations here in the Sunshine State. There remains much that is not common talk, but curiosity runs deep and wide. Not trusting incumbency, not trusting Big-Gov advocacy, increasingly becomes the themes of many little chats. There is a long way to go. Innumerable new discussion need common energy. I am sure it will happen, for years to come. Where we are as a State, a Nation, will evolve much further, especially after we all draw lines in the sand this next month. Let us exercise these days, one at a time.
      tea party, ReAct 2010, ROGUE ON

      Report Post » roguetea  
    • pajamash
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 2:09pm

      @letmykidsbfree – Again, stop posting that link. The person that put it up on Youtube even admits in the comments that it is a farce. Can we please be serious?! Glenn backs up what he says with research and advises us to research for ourselves. When I double check Glenn’s information it is rare that I find something that he has tweeked. I haven’t found anything that is an out and out lie. You don’t help anyone by posting to links that are full of bull manure!

      Report Post »  
    • MiketheTrucker
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:56pm

      I lived in FL for 22 years, didn‘t like Crist then and I sure as heck don’t like him now. If I still lived there, my vote would go to Rubio.

      The two idiots don’t stand a chance against Rubio and they know it, that’s why they revert to typical liberal bashing of their opponent.

      Report Post »  
    • RightPolitically
      Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:58pm

      Sickening, ain’t he!

      Report Post » RightPolitically  
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