Crist on GOP money: “I’m going to keep it!”
posted at 4:05 pm on May 15, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
Charlie Crist opened his new campaign office this morning to great fanfare — and at least one heckler. The money moment, literally, comes at 3:12 in the video from the St. Petersburg Times’ Buzz blog post. Adam Smith describes it:
The standout moment came when a heckler started shouting at Crist (around 3:10 into clip), “What about the guys who gave you money when you were a Republican?!”
“I’m going to keep it!” Crist cheerfully responded, drawing roars of approval. Check out his wink right after.
Yes, by all means check out the wink and the cheese-eating grin Crist delivers afterward. It’s not often that a politician treats a broken campaign promise as a positive — but what else can Crist do? He can’t afford to give the money back, since he’s not likely to find a lot of replacement donors outside of Democrats looking to undermine Marco Rubio. Even that might be too much to expect, since polling shows Crist pulling more votes away from Kendrick Meek than Rubio.
So, we’ll see more clips like this of Crist happily keeping money donated to him under ultimately false pretenses. It’s a useful lesson to taxpayers about how Charlie sees their money.
Blowback
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Robber!
A man without a soul is a sad and ugly thing to watch.
Imagine living like one.
Schadenfreude on May 15, 2010 at 4:08 PM
Makes you want to slap him upside the head with a flounder. Or better yet, a grouper.
scalleywag on May 15, 2010 at 4:08 PM
When Phil Gramm switched parties he resigned and ran as a Republican in a special election. That’s class, and taking responsibility.
Akzed on May 15, 2010 at 4:08 PM
If the Florida voters actually elect him…
… they will get exactly what they deserve.
Seven Percent Solution on May 15, 2010 at 4:09 PM
Charlie’s starting to look and act like this guy
Fletch54 on May 15, 2010 at 4:11 PM
That an a-hole like this can even be considered a legitimate candidate for public office in this country makes me sick to my stomach.
Mark1971 on May 15, 2010 at 4:12 PM
gasbag
Wade on May 15, 2010 at 4:14 PM
Crist is now qualified to become Liberal!!
Now if he hasn’t paid his taxes,thats also
a bonus,and highly sought after by the DNC!!
canopfor on May 15, 2010 at 4:17 PM
If this guy wins, I’m done. I simply will have given up on the American voter.
rrpjr on May 15, 2010 at 4:17 PM
We need donation contracts now. With the stipulation that if you switch parties before or after the election the donations will be refunded.
EliTheBean on May 15, 2010 at 4:18 PM
He’s going to keep it! Isn’t that fun?
Holy cow, what a card that Charlie is, eh?
On the other hand:
Don’t worry, we won’t. By the time this is over, even Charlie’s sister won’t vote for him.
SlaveDog on May 15, 2010 at 4:19 PM
Isn’t this fraud?
He is officially a Democrat now.
He is endorsing fraud.
Next step is rigging an election Iran style.
tetriskid on May 15, 2010 at 4:23 PM
This is how he would act in congress.
Time to put a nail in his coffin.
madmonkphotog on May 15, 2010 at 4:27 PM
Charlie’s starting to look and act like this guy
Fletch54 on May 15, 2010 at 4:11 PM
Fletch54: Yup,HeavensGate,and comet!
canopfor on May 15, 2010 at 4:28 PM
What was the biggest mistake of Charlie Crist’s career? When his career is all said and done, I think he will determine that his endorsement of McCain during the 2008 primaries started the cascade of issues that ultimately led one of the most popular governors in America to become the miserable fellow he is today.
dnlchisholm on May 15, 2010 at 4:29 PM
Seems to me that this would make an awfully compelling Rubio ad.
This guy is proud that he fleeced Florida citizens- it’s crazy.
jjshaka on May 15, 2010 at 4:31 PM
The people of Florida will get what they deserve…
d1carter on May 15, 2010 at 4:31 PM
No politician alive deserves more of a slam in the face.
