Wexler will endorse Crist for U.S. Senate on Sunday

[DCBob]

from the Palm Beach Post..

Former U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, the darling of Democratic Jewish retirees, on Sunday will endorse Gov. Charlie Crist in his independent run for the U.S. Senate, the governor's campaign announced today.

Confirming rumors that began swirling this week, officials said the former seven-term Democratic Congressman from Boca Raton will endorse Crist during stops in voter-rich retirement communities in western Boca Raton and Tamarac.

"He's a strong and respected leader in South Florida and he shares many of the same values as Charlie Crist," said Danny Kanner, the governor's campaign press secretary. "It's a major boost for us."

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/wexler-will-endorse-crist-for-u-s-senate-936890.html?cxntcid=breaking_news

I have a great deal of respect for Wexler and he has a loyal following in Florida. This is significant.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

1. Because he likes cocaine and prostitutes...

(A joke, from an old Colbert appearance of his)

[hlthe2b]

2. Well, if it prevents a RUBIO win...

though that juggernaut seems unstoppable....:shrug:

Frank asked "What's the Matter with Kansas"? Well, I think he now needs to answer "What the hell is the matter with Florida"?

[DCBob]

3. Yes, Rubio is riding high at the moment.. but who knows..

what might happen in the next few weeks.

[chimpymustgo]

61. What a fucking asshole. The racists who won't support the DEM - ensuring a Rubio win.

This is disgraceful.

[Name removed]

65. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Billy Burnett]

4. A move like this is why Rubio might win.

Any undecided wingnut will not vote for anyone Wexler endorses. Dems will. It is splitting the wrong group of voters.

[flyarm]

40. +++ yep! And believe me he knows the internal numbers!! eom

[hlthe2b]

7. I respect Wexler and do not believe him to be a DINO at all...

He knows the political realities intimately. So, I'm going to give him benefit of the doubt on this one, though like you, I'd prefer to see Meek win.

[DCBob]

8. +1

I have been trashed on this board for making posts that suggested Crist is our best hope for stopping Rubio. I feel a bit vindicated now that someone like Wexler feels the same way I do. But I guess they will just trash him too.

[Bluenorthwest]

14. Such a shock, this is a Democratic board with rules that

clearly state that we are to support Democratic candidates, and are not permitted to promote third party candidates. You should not be surprised to be called out for campaigning for Chrarlie 'Palin is Presidential' Crist here against the Democratic candidate for that same office.
We have a candidate. It is not Crist.

[DCBob]

15. So someone like Robert Wexler would not be allowed to post here??

He was one of our most liberal and respected Representatives. I think you are confused.

[Bluenorthwest]

21. No need to put words into my mouth, I do not make the rules

Those rules say that we can not, on this board, promote candidates other than Democrats and that we are expected to support the Democratic candidates. This does not mean Wexler could not post here, it means he could not advocate for Crist here. Republicans can post here, but not in support of Republican candidates, nor against Democratic candidates. Those are the rules they claim to enforce.

[DCBob]

24. So Wexler would be banned if posted what he is about to announce to whole world tomorrow??

I think you are confused about the "actual" rules.

[Little Star]

22. If I'm not wrong I think that skinner said...

Christ would be the one exception to the rule regarding supporting Democratic candidates. I'm pretty sure that was what was said a month or more ago.:shrug:

[DCBob]

25. Yes, that is what I heard also.. Crist is an exception..

I wonder if the Crist haters wonder why that is?

[flyarm]

45. exactly what I read! eom

[Zhade]

86. It was not Skinner. It was another mod. I know -- I'm the one they sent a PM to about it...

...after I pointed out the rule-breaking. I still have the screenshot of the reply about making the exception.

DU chose to ignore its own rules. I'm not even sure Skinner was consulted in that decision, to be honest.

Needless to say, the double standard regarding third-party candidates is staggering.

[elleng]

23. 'are not permitted?' What country you living in?

[Dappleganger]

75. This is a big fucking deal.

Sometimes I really, really, really, really hate the political monster we have in this state. :(

[Billy Burnett]

5. Meek Ad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-Woa84xgaU&feature=player_embedded#!

[Bluenorthwest]

9. Red Letter Day for Moderate Centrists! Joy!

The Florida Democratic Party should be ashamed.

[TSIAS]

10. Crist thinks Palin is ready to be president

I might be able to get over some of his flip-flops, but I have a hard time supporting someone who thinks Sarah Palin is ready to be President.

[Bluenorthwest]

11. They can see the future, and they 'know' that for 'us' to win

we have to not vote Democratic. Bullshit on the half shell, and there is zero point to having a Party at all if this is how it is done.
How many said Barack Obama could not be elected? Many, many. And yet, he was elected. People used to think that flying was impossible. And I have personally flown in aeroplanes, aloft among the clouds. The impossible.
And I'm supposed to support Obama who opposes my rights because we are in the same Party, right? What's the point? If the Party is a matter of convenience?
The message 'only vote Democratic if the Democrat is the clear winner in advance, as declared not by voters but pollsters' is a stinking message.

