“I’m an independent,” he replied. “But I’m happy to be helping the president in Florida.”

Crist went on to commend the president’s past actions. “As I said earlier, he really helped our teachers, our firefighters, law enforcement officials, he helped us with the BP oil spill, and he didn’t care that I was a Republican,” Crist said.

Todd later reminded Crist that he once identified himself as “a pro-life, pro-gun conservative” — asking whether that’s still how he’d characterize himself, regardless of party. “Yes, I would,” Crist said. Despite being pro-life, however, Crist said he wouldn’t want to “impose my will on others, and that’s the distinction.”