MadisonConservative on May 15, 2010 at 4:31 PM
Isn’t this fraud?
He is officially a Democrat now.
He is endorsing fraud.
Next step is rigging an election Iran style.
tetriskid on May 15, 2010 at 4:23 PM
tetriskid:UGH,not another Obama term!(sarc)
canopfor on May 15, 2010 at 4:32 PM
Cornyn needs to admonish him and his audacity.
Cornyn admonished Limbaugh for wanting O’s policies to fail.
This seems a great opportunity for Cornyn to break from his RINO ways.
nondhimmie on May 15, 2010 at 4:35 PM
I nominate Charlie to be the White House Fundraising Czar. He’ll fit right in with all the other crooks and liars.
GrannyDee on May 15, 2010 at 4:36 PM
Douche-tastic douchebaggery!!!
What a sleaze.
CantCureStupid on May 15, 2010 at 4:39 PM
Take the money and run
William Amos on May 15, 2010 at 4:41 PM
Blind ambition. Glad he outted himself now before November.
Kissmygrits on May 15, 2010 at 4:42 PM
Hopefully, someone who donated money to this scumbag will be pissed off enough, and have plenty of money to burn, to file a lawsuit not caring whether or not they’ll win. Just to keep this douches’ story in the press.
kagai on May 15, 2010 at 4:43 PM
A lot of y’all aren’t old enough to remember a guy named S.I. Hayakawa. He was president of SF State University in the late ’60s. He once debated a student regarding the Southwest that was gained from the 1846 war.
He said there’s no reason to give back the territory because we stole it fair and square.
Crist must have liked reading that.
platypus on May 15, 2010 at 4:43 PM
He’s a total creepy type, but frankly, he’s reminding me that Romney is the same exact type.
I can’t stand these standard-issue GOP jerks.
Truly.
I’ll vote Dem before I vote for these jerks.
AnninCA on May 15, 2010 at 4:45 PM
And that my children, is how America got Barrack Obama.
donkichi on May 15, 2010 at 4:47 PM
hehe.
fyi, marco rubio sent me a dollar to get me to send him a little more for his campaign. I’m thinking I’m gonna donate a little something to Rubio for that arrogant ass wink charlie just gave.
ted c on May 15, 2010 at 4:51 PM
It’s going to be so satisfying when he gets knocked off his high horse
Defector01 on May 15, 2010 at 4:54 PM
Um, I’m not sure why anybody is surprised by this, actually.
The money was given to him before the primary, which he lost, right? Or did he withdraw? Anyway, losing politicians aren’t required to return campaign donations after the election.
Did Santorum or Hunter or Fred return any donations to any of you after they withdrew from the primaries?
I assume Doug Hoffman didn’t return any donations after he lost the election last fall, right?
funky chicken on May 15, 2010 at 4:56 PM
Take the money and run
William Amos on May 15, 2010 at 4:41 PM
William Amos: Superb music theme thread,loved
Jungle Love!!!!:)
canopfor on May 15, 2010 at 5:01 PM
How the @$%! was I so duped into believing Crist was anything other than genuine, honest, and a dedicated Republican? I’ll say this tho…the man woke me up to the fact that politicians really are scum deep down. In Crist’s case, that deep down scum is bubbling over on the surface.
I will never, ever put faith in a politician like I had with Gov. Crist again. So in a way, I thank you Governor. Crist is incredible…he’s simply so blatant about his being total scum he doesn’t even hide it anymore.
Again, apologies to the HotAir-osphere for my sticking up for this tool. You won’t see that kind of dedication (save for John McCain) again. I got the call from FedEx yesterday, hat will arrive sometime Monday. I’ll have to have neighbor sign for it, but will pay my dues that evening.
JetBoy on May 15, 2010 at 5:03 PM
Sure seems like his family were the only ones there who appreciated his snide comment.
clement on May 15, 2010 at 5:12 PM
Again, apologies to the HotAir-osphere for my sticking up for this tool
JetBoy on May 15, 2010 at 5:03 PM
JetBoy:Crist was a good BS artist,and he duped you!!