[DCBob]

13. So send your complaints to Wexler..

Maybe he can clarify it for you.

[Bluenorthwest]

17. Sorry, I'm lodging them right here on a Democratic board

We have a candidate. By we I mean Democrats. Crist has spoken favorably of Palin's qualifications for the Oval office. And you promote that man here?
Got a problem with me promoting Democrats on a Democratic board? Alert on me, tell Skinner I'm a Democratic voter! The horror.
I think of Wexler and Charlie as the same type of guy, to be blunt about it. Always have. And I'm not talking about politics. They are peers in lots of ways. And, as always, I say no thank you and yuck to both of them.

[DCBob]

19. I think I trust the judgment of Robert Wexler of Florida than some anonymous poster...

from the "bluenorthwest".

[Bluenorthwest]

34. Al Gore is going to stump for Meek. Do you snark at him too?

I'm a Democrat. This means something to me, and what it means is voting for Democrats. But the snark at my username and region was a winner! Very on point. Bill Clinton has campainged for Meek. Thousands of Democrats support him. It is not me v. Bob Wexler. Not by a long shot, not by a right wing frame. Meek is the Democratic Party Candidate. Supported by Democrats.

[DCBob]

39. Anyone can endorse anyone they want.. You are the one trying to silence Wexler and others..

from endorsing Crist.

[Bluenorthwest]

47. Oh, please! I'm just speaking my mind. Supporting a Democrat

on a Democratic board. In what way could I 'silence Wexler' by supporting a Democrat here? Bob Wexler is free to do as he pleases, hang his hat where he pleases. He will stand up for Crist while Al Gore stands up for Meek. Bob Wexler Superstar!
You are, on the other hand, being derisive and personal, making comments about my username and region, for the crime of supporting a Democrat that Al Gore will be stumping for this week. And that is what it is.
Is Al Gore also trying to silence Wexler by campaiging for Meek? For the Democratic candidate?

[DCBob]

50. I doubt Gore will make any comments about Wexler or Crist..

You on the other hand are trashing them and me and anyone else who dares to make a positive comment about Gov Crist.

BTW, you are from the Pacific Northwest.. right? My comment was not meant be insulting.. only to suggest that Mr Wexler who has been an elected politician from Florida for many years might know alot more about Florida politics than you.

[Bluenorthwest]

57. That is false, I'm not trashing anyone, I'm just supporting the

Democrat. Wexler has another candidate. I have not made any trash talk about you at all, and that is cheap and Crist like of you to say. No one else has made a postive comment about Crist, but I'd not trash them either.
And you are from DC? Bastion of political honor that it is? Actually, I am living in the Northwest but I'm not from it, and spent much time growing up in Florida, where I still have many friends and family members. But I never claimed to know more than Mr Wexler, you know. I just said I support the Democratic candidate, because I am a Democrat, and I do trust Al Gore more than Wexler. It is just silly to try to frame this as being me vs Bob Wexler, Bob. I am not the only Democrat supporting Meek, the entire Party is, and many leading Democrats who make Wexler look rather wee are also supporting Meek. Attempting to make this about me is absurd and insulting, as well as being false.
Yes, I stand alone with the Democratic candidate, just me and he and his nomination, I, thousands of miles away, am his sole support! All those votes he got came from me, every one was absentee! When Bill Clinton spoke for him, that was actually Bluenorthwest in a body suit, right? Or I guess you'd say that Bill came to trash Wexler.

[JustAnotherGen]

138. Thank you for supporting the Democrat

And giving such a great reason to!

[flyarm]

46. same here for this Floridian!

[JonLP24]

12. No fan of Crist

http://suncoastpinellas.tbo.com/content/2008/dec/01/gay-rights-protest-planned-governors-wedding/

[Radical Activist]

16. Shameful.

[DCBob]

20. Face reality mister Radical..

Meek cant win. Crist can. Rubio is a disaster. Simple as that.

[Radical Activist]

31. You like being manipulated by the corporate media and bogus polls?

Reality is not what some millionaire's newspaper says it is. Meek finished more than 10 points ahead of what any poll predicted in the primary. And you still believe what you're told about who has a chance to win? You want to be fooled twice?

[DCBob]

35. Greene was a joke. Meek should have beat him by 40 points.

The latest polls just before the elections were not far off.

[Radical Activist]

37. They were all more than 10 poitns off.

Facts are facts. What if the same thing happens in the general? Suppose Meek loses by two points and people like Wexler are at fault for putting another Lieberman in the Senate when we could have had a Democrat?

[DCBob]

42. I think someone like Wexler would know very well what's going on in Florida and would not do this..

unless he knew Meek was in trouble.

[wmbrew0206]

94. The polls were not off by 10%. Over 10% were undecided and most of them broke for Meek.

[Radical Activist]

100. Polls said he would get around 40%. He got closer to 60%.

It should tell you something about how useless the current polls are. Undecided Dems will break for Meek again.

