Just listened to Charlie Crist on CNN and I have to say I was very impressed.

[Atticus]

He was passionate and aggressive yet civil as he addressed multiple issues.

Despite what I have been hearing, I think he has a genuine shot at beating DeSantis.

[JuJuChen]

1. so do Florida dems, you see how much he won by?

[Native]

2. He's pretty much always been that way.

[JohnSJ]

3. I think most Democratic Floridians believed that Crist had the best chance to beat desantis, and

that also was a huge factor.

That he was the Governor previously only helps

[allegorical oracle]

4. Yeah, just saw him on MSNBC. As a fellow Floridian, never considered him especially

Bright. He's been all over the board -- R and then D. But I'll vote for him. Do wish he'd name Nikki Fried as his Lt. Gov choice. No matter what, the next years will be a slog because the Legislature is SO Repug. Will take years to change that.

[SheilaAnn]

7. I agree with you and hope he offers her a good post in his administration. They were both great

candidates. Lt. Gov. would be nice and portray unity. I like it.

[sop]

5. I hope Crist appeals to moderate Republicans tired of DeSantis and looking for a return to sanity.

I talk to these people every day, anxious about their party's slide into extremism and authoritarianism, but they always vote "R" because they simply can't support any Democrat. Being a former (sane) Republican, maybe these voters will feel like they're coming home with Crist.

[durablend]

6. And yet, CNN says "Democrats are doooooooooooooomed!!!"

[lindysalsagal]

8. Is he pro-choice?

[Atticus]

10. Yes---has voted pro-choice. nt

[TheBeam19]

11. He also vetoed an ultrasound bill as Gov.

I’ve heard people claim he’s been inconsistent on this issue, but lots of people evolve and he’s always been up front about his personal views vs his views on policy.

Regardless, the real issue is getting DeSantis the hell out of there. The rest will take care of itself. I can’t imagine anyone being so naive as to apply a purity test in the races this fall, especially at the gubernatorial level. That would be insane.

[AmBlue]

13. EXACTLY. n/t

[allegorical oracle]

16. So true. DeSantis has to go. One scary dude. nt

[AmBlue]

12. Crist IS strongly pro-choice.

I worked on ridding Florida of touchscreen voting machines back in 2005-6 when Crist was our Republican governor. He actually agreed and supported the change to paper ballots because the League of Women Voters, NAACP, Common Cause and so many other non-partisan groups were lobbying for it relentlessly. The R legislature was not supportive, but Charlie Crist was, and he changed that. Because of him, we in Florida vote on paper ballots. I give him a lot or credit for that.

He left the R party and became an Independent at first because he couldn't support what the Rs stood for. His views have evolved over time and he is now a solid Democrat. I respect that he took a bold stand and left the GOP. I believe Charlie is a good guy. Very sincere. I also get to see him at the grocery store sometimes because he lives in my neighborhood! He always says hello and gives his sincere time and attention if you speak to him.

[TheBeam19]

9. Same reaction here. Great interview.

[kentuck]

14. I wonder how Republicans in Florida view Crist?

After all, he was once a Republican and he was once their Governor. Many of them voted for him in those days. However, since then, he has gone from an Independent to a Democrat. But, would they really hold that against him?

If he could get some Republican votes, along with a good Democratic turnout, he could win rather easily.

[Ritabert]

15. Crist was a good governor

Much better than Bush, Scott or DeSantis.