You have seen the light,now,lets move on!!
=======================:)
canopfor on May 15, 2010 at 5:12 PM
You. Haven’t. Learned.
MadisonConservative on May 15, 2010 at 5:16 PM
If this boob wins, he WILL Caucus with the Dems. I have no doubts on that. I also have no doubts that if he manages to bring Meeks to his knees….the Dems would be more than happy to pitch a few paltry dollars his way. After all…it’s only money, and it’s hard working Americans money. Not that the dems would ever recognize the people this money comes from.
Crist will have his comeuppance one day.
capejasmine on May 15, 2010 at 5:22 PM
Total dirtbag. Seriously, I’m sincerely hoping that some TV media outlets play that clip repeatedly until every man, woman, and child in America could recite it by heart.
Murf76 on May 15, 2010 at 5:22 PM
Charlie’s not giving back the necklace or those cute little outfits, either.
Emperor Norton on May 15, 2010 at 5:23 PM
When asked about the money by the St Pete Times Charlie said, “I want it. I need it. I want to win.”
Really! that is exactly what he said.
It reminded me of something I had seen before. I found the video. Listen to the beginning closely. Then watch the rest to see what happens to Charlie later in the “campiagn”.
Nelsa on May 15, 2010 at 5:23 PM
So how much is Crist getting paid to make Rubio ads?
Jim-Rose on May 15, 2010 at 5:31 PM
So how much is Crist getting paid to make Rubio ads?
Jim-Rose on May 15, 2010 at 5:31 PM
Unusual and accurate question. Unfortunatley Charlie has been “PAID” 10 million dollars in donations so far. (That was as a republican)
I cant wait for the Rubio ads. As you said, they write themselves.
Nelsa on May 15, 2010 at 5:37 PM
What a putz!
texasconserv on May 15, 2010 at 5:37 PM
There’s a big difference between pulling out of a primary when you know it’s over or losing an election versus what Crist has done. He is using Republican money given to him by Republicans who wanted him to win the Senate. Now he will be using Republican money to defeat a Republican. Big Difference…
When Jack Ryan pulled out of the senate race in Illinois after the problems with his wife aired…he offered to give back all money donated to him. I didn’t ask for mine back.
robink on May 15, 2010 at 5:38 PM
What’s almost sadder are the ignoramuses chanting his name and clapping.
rrpjr on May 15, 2010 at 5:53 PM
Volumes could be written about the moral depravity of our political class. Somehow the word cur comes to mind.
r keller on May 15, 2010 at 6:06 PM
Surely in the next three months they can find some law he has broken, throw him in jail and impeach him. He deserves it.
ray on May 15, 2010 at 6:09 PM
Man. When he grinned and said “I’m gonna keep it” he looked so much like Blackadder it was scary.
29Victor on May 15, 2010 at 6:16 PM
Nah! A mullet will do; Don’t disgrace a good fish!
Cybergeezer on May 15, 2010 at 6:20 PM
Keeping the money is cementing himself in the ‘Democrat-hood’.
Cybergeezer on May 15, 2010 at 6:21 PM
The shit-eating grin of a baby-swallowing reptile.
Western_Civ on May 15, 2010 at 6:25 PM
What really is amazing to me is why jump the GOP ship at all? He is a sitting Gov. Did he need a new job that bad? So what if he lost a primary for senate. That alone did not mean he was out of politices for good. His own actions and not the temperment of the voters has done that for him.
EliTheBean on May 15, 2010 at 6:38 PM
He’s tall and skrawny just like his buddy Obama. They are two peas in a pod for sure.
SouthernGent on May 15, 2010 at 7:00 PM
The Money Shot: So, we’ll see more clips like this of Crist happily keeping money donated to him under ultimately false pretenses. It’s a useful lesson to taxpayers about how Charlie sees their money.