[wmbrew0206]

115. The polls showed that Meek had mid-40's support with over 15% undecedied.

The majority of the undecideds went for Meek and that is what propelled him to the mid-50's on primary night.

The question you need to be asking is "Who are the democrats that voted for Greene? And who are they going to vote for in the general?"

Greene was a flawed candidate but he still received a lot of votes from Dems. Why? I am willing to bet that it had more than a little to do with skin color.

[Radical Activist]

118. I've heard people make your argumet about racist voters many times

and I've seen those people proven wrong again and again. Obama got 51% in Florida, so obviously a majority will vote for a black candidate. Meek can win with only 40%. Your racist voter argument is bullshit.

[wmbrew0206]

129. So many things wrong with this post: 1. Meek < Obama, 2. A three way race vs two way race, 3. Not

understanding the demographics of Florida.

1. Meek is not Obama. Not even close. He is a relatively unknown Congressmen from South Florida vs a very well known Senator.

2. Democrats have an alternative to vote for in this race, where they did not in the '08 Presidential race. If Clinton had run as an independent in '08, Obama would not have gotten 51%

3. The voter turn out in '08 was HUGE in Florida, especially among minorities. That is not going to happen this year. Not even close. Part of that 49% that voted for McCain in '08, were racist democrats in central and north Florida that will not vote for a black man. They especially won't vote for a black man from South Florida. (There is a BIG amount of distaste for South Florida by the north and central Florida men.) Since the turnout is going to be smaller, this portion of the voter population will be greater.


Please show me any model that has Meek winning without gaining a majority of democrats in north and central Florida.

[Radical Activist]

132. Meek only needs 35%-40% to win.

That makes all of your other arguments irrelevant. He doesn't need the entire 51% who voted for Obama. He only needs some of them. The issue is not whether Meek is well known. What the '08 results show is that you're wrong to suggest that a black candidate can't get a majority of votes, or 40% in this case.

[wmbrew0206]

135. No one is doubting that percentages need to win the Florida Senate race. The question is

how does a candidate get to 35% to 40%?

Please tell me how you expect Meek to get to 35% or 40%?

Here is the breakdown of Florida voters, tell me how Meeks gets 35% to 40%:

Florida population: 18 million. Approx 20% is under 18, so 14.4 million are of voting age. Around 20% to 30% vote in midterms, so that would be between 3.0 M to 4.5 M. Let just go with 4.5 since that was the turn out in '06 in Florida.

Rubio starts with 1M votes, his result from the R primary.
Meek starts with 550K, his results from the D primary.

So 35% of 4.5 M is 1,575,00, while 40% is 1,800,000. We have already accounted for 1.55 M voters, so that leaves 3 M left. Rubio only needs 575K or at best 800K. Where Meek needs between 1.2 M and 1.45 M.

What demographic supports Meek to get these votes? Are they I's, D's, or R's? Are the from southeast, southwest, central, northeast or northwest Florida?

[lunamagica]

54. The only readon Meek "can't win" is because so-called Democrats

are going to vote for an independent candidate. If Democrats vote for the Democratic candidate -as they should- he'd win the vote for sure. It is that simple.

Why the division?

[lunamagica]

56. Meek is the only candidate Democrats should vote for

Crist loved (loves?) Palin. The only reason Meek is not ahead is because too many Democrats won't support him....why, why? While is true that Rubio would be worst than Crist, this wouldn't even be a question if Democrats united behind meek. Come on, please, let's rally and support our guy! That way Mr Meek will win for sure!

[DCBob]

66. It appears many Floridians simply wont vote for Meek.. for whatever reason.

Seems his biggest problem is he still isnt well known outside of his district.

[lunamagica]

69. He is the Democratic candidate on the ballot. check the box next to his name. Easy enough, nt

[chimpymustgo]

87. So true. If Dems vote for Meek, HE WINS. Wexler is a fool.

And playing racist, divisive politics.

[wmbrew0206]

96. What make you think that? Why would Meek win?

The fact is a lot of Florida Democrats are not going to vote for a black man from South Florida. Sorry to have to say that, but it is true.

[wmbrew0206]

95. The polls were not bogus, if you go back and look at them, they were pretty much spot on.

[Radical Activist]

99. More than 10 points off is not spot on.

Meek won the primary with about 57%. All the polls had him getting close to 40% (except for PPP by Kos).

We know that a certain amount of the Democratic base will vote for Meek no matter what. That isn't the case with Crist. Crist knows the only way he can win is to scare Democrats with these bogus polls. But even that tactic still won't win over enough Democrats to beat Rubio. The only way to win this race is to get Democrats to vote Democratic.

[wmbrew0206]

116. THE POLLS ARE NOT OFF IF THERE ARE OVER 15% UNDECIDED AND THEY BREAK FOR MEEK

That was the case.

The polls would have been off if they showed Meek around the mid-40's and Greene around the mid-40's and the other candidates taking up the other 20%. That was not the case.

