Crist is giving independents like me a bad name

Just because Charlie Crist is now framing himself as the victim of a squeeze from the far right and far left does not mean that he can be trusted to represent the principled interests of centrist and independent voters. Any successful political movement requires correcting the worst stereotypes ascribed to it by its opponents—Charlie Crist only confirms them. True independence is the opposite of opportunism—it is a determination to pursue political reform against special interests on both sides. It represents a philosophic consistency that rejects the collectivism of social conservatives and public sector unions alike.

Being a centrist and an independent requires the courage of your convictions against the short-term political expediency of walking in lockstep with the party line. But if you dig below the surface of a newly printed campaign bumper sticker, Charlie Crist has not lived his political life consistent with those standards. That’s why we should resist the temptations of reflexively rallying around a campaign whose independence is more style than substance. As we try to build a coherent centrist and independent movement that rejects the extremes of both parties, we shouldn’t be suckered into automatically supporting Crist’s campaign. Asserting the strength of the center requires standards. That’s why it’s time to say “Sorry, Charlie,” remembering the refrain from that old song by The Who—”Won’t Get Fooled Again.”