One Year In, Charlie Crist Jabs at DeSantis in Campaign for Governor

TAMPA -- Most polls show him leading in the race for the Democratic nomination, but Charlie Crist worked to re-energize his campaign for Governor Wednesday, with a speech meant to blister incumbent Ron DeSantis over abortion and other issues.

With reporters and a handful of supporters visible, Crist called the governor "nothing but a power-hungry bully trying to bluster his way to the White House without doing a single damn thing for Florida." He told reporters that "if I (win) the nomination, you're going to have Charlie Crist and Ron DeSantis. One is good and the other is awful." At the end of his prepared speech, one or perhaps two people could be heard clapping.

Crist was joined by Tampa Congresswoman Kathy Castor, who called DeSantis Florida's worst governor ever.

Crist also addressed the Supreme Court leak and the future of abortion rights. "For fifty years, Americans have had the confidence that Roe v. Wade was in place to protect a woman's right to choose. It looks like we're not going to have that anymore." He defended his record on abortion, pointing out that he voted against more restrictive bills as a lawmaker, and vetoed bills as a governor. The former Republican and independent described himself as "pro-life" during 2006 and 2010 campaigns for governor and the U.S. Senate.

Crist insisted he could overcome the huge gap between himself and DeSantis in fundraising, pointing out that 2018 nominee Andrew Gillum received millions in contributions after securing the nomination.

Photo: Getty Images


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