You can't claim the polls were off if there are some many undecideds going into election night.

[Radical Activist]

117. The polls did not accurately predict the outcome in the primary and they won't for the general.

The undecideds will break for Meek again, and you'll find that, as usual, the polls under-represent the black vote as well.

[wmbrew0206]

130. Those polls were NOT meant to predict the outcome of the primary. The were meant to show the state

of the race.

If polls are meant to show the final outcome of the race they will have a cross tab that show "leaners." "Leaners" are undecided that are asked by a pollster to state which candidate the are leaning to even if they are unsure of who they will vote for on election day.

It is not a precise technique since there is so much uncertainty, so pollsters normally don't do it unless the race is very close and there is only a small percentage of undecideds.

I know you are very invested in the whole idea that "The Polls Were Wrong on Meek" which = "Meek has a chance to win if Democrats will just vote for him over Crist." I am sorry but it is just not the case here. The polls were not off, the undecideds broke for Meek because Green was imploding and that resulted in him having a higher percentage of the vote.

Meek has two other probems: He is black man and from South Florida. Both are VERY BIG issues when dealing with white male blue dog democrats in central and north Florida. If it was a two way race, they might vote for Meek or stay home. With Crist as an option, they will vote for Crist without thinking twice.

I don't like this at all, but it is the reality of the situation. Seeing as most of the heavy hitters in the Democratic Party are backing Crist, they are aware of this.

[Radical Activist]

133. And they aren't an accurate predictor of what will happen in the general election either.

Polls are being used to suggest that Crist is the only candidate who can beat Rubio, but they're clearly unable to do that. You're obviously very invested in the idea that a black man can't win statewide in Florida, but Meek can still win without the racist vote.

[wmbrew0206]

134. The polls were very accurate in the primaries. The had Meek and Rubio at the right level of support.

The polls were dead on in the primary. Please show how Meek can win without conservative blue dog democrats voting for him. What demographics are going to support him?

Florida's population is @ 18 M, assume that about 20% of that is under 18, and only 20% to 30% will vote. So that will be between 3 to 4.5 million. Rubio had 1 M on primary night versus Meek's 550K. Let assume that Meek pulls 50% of the 400k of other democrats that did not vote for him, and he rises to 750k. We are now at 1.75 Mil out of 3 or 4.5 million. Low turn out, requires Meek to win 60% of the non-partisan vote. High turn out, Meek needs to win 55% of the non-partisan vote. Both would require a better showing for Meek than Obama had in '08. Do you really think that happens?

FYI, that is completely without a third party candidate. With Crist things get worse of Meeks. Crist is not taking any republican voters that voted for Rubio, so Meek is now fighting for the other 2 M to 3.5 M voters, already at a 250K deficit, if he is lucky. Crist will pull at least 750K to 1M, now Meek has only 1 M to 2.5 M, and still has the same deficit. The percentage Meek would need to win of those remaining totals would be higher than Obama did in '08.

So please tell me where my numbers are wrong. What demographic is going to support Meek to help him win?

[Radical Activist]

139. They predicted 40%, he got closer to 60%. That isn't accurate.

Your dedication to the spin is bizarre. Your assumption that Crist won't take away in Republican votes is false.

[wmbrew0206]

140. The polls DID NOT predict 40%. The polls you keep quoting were not meant to project a final result.

You inability to understand a poll is bizarre.

My assumption is that Crist would not take away any of the 1 Million voters that voted for Rubio in the republican primary. Most of those voters turn out to vote for Rubio and were excited to do so. They did not turn out to vote the governor's race because both of those candidates were mind numbingly dull and terrible. So how is Crist going to take away voters from Rubio, that turned out in the primary just to vote for Rubio?

[Bluenorthwest]

44. thanks for the name callling! My fellow 'radical' Al Gore will be

in Tampa this week, for the Democratic candidate, Mr Meek. Al is not a constant stumper, and he is a great Democrat. While Democrats like Al are out there trying to turn this election for the Democratic candidate, I will stand with them.
Perhaps you should alert Mr Gore about the can'ts and the simple as that's and send him your resume, and get him to cancel Tampa.
The Democratic Party has a candidate. Simple as that. Me and Al 'Mr Radical' Gore support the Democratic candidate. Not the one you support.
I love that you call me a radical for suggesting that the Democratic candidate, being endorsed by the biggest names in our Party ought to get support and votes from Democrats. For supporting the Democratic candidate, I'm Mr Radical! So, on DU, supporting a Democrat the full Party is supporting makes me a radical? Mr Radical no less? I think Al Gore is Mr Radical, I'm just like B Radical Esquire or something. Unless Al is King Radical, then I can be Mr Radical without feel arrogant.
Yep, Mr Radical, supporting a Democrat along with Al and Bill and Tim. Tim Kaine, Chairman Radical!

