Rick Scott on CNBC just now

[Delarage]

Talking about how he was born in public housing, created businesses, got super-rich. The host (there seemed to be two on "Squawk Box) was asking him about all his investments and how he's moved a lot of his mega-wealth into gold. Scott said it was to protect against the "hyperinflation" that the Democrats are causing, then went on a tirade against raising taxes and the debt ceiling. Kept saying "we need to get our financial house in order--I did it in my own life, my business, and Florida" and railing against taxes and "cradle-to-grave entitlements" that make the lazy Americans dependent on government.

The one host (I guess there is a conservative one and a more progressive one) read a quote about decreasing the inequality of wealth and asked him if it was the president of China or someone else. He said "Bernie Sanders?" (the quote was apparently from China). They then laughed and said "there's really no difference."

All the while he had that plastic, creepy smile. The other host did ask him about his change in tune from 2019 to 2020---and he said that he has NEVER voted to raise a debt ceiling. There was not reply, so I wonder if that is true or if they let him get away with a lie. Scott seems like a total pig---not sure how he ever got elected to anything (although I guess mega money does that).

These people make me sick

[Walleye]

1. They are so sanctimonious about their greed.And proud of it. Daring us to do something about it

[Casady1]

2. Largest medicare fraud

on record. That is how he made his money.

[Vinca]

3. He should have been in prison for his financial crimes. Cue the parrot from that other post.

[Deb]

4. I see that an unplanned pregnancy, disease or accident didn't derail his rags to riches story

how lucky for him

[Tanuki]

5. Presumably the hosts didn't ask him about the role of Medicare fraud

in increasing his personal wealth in his rags-to-riches origin story.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/fl-op-col-rick-scott-medicare-fraud-20181002-story.html%3foutputType=amp

"When the federal investigation of Rick Scott’s former hospital company became public in 1997, the board of Columbia/HCA forced him out. Scott left with $300 million in stock, a $5.1 million severance and a $950,000-per-year consulting contract for five years.

What does Scott call that? Taking responsibility.
...

The governor’s new Senate campaign ad again seeks to rewrite the history of Columbia/HCA, which Scott founded in 1987 and led as CEO. Indeed, the ad is titled “responsibility” and compares Scott’s actions to those of “strong leaders.”

In its settlement with the government, the company admitted to 14 felonies related to fraudulent billing and practices. Most happened under Scott’s leadership."....(much more at link)

[Xoan]

6. He robbed Medicare of billions!

[Midnight Writer]

7. Yeh, but he had to pay a multi-million dollar fine. I'm sure he learned his lesson from that.

[spanone]

8. I guess they didn't mention his Medicare Fraud when he ran HCA?

"Rick Scott "oversaw the largest Medicare fraud in the nation’s history."
https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2014/mar/03/florida-democratic-party/rick-scott-rick-scott-oversaw-largest-medicare-fra/

[snowybirdie]

10. This guy is rarely seen

here in Florida anymore. At least happy to see him alive and well!