Florida’s Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Charlie Crist had a blunt message to Gov. Ron DeSantis‘s supporters: “I don’t want your vote.”
“Those who support the governor should stay with him and vote for him. I don’t want your vote. If you have that hate in your heart — keep it. I want the vote of the people of Florida who care about our state. Good Democrats, good independents, good Republicans — unify with this ticket,” he declared during a press gaggle Wednesday.
CHARLIE CRIST WINS DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION TO CHALLENGE RON DESANTIS IN FLORIDA GOVERNOR’S RACE
Crist, who sailed to victory in his primary race for governor Tuesday evening, made his remarks in response to a question from a reporter about his message to Floridians who buy into DeSantis’s policies.
“Those who are haters, you’re gonna go off in your own world, and you better get right,” Crist added.
Charlie Crist has always been the kinder, gentler candidate.
So when he answered my question about Gov. Ron DeSantis supporters like this??, he telegraphed something different ahead in the race for Florida Governor ⏩@WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/yjRArjY0tE— Glenna Milberg (@GlennaWPLG) August 24, 2022
Since his ascension to governor in 2018, DeSantis has risen to stardom in the Republican Party and has consistently been polled as the top primary challenger to former President Donald Trump in a hypothetical 2024 GOP presidential matchup.
Crist, who was previously elected governor of Florida as a Republican and served from 2007 until 2011 before switching parties, has urged Democrats to focus hard on his bid to oust DeSantis.
“It is the Democrats’ last chance to stop him, and it’s going to be a lot cheaper to do it in Florida than it would be to do it in 50 states. So let’s do it now. Let’s stop this thing,” Crist said during an interview on CNN on Wednesday. “He’s not that popular — what is he, 50% approval? Well, when I was governor of Florida, my approval rating was 72%.”
Once widely regarded as a purple state, Florida has trended red in recent election cycles, opting for DeSantis in 2018, a Republican-controlled state legislature, and Trump in 2016 and 2020. Crist has voiced optimism that he can reverse that trend.
“I’m gonna beat this guy,” Crist said.
.@CharlieCrist on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: “It is the Democrats’ last chance to stop him, and it’s going to be a lot cheaper to do it in Florida than it would be to do it in 50 states [if DeSantis runs for president]. So let’s do it now.” https://t.co/rDZYu3l9Br pic.twitter.com/WDj8ZdcuWu
— The Hill (@thehill) August 24, 2022
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Crist also lavished praise on President Joe Biden, hailing him as a “phenomenal” president and the “best I’ve ever met.”
“I mean, what other president could have done what he’s done? He’s been phenomenal. Gas prices are down. Inflation is trending down. Democracy is trending up. I’m running against the guy who’s against democracy. He doesn’t support mail-in ballots. He doesn’t support African Americans and their right to vote.”
Charlie Crist just now: Biden is an “exceptional” president. “Look what he’s done for our country. Look what he’s done for the world.” ?
— Christina Pushaw ? ?? (@ChristinaPushaw) August 24, 2022