[DCBob]

48. Who's name calling?? His name is "Radical Activist".. right?

Feel free to endorse whoever you want and work like hell to get them elected. Good luck. I just think Mr Meek is not our best shot.

[Bluenorthwest]

53. Missed that. But 'our best shot' is our only candidate. Any other

is not 'our' shot at all. My objective is electing Democrats. Mr Meek is the Democrat. Our only shot at that seat. The other two are not Democrats. Both praise Palin.
You did make use and light of my username, you know, and you did make it personal by claiming this is about 'trusting Wexler more than some poster from the 'bluenorthwest'. That is one hell of an aggressive and snarky frame, considering the context of this board, and the fact that Meeks is the Democratic candidate, and the big guns of the Party are out campaigning for him. Gore. Clinton. Not Bluenorthwest. Al Gore and Bill Clinton. Getting snarky and personal about it is not really needed. It is an attempt to stop support for a Democratic candidate on a Democratic board, at the top of a week in which Al Gore will be going to campaign for that Democratic candidate.
Frame against Meek if that is your choice, but not against posters who support Democratic candidates on a Democratic board, thank you. Your argument is with Mr Meek, your rival candidate, the Democratic candidate. Address your issues about him, please. Tell us about the glories of recent Republican reject Crist, if you wish. It is not personal. I support the Democrat because I am a Democrat. Democrats are working hard right now to elect Mr Meek, and I am not going to counter the volunteers we work to get. That is your job, for you support a candidate other than the Democratic candidate, Mr Meek.

[UTUSN]

18. My main WEX: Say it ain't so. nt

[Vickers]

26. Yet another sad day for Florida Dems. n/t

[DCBob]

27. Not at all.. this could be the turning point to stopping Rubio..

Rubio is getting some bad press today as well. If only Crist and Meek could join forces somehow.

[Vickers]

28. In what scenario do you see that happening? It's not like a Senator needs

a Lieutenant Senator or something.

I will vote for Meek, and I will gladly do it.

Fuck Crist, fuck Rubio, and fuck anyone who tries to convince me that Crist is the smart choice.

[DCBob]

29. I think the only hope is for Meek to drop out and endorse Crist..

for the good of the party, the state of Florida and the nation.

[Vickers]

30. That's actually my nightmare scenario. n/t

[DCBob]

33. Rubio is your nightmare..

If he wins he sits in the Senate for 6 years voting and spewing hardcore rightwing crap. Furthermore it gives serious credibility to the teaparty movement and it could impact the 2012 Presidential elections. It would be a crime to allow that teabagger to win when we have the votes to defeat him.

[Vickers]

38. Are you pushing Crist as a candidate on DU? Serious question.

Answer honestly.

[DCBob]

41. I dont "push" candidates.. I am only making the case that Crist may be our best shot..

at winning this FL Senate seat. And it seems there are other Democrats like Wexler who agree with me.

[Name removed]

43. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Vickers]

81. You are "pushing" Crist...otherwise you would be supporting Meek.

Anything other than full support for Meek should be disallowed on DU.

[wmbrew0206]

97. This is about not losing rather than winning. Meek is not going to win in any scenario.

Sorry to have to say that but it is true. Meek is a lost cause and Crist is the lesser of two evils.

Ask yourself which would you rather have? Senator Crist or Senator Rubio, because Senator Meek is not an option.

[Forkboy]

127. "I dont "push" candidates"

At least have the guts to be honest about it, dude. :rofl:

[flyarm]

49. Rubio would be every democrats nightmare! He is Jeb's protoge..he was created by Jeb for the

Bush crime machine!

Rubio in the Senate will be everyone in this nation's nightmare.

Count on that..and for those who don't live in Florida..keep your opinions..the Big Money democratic people I know in Fla have already (behind the scene's and screens) been putting their money behind Crist. I know this for a FACT! They are the heavy rollers in Fla! And the Democratic party damn fucking well knows this!

[DCBob]

51. yes indeed. maybe you can take over the battle here.

Im being overwhelmed. ;)

[flyarm]

52. I can't be bothered with people who don't know what the f they are talking about ..

and know nothing about what is going on in our state and who is backing who!

We Dems in Fla will take care of our state and save their asses from Rubio..hopefully!

And I will have little to no sympathy for those who didn't back us in Fla when they are stuck with the Jeb boy Rubio!

I have no disillusions.Nor do I need rose colored glasses.

I can't give those here the time of day, who don't know what the fuck they are talking about!

Just as they did not give we in Florida the time of day when our primary votes were stolen in 2008!

Dems did enough damage with that, to last my lifetime here in Fla

[DCBob]

55. right on brother..

cheers! over and out.

[ChiciB1]

119. But It's Actually... Right On Sista! n/t

[chimpymustgo]

62. The only HOPE is for Crist to drop out and endorse Meek - the DEMOCRAT.

[flyarm]

63. never happen..Meek is hardly known on the West Coast of Fla..

Crist is known through out the state and funny enough liked by many dems! And very liked by Indy's.

That would only give Rubio a historic landslide!

