E-mails raise new questions about Crist's Obama denials
Gov. Charlie Crist stunned many by saying he did not know President Barack Obama was in Jacksonville recently to visit with U.S. troops. But if the claim didn't strain credulity enough, newly obtained e-mails show Crist's aides in Washington and Tallahassee were notified of the trip.
A detailed itinerary and invitation was provided by the White House on Oct. 23, three days before the visit, and Crist's executive assistant wrote back the same day saying, "Unfortunately, the governor will be unable to attend."
In ordinary times, Crist's claim may have drawn puzzled looks for a day or two. Obama's visit was widely previewed in the news and the governor is a regular reader.
But the Republican Crist is running for the Senate and has drawn intense scrutiny for attempts to distance himself from Obama.
The two appeared on stage together in Fort Myers in February to celebrate the federal stimulus package — an appearance that has become a liability for Crist as he faces primary challenger Marco Rubio.
Crist now says he did not endorse the stimulus bill, even as he said it helped bail out the state budget. PolitiFact.com, the fact-checking Web site of the St. Petersburg Times, rated his claim "Pants on Fire."
By the time Obama returned for his second presidential visit to Florida last month, Crist was fully feeling the heat. His poll numbers had dropped as Rubio's had climbed.
When reporters in Tallahassee asked Crist if he knew the commander in chief was in Jacksonville, he replied: "First I've known of that."
E-mails obtained by the St. Petersburg Times this week through a public records request cast doubt on that claim. The messages prove Crist's office was aware of the visit, and it seems unlikely his aide would have dismissed Crist going to Jacksonville without checking with Crist.
Crist's office declined to comment further Tuesday.
"Gov. Crist has a serious credibility problem," said Alex Burgos, a spokesman for the Rubio campaign. "His stimulus denial and his claim he wasn't aware of the president's visit to Florida is all part of a pattern that speaks to someone who Floridians increasingly can't trust."
The Democratic candidate in the race also faulted Crist. "Governor Crist or someone very close to him chose to make a political calculation with his schedule over the patriotic duty of paying tribute to our Armed Forces in Jacksonville with the Commander in Chief," said Abe Dyk, campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek.
A detailed itinerary and invitation was provided by the White House on Oct. 23, three days before the visit, and Crist's executive assistant wrote back the same day saying, "Unfortunately, the governor will be unable to attend."
In ordinary times, Crist's claim may have drawn puzzled looks for a day or two. Obama's visit was widely previewed in the news and the governor is a regular reader.
But the Republican Crist is running for the Senate and has drawn intense scrutiny for attempts to distance himself from Obama.
The two appeared on stage together in Fort Myers in February to celebrate the federal stimulus package — an appearance that has become a liability for Crist as he faces primary challenger Marco Rubio.
Crist now says he did not endorse the stimulus bill, even as he said it helped bail out the state budget. PolitiFact.com, the fact-checking Web site of the St. Petersburg Times, rated his claim "Pants on Fire."
By the time Obama returned for his second presidential visit to Florida last month, Crist was fully feeling the heat. His poll numbers had dropped as Rubio's had climbed.
When reporters in Tallahassee asked Crist if he knew the commander in chief was in Jacksonville, he replied: "First I've known of that."
E-mails obtained by the St. Petersburg Times this week through a public records request cast doubt on that claim. The messages prove Crist's office was aware of the visit, and it seems unlikely his aide would have dismissed Crist going to Jacksonville without checking with Crist.
Crist's office declined to comment further Tuesday.
"Gov. Crist has a serious credibility problem," said Alex Burgos, a spokesman for the Rubio campaign. "His stimulus denial and his claim he wasn't aware of the president's visit to Florida is all part of a pattern that speaks to someone who Floridians increasingly can't trust."
The Democratic candidate in the race also faulted Crist. "Governor Crist or someone very close to him chose to make a political calculation with his schedule over the patriotic duty of paying tribute to our Armed Forces in Jacksonville with the Commander in Chief," said Abe Dyk, campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Patty Parrett on -
Crist now denies embracing President Obama and the stimulus plan. How is he denying this when he signed a letter supporting Obama's stimulus plan.
http://www.marcorubio.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Crist_signssti...
Marco Rubio(R) is a true conservative who will stand up for the American people. He needs donations to win against Crist who has millions and is already flip-flopping on issues..
Please go to www.marcorubio.com and make a donation.
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Permalink Reply by Jacque Reece on -
Patty, I agree. I think Crist's political career is over. Unless Dictator Obama makes him a Czar.
God Bless.
Jacque
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Permalink Reply by Jacque Reece on
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William, right on...can you say you are no longer in politics?
God Bless.
Jacque
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Permalink Reply by jeff on -
face the facts there all lieing scum bags that have to go there destroying the founding fathers pricipals ........
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Permalink Reply by Jacque Reece on
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Jeff,
That is where we come in. I promise you the libs are scared to death of us.
Keep up the good fight and never give up!
Jacque
Tampa
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Permalink Reply by Jacque Reece on
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John,
Right on. We will win!
Jacque
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Permalink Reply by Patty Parrett on
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I was lucky enough to meet Marco. He looks you in the eye when you talk to him. He doesn't have any staff around speaking for him, he speaks for himself. And he isn't afraid to say what each party is doing wrong. He has won every straw poll across Florida even though Crist controls the party machine. Crist has raised over 3-4 million dollars from his large contributors in and out of state and Marco is a true grassroots effort one dollar at a time. Marco needs our help with money because Crist has already started with the attack ads.
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Permalink Reply by Jacque Reece on
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Patty,
Just think if everyone in Florida Resistance who agrees just sent 10-20 dollars?
I am working on a flyer which let's voters know the differences between the canadiates.
So I can pass them out so people don't have to rely on the state run media.
Jacque
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Permalink Reply by Patty Parrett on
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Jacque,
Keep passing along the word to everyone you meet. The campaign was sending bumper stickers to people who wanted them - just give them a call.
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Permalink Reply by Jacque Reece on
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Patty, Thank you.
Jacque
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