My take on Rubio vs Crist vs Meeks

[stevenleser]

I lived in Florida (St. Pete) for 12 years with a two year stint in Los Angeles in the middle that actually cuts it to 10 years.

I don't know Meeks but just the fact that he is the Democrat makes him my preferred choice. That being said, I have met Charlie Crist and he is not a bad guy. Some of the folks who were good friends in the St. Pete area have known him for a long time, since before he was in politics. I've also met Charlie Crist's father who is a doctor and a really nice guy.

There is no comparing teabagger Rubio to Crist. If that is the choice, my suggestion is to work for Crist. First though, we should give Meeks a chance. The general election campaign has just begun. My advice to Florida DU'rs is, work for Meeks, let's see if he can close the gap and if September comes and he is still far behind after four months of the campaign, I think we have to say he isnt going to get it done and we need to make sure Rubio doesn't become Florida's next senator.

[customerserviceguy]

1. You have just put your finger on the problem heading our way

The moderate and progressive vote will be split between Meeks and Crist. The 40% or so of Florida that is Repuke will deliver that Senate seat to the tea partier.

[JCMach1]

20. 40% are not teabaggers though... nor is there even 40% Repug

There is a sizeable Indy bloc in FL however...

[monmouth]

2. I purposely put myself on Charlie's mailing list so I could keep up

with his campaign. After his announcement he stated he had 800 new people with money that joined his campaign. He was quite grateful and excited about it. I agree, Meeks is a great guy also, but if he can't close that gap then we have to do whatever it takes to make sure Rubio is out of the picture. This is Jeb's campaign really, Rubio is the front man...

[golfguru]

3. Something seriously wrong with Crist

He is a registered repuke. If a snake ran as a democratic candidate, I will still
be wary, very wary of voting for him.

Support the real democrat, Mr. Meeks.

[suzie]

4. In other words, elect Rubio? Thank you, but no.

If Meeks had anything to recommend him other than the fact that he was a hardcore Clinton supporter until the very end, he might have a shot.

But having the State Party send out emails on his behalf and getting non-Floridians on the internet to order Floridians how to vote does not a campaign make.

[golfguru]

6. Crist will take more votes from Meek

than he will from repugs if people like you think he is a better
choice over Rubio and has a better chance than Meek to win.
Of course Rubio is the worst of choices, but let the repugs
divide their votes between Rubio & Crist and let ALL dems
vote Meek and he will win.

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

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[Dappleganger]

19. That bugs the hell outta me too.

At least Alex Sink doesn't do that.

[Clio the Leo]

5. Meek will close the gap....

... if not take the whole ball game.

The DNC hasn't even gotten started yet. The key will be, as it will be EVERYWHERE, is to get out those 2008 first time voters. The number of registered Dems in Fl is larger than the number of registered Republicans. If Meek can keep the Dems and only take HALF of the indys then he's got it. He only needs 35% of the vote.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

14. They've got to get started, pronto.

Meek has a very short amount of time to prove his viability or moderates and pragmatic Democrats will do anything to make sure Rubio doesn't win. If the election were today, I have little doubt that Meek's vote total would be far lower than his current polling numbers because of just that.

[DCBob]

8. Its "M-E-E-K" no "s"...

No wonder the guy is getting lost in the shuffle.. even Dems dont know his name.

[gmoney]

9. He shall inherit the earth... terrible name for politics though.

Who's fighting for you? MEEK!

[DCBob]

11. Its too bad but there is some truth to what you say..

Many voters are affected by things like a candidate's appearance, name, voice, etc. even more than their issues.

[gmoney]

21. yet somehow Boehner and Dick Army keep getting re-elected

I guess those sound more aggressive and masculine.

A candidate named Dick Stonecock would be unstoppable

[DCBob]

10. Recent polling looks good for Crist and not so good for Meek

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8280950

[WeDidIt]

12. Absolutely correct

Go for Meek now, but if he cannot pull his polling numbers out of the basement, you've got no choice but to stop Rubio.

[DCBob]

13. Yes, that is smart thing to do.

We have to look at the big picture and do what's best for all Democrats and for the country.

[Radical Activist]

18. Good. Now all they have to do is release bogus polls.

Since we all know how perfectly accurate polling is.

[Dawgs]

15. Exactly how I feel.

If Meek doesn't have a chance then make sure the tea party candidate loses.

[bunny planet]

16. Don't forget Rubio might be forced

to pander to the center and attempt to win over moderate voters now, and that will alienate and perhaps suppress his right wing supporters.

[Radical Activist]

17. Nearly all politicians are a "nice guy" when you meet them.

That's how they get elected to office. It has nearly nothing to do with who we should vote for.

The Republican vote will be divided. Of course the Democrat has a chance. Making a half hearted effort for the Democrat would be foolish.