[Vickers]

83. And Wexler the fucking traitor is not known on the west coast. n/t

[flyarm]

90. auuu contra ire..Wexler is well known throughout the state! eom

[DCBob]

64. There is no incentive for Crist to drop out.. he has nothing to lose..

But Meek by dropping out and endorsing Crist would get him some major kudos from the entire Democratic party. Meek, if he wanted to, could single handedly stop Rubio.

[Dappleganger]

77. It's quite sad for FL Dems...

that we don't have SOLID former democratic politicians who are standing behind the dem candidate and sending a clear message of solidarity. That's not happened from the very beginning.

[GSLevel9]

32. way to throw Meek under the bus... dick! nt

[flyarm]

36. But if any of us on DU say it is the only way to keep Rubio out we get our nuts cut off..right?

and the laughs keep on coming........and not the HA HA type.

[WCGreen]

58. I just can't help but think he will line with the GOP if they need his

vote to contol the Senate...

[lunamagica]

59. Meek is the only candidate Democrats should vote for

Crist loved (loves?) Palin. The only reason Meek is not ahead is because too many Democrats won't support him....why, why? While is true that Rubio would be worst than Crist, this wouldn't even be a question if Democrats united behind meek. Come on, please, let's rally and support our guy! That way Mr Meek will win for sure!

[Ramulux]

60. Meek needs to concede and endorse Crist

The election is a month away and it doesn't look like Meek has any chance. At this point people need to decide between Crist and Rubio.

[DCBob]

67. I hope this happens but even if he doesnt I suspect many Floridians are going to realize..

by election day that if they vote for Meek it just helps put a Teabagger in the Senate.

[Change Happens]

73. Yes, and I am one of them.....nt

[flyarm]

91. count me in holding my nose! eom

[Dappleganger]

78. WTH?

That would be ridiculous.

[Cal33]

68. Yes, Wexler was great. Wouldn't it have been wonderful if both he

and Grayson were working together now? Wexler was young enough, too.
I'd like to have seen him as Speaker of the House.

[Change Happens]

89. I really thought he was going to be our next Senator....nt

[Cal33]

122. I don't live in FL, but I admired Wexler a great deal. I wonder

why he decided to leave Congress. I thought it a pity. Still do.

[ChiciB1]

126. I Found This Article About Hime, But It's Not Current! Seems He's A Big Obama Supporter, So

for many here who are bashing him, I think he thought long and hard before he decided to support Crist.

Just sayin'

By Spencer Ackerman 10/14/09 8:54 AM By all accounts, Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) loves Congress. “I have a dream job, a job I love,” he said in January, attempting to quash rumors that he’d join an Obama administration he worked hard to elect. Those rumors resurfaced yesterday when it became known that he’s resigning his seat. But Wexler won’t, apparently, take an administration position. He’s told colleagues he’ll be director of the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation, a Washington think tank focusing on the Arab-Israeli peace issues that Wexler worked on in Congress. Why?
The move perplexes Mideast-peace watchers. Wexler is young — he was born in 1961 — a favorite of progressives, and not in any electoral danger. Laura Rozen reports that he has children he needs to put through school, and the Center was founded by a Slim-Fast tycoon. But it still seems like a strange choice: it’s described as a shell of its former self, and doesn’t have much policy influence.

Still, some peace-process observers are theorizing that Wexler, with his strong ties to both the Jewish community, the Israelis and the Obama administration, might be part of an inside-outside game by the administration. Wexler, who earlier this month implored the Obama administration to spend more time reaching out to an Israeli public that is quickly souring on him for demanding a settlement freeze in the West Bank, might be able to vouch for Obama to the Israelis and pass messages as a back channel. The Center’s strategic adviser is Avi Gil, a longtime adviser to Israeli President Shimon Peres. And with Wexler’s ability to raise money and solid connections to Israel, the theory goes, he’s well-positioned to help Obama with a constituency the president will need for his peacemaking efforts that’s slipping away. “Wexler’s a great guy to make the case to the Israelis about why an Obama led peace effort is good for them,” said one Israel lobbyist who preferred not to speak on the record ahead of Wexler’s 10 a.m. Florida press conference. Could the Center be a platform for that effort? “I’m sure they could,” as its remaining staffers are “very well-connected.”

Still, that’s just a theory. There hasn’t been a hint of a scandal so far, but the day’s very young.

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[Cal33]

128. Thanks for this info. My respect for him has gone further up. Much obliged.

[lunamagica]

70. Poll: Rubio's lead over Crist grows; Meek gains ground

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/25/1842276/poll-rubios-lead-over-crist-grows.html


Poll: Rubio's lead over Crist grows; Meek gains ground
.BY SERGIO R. BUSTOS
[e-mail]
With a little over a month remaining before the Nov. 2 election, the three-way race for U.S. Senate is turning into a two-man race -- for second place.