Sorry could’nt resist…
Badbrucskie on May 15, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Charlie Crist, at what point, exactly, did it all go so wrong?
Seriously. You should be ashamed of yourself.
JohnGalt23 on May 15, 2010 at 7:10 PM
normally i’d say that there’s no way a guy like this could get elected, but then i’m reminded that stuart smalley got elected in minnesota…
toenail on May 15, 2010 at 7:27 PM
Thread winner; You get the award for for sizing him up the best!
Cybergeezer on May 15, 2010 at 7:28 PM
He withdrew so he could run as an independent. The polling had him being trounced 2-1. This is why Pubs are upset. Had he stayed in and lost no one would be upset about the donations.
chemman on May 15, 2010 at 7:29 PM
The smartest thing the GOP has ever done was to reject this dirtbag.
rplat on May 15, 2010 at 7:58 PM
“The people’s seat….people……it’s the people’s……….”
Boy is trying the beat the Scott Brown campaign horse dead. And maybe it’s just me but he’sth lookthing 80 percent out of that closet.
Marcus on May 15, 2010 at 7:59 PM
I smell a lawsuit coming for fraud .A few years back in my state a person switched parties before the primary .Some people wanted their money back the guy refused people sued and won a judgement the guy dropped out before the election.
thmcbb on May 15, 2010 at 8:41 PM
Or ruin the flavor with the lotion he lathers on quitE liberally …’)
jerrytbg on May 15, 2010 at 8:54 PM
What a creep.
The good news is he isn’t going to beat Rubio.
jdflorida on May 15, 2010 at 9:07 PM
heckler?? are you kidding me, that was a plant, a blatant plant with Crist delivering a prearranged slogan, pathetic
mathewsjw on May 15, 2010 at 9:44 PM
FIFY
Mini-14 on May 15, 2010 at 9:50 PM
No worries, he’ll blow most of it on tan in a can..I think hes addicted to the stuff
TheVer on May 15, 2010 at 10:03 PM
That didn’t look like a very large group of supporters, wonder if they were all positioned on the same side of the room. What awkward, empty, soul-less man.
obladioblada on May 15, 2010 at 10:36 PM
I had the strangest premonition about Tan-Boy…
Chuckles will ‘pass on’ in a completely usual and uninteresting fashion. A brief but thorough examination of the circumstances will confirm the obvious.
The panties will be found to be his.
A few uninteresting squibs in dying local papers will mark the event. There will be one humorous typo.
McDonald’s will make an honest effort to reduce the sodium in their French Fries.
Michelle Obama will present them with a plaque.
It will mean nothing.
heldmyw on May 15, 2010 at 11:19 PM
I see a new Rubio campaign commercial.
Use the video footage from the 3:13 mark to the 3:27 mark and superimpose “You can’t trust Charlie Christ”, or “Trust Charlie Christ at your own risk” over the footage.
And of course, follow up with this video of a bunch of little Charlie Christs.
OxyCon on May 16, 2010 at 2:37 AM
Chumba wumba gobbledy goo
Life isn’t fair
Its sad but its true
OxyCon on May 16, 2010 at 2:55 AM
It’s funny when the curtain is pulled back a little bit and a politician is exposed even to his deluded supporters. You and I knew that Charlie Crist was a scummy, self-promoting know-nothing, JetBoy excepted, but now virtually everyone knows.
I am not in the least bit deceived by polls that show him with plurality support — most of those are GOP haters and Democrats who would never vote for the clownish Kendrick Meek. Charlie will run out of money quickly, and support almost immediately afterward, and go down in orange flames.
He’s a total dork.
Jaibones on May 16, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Charlie and Arnold. A real life version of the movie “TWINS”?
Dandapani on May 16, 2010 at 11:33 AM
On behalf of Florida, I apologize for this sleazebag…
JohnBG on May 17, 2010 at 12:35 PM