A statewide poll released Saturday night shows Republican Marco Rubio building on his lead over independent challenger Charlie Crist, while Democrat Kendrick Meek appears to be closing in on Crist in the closely-watched contest.

Rubio is favored by 40 percent of likely voters, up from 38 percent last month; Crist's support has dwindled to 28 percent from 33 percent, according to the Mason-Dixon Research & Associates survey of 625 likely Florida voters. The margin of error: plus/minus four percentage points.

The poll found that Meek is gaining on Crist, with his support rising sharply to 23 percent of likely voters, up from 18 percent. Nine percent are undecided.

``Rubio seems to be in a solid position to win, while Crist is fading,'' said Mason-Dixon pollster Brad Coker. ``Crist is bleeding Democrats to Meek and independents to both Meek and Rubio.''

He said Meek could ``pull off a major comeback, but it is largely predicated on his ability to convince Crist's new-found Democratic friends that the former Republican's campaign is hopeless and it is time for them to come back to their party.''

``That will be a tough challenge, but it is now the only apparent way for Rubio to lose,'' he said.

To have 40 percent support ``in a three-way race is a very strong position to hold,'' said Coker.

``Rubio, in fact, only needs to gain 2-3 points to wrap up the race,'' he said. ``The only way Rubio could lose is if the support for Crist or Meek dropped under 15 percent. That could happen, but it would require an almost total abandonment by Democrats from Crist to Meek, or vice-versa.''

The poll was done by telephone from September 20-22. All those interviewed indicated they would likely vote in November.



Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/25/1842276/poll-rubios-lead-over-crist-grows.html#ixzz10aO6TA2E

[Change Happens]

71. The Democratic establishment must know something?

Crist is going to caucus with the Dems. Looks like they will pull their support for Meeks and go with Crist. This will be a HUGE coup if the Dems can get Crist from Florida.

[lunamagica]

74. Obama, Biden, Clinton and Gore are behind Meek, eom

[flyarm]

92. they have the inside numbers! and the Big democratic money must be going to Crist.

the Big money dems I know on the West Coast have all given their money to Crist. Of course they are staying quiet about it, on the most part. Some have come out publically, but most have not.

[ChiciB1]

120. There IS Scuttlebutt That THEY Do! I Know NOTHING Concrete, But I

have heard from others talking about this very thing! I won't go further because it seems there are some here who want anyone who talks about Crist to get TS'ed!

I have noticed that some more prominent Democrats from the state of Florida aren't posting yay or nay right now!

Living in Florida, we hear rumblings of the handwriting being on the wall! If those of us in Florida find ourselves between a rock and a hard place, why is it OUR fault when facing the FEAR of a RUBIO win!

Horrors!!

[Change Happens]

121. I will be voting to keep Rubio out!!!

That, I know for sure...

[ChiciB1]

125. And So Will I... Plus I have Already Started Contacting The Rest Of My

family here who aren't as active in politics as I am. Plus, I'm hearing a lot from fellow Democrats about just how fiercely they feel about doing WHATEVER it takes to KEEP RUBIO OUT!!!

[KamaAina]

72. "I enjoy cocaine because..."

"it's almost as easy to score at my actual home in Maryland as it is in South Florida." :P

[Vickers]

76. Seems like there are lots of coke-heads on this thread, too!

And they are CRIST-ians.

[flamingdem]

79. What does Nate Silver say on this? nt

[Dappleganger]

80. After reading this thread...

I really need a drink.
Probably three.


:beer: :banghead:

[Vickers]

82. The CRIST-ians are out in full force!!!

:crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy:

[Dappleganger]

84. It's a sad state of affairs.

The FL Democratic party is its own worst enemy.

[flyarm]

93. do you live or vote in Fla? Have you ever lived in Fla? have you had your votes stolen in 2000 by

repigs and then had your primary votes stolen in 2008 by dems?

Do yu have any idea how many Indy's we have in Fla..and that we are a closed primary state where Indy's can not vote for dems or repig in the primaries..do you know any FUCKING thing about politics in Fla???????????

If not..please hold back your opinions..because you know nothing.

On the other hand if you are a registered Dem in the state of Fla..you damn well ought to know the Delemma democrats face in this election in the State Of Florida!

Oh and did you live under Jeb? we fucking did and we know damn well who the fuck Rubio is and we know how owned he is by the Jeb bush crimme machines!

You ought to be kissing our asses and thanking us for trying to save the senate from Rubio..Jebs boy!

[Vickers]

101. I live in Wexler's old district, right off Military Trail. But thanks for assuming!

:eyes:

[flyarm]

102. I didn't assume a thing..I said if you weren't from Fla or if you Were..

either or..

[Vickers]

106. I think everyone here knows the point you were trying to make, and

it rang hollow, just like the calls for voting for Crist in this thread do.

I think that anyone who calls for Democratic voters to vote for Crist, either explicit or implied, should be tombstoned immediately.

[flyarm]

109. I think some here are trying to explain to others outside of Fla just what is going on in Fla.

and has been going on and continues to go on in Fla.

Would you tombstone Wexler??????

Because that is what this thread is about ..Wexler ..long time beloved Democratic Congressman from Fla..who is going to throw his support for Crist.

Is no one allowed to discuss that????? Is that your point?

And if they discuss it you assume they are supporting that??????????? and not just explaining that?????????????

Did you just become the only person who is allowed to discuss this?????????

[wmbrew0206]

98. It is actually the Anit-Rubians!

[ProgressiveEconomist]

85. Think of the long-term consequences for the FL Democratic Party. This is just one election

the Senate seat is currently held by a Republican (LeMieux) anyway, and Rubio might win even if "Democrats for Crist" splits the party.

The base of the party has a long memory, and a losing "Democrats for Crist" effort could depress Democratic turnout for a decade.

[Change Happens]

88. Your assessment is wrong: unfortunately, Many many many Florida

Registered Democrats have always been voting for pukes anyway, they put Crist in office to Begin with...A Crist leaning to the left in a big way like he has been is an easy choice for these people.

[flyarm]

104. You are 100% correct, Charlie has been liked by many Dems in the State Of Florida.

and he did get a good % of Dem votes to become Governor.

[Change Happens]

111. And since then: he has left the GOP, vetoed the education measure they were

trying to pass, came out in favor of gay adoption...etc. He has moved way way left, and I have to think he has already said behinf closed doors that he will caucus with the Dems.

[flyarm]

103. that makes me laugh..if we get stuck with Rubio..you will suffer as well! the nation will!

and what the DLC has done in Fla to democrats, by running republicans as democrats and giving the former repukes the DLC/DNC money and shitting on great dem candidates.. has already hurt Dems for generations in Fla..and add to that the stolen Primary in 2008 by the Rahm machine..so many dems after that re-registered as Indies! in total disgust! Many of whom now will have NOTHING to do with the Dem party! And many who didn't switch but now sit home in disgust..and refuse to do anything for the dem party..

Many of whom were our most prolific volunteers and donators!

[DCBob]

105. The "long-term consequences" are exactly why FL Dems should vote to defeat Rubio..

If Rubio wins it puts a hardcore rightwinger in the US Senate for at least 6 years and it gives major credibility to the teabagger movement. Also, come 2012, it could be very helpful to have a Dem Gov and a Dem Senator and a Dem-friendly Independent Senator because we all know how important Florida is to Presidential elections.

[Vickers]

107. Are you asking Florida DUers to vote for Crist? Answer honestly.

C'mon, tell us what your point is with this thread; I can't figure it out.

I'd like for you to explicitly state what your motives are, you know, just for the record.

[DCBob]

108. They need to watch the polls, listen to folks like Wexler & remember the priority is defeat Rubio..

I dont care if Meek or Crist wins.. I just want to defeat Rubio. Isnt that your priority also? If it isnt, it should be, if you care about the future of this country.

[Vickers]

110. Are you asking people to vote for Crist? It's a simple question.

Go ahead...this is no time for being mealy-mouthed about intentions.

[flyarm]

112. Perhaps if you spent your time trying to ease other Dem's minds instead of throwing threats you

would help Meek more productively!
Skinner has already said this subject can be discussed on DU.

Many Dem's have great fears of Rubio, and you are not helping matters for Meek..who I am a great supporter of and many here are. But your counter productive speech to others with great concerns is not helping Meek one bit.

A little understandig of voters concerns and fears would be much more helpful!
Your opinions and threats are counter productive whether you know it or not.

Perhaps you could tell everyone about the positive reasons to vote for Meek and counter others fears , it woud be much more productive than flinging threats around!

Your tactics are not easing others minds or fears!

[Vickers]

123. So, you won't vote for Meek because you don't like ME???

:crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy:

Where did I threaten anyone?

Where did Skinner say that someone can advocate for a 3rd party candidate over the Democratic nominee? Please post a link!

[DCBob]

113. I answered your question? How about answering mine?

Is your highest priority defeating Rubio?

[Vickers]

124. Yes, my highest priority is defeating Rubio, with a Democratic candidate. n/t

[Catherina]

114. Revolting and shameful.

[MadHound]

131. After this shameful display,

I don't want to see any, ANY Democrat bitching about the left, third parties on the left, none of that shit. Because the motherfuckers down in Florida are going with a Republican in Crist, instead of going with the Democrat. This bullshit about beating Rubio at all costs is just that, bullshit. If you put your money where your mouth is, Meek could win. But instead you're going with the sexy pick, Crist. Then you're going to whine when he lines up with the 'Pugs in the Senate, says thank you very much and joins in on obstructing everything decent that the Dems try to pass.

This is a shame and a sin, truly.

[Jax]

137. +1000 Great post MadHound

sickening but not surprising anymore.

It is a shameful display indeed.

[Ganja Ninja]

136. It won't change my vote.

Until we have a viable liberal party I'll be voting for the Democrat not some guy that was run out of the GOP by the lunatic teabaggers.