Tag Archive for dnc

Waiting for Crist to go Democrat? He already has.

Here is the latest webcast about Florida’s controversial former Governor Charlie Crist. Waiting for him to go Democrat? He already has.

Transcript:

Florida Politics with Frank Torres. And today we’re talking about former Governor Charlie Crist. Is there a more controversial name in Florida politics, over the last 6 months than our former Republican Governor. As you’ll recall Governor Crist elected, served one term, before declining re-election to be Florida’s Governor to run for U.S Senate. The psychology behind this is very complicated and goes back a very long way. As you’ll recall, Crist was on John McCain’s list of potential running mates, before he ultimately settle on Governor Sarah Palin, Charlie Crist followed him around the country, tried to get that nod from McCain but never got it. Obviously, Washington was still in the plan for Charlie Crist, he chose to run for that seat in 2010, Of course you know what happened in 2010, our current Senator, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, that was the year his star was on the rise. A very “Rocky” like story. Crist had such a huge lead in the polls, but little by little Rubio hustled and little by little started turning the race in his favor. When Crist’s pollsters told him he would have a chance against the GOPs rising star, he did just that and walked away from the Republican party amidst a lot of controversy. Then there was the entire Jim Greer scandal with the former chairman of the Republican party. And the connection between those two which shrouded the entire senate race. Crist and Rubio were pointing fingers at each other over who had a hand in that. Even after Charlie Crist lost that Senate race, by a large margin to Senator Rubio, people were pretty sure that wasn’t going to be it for Florida’s former Governor, little by little he started wading into Democratic waters, his wife joined the Democratic party, Charlie Crist went to work for a prominent Democratic fundraiser at that fundraisers lawfirm and started doing commercials for that lawfirm that were controversial, a sign that Crist was not done. Little by little he started showing up at Democratic fundraisers, making the rounds with state Democrats, That had people thinking, perhaps he wants his old job back. Perhaps Charlie wants to take back the Governors mansion as a Democrat in 2014 against a vulnerable Governor Rick Scott, who’s approval numbers are frequently on the same level as show sizes, perhaps he wanted his job back and his political aspirations weren’t done then. Then came the biggies, first came the endorsement of Bill Nelson over his former GOP mate Connie Mack, ironically Mack endorsed Crist when he was running against Marco Rubio, then on his side of the state over on the west coast, the day before the RNC, he endorsed President Barack Obama, over the GOP nominee Mitt Romney. It was a bombshell on the eve of the RNC, as if Tropical Storm Issac was not enough, it was a move that had many believing that Crist’s betrayal was complete. There were plenty that offered the opinion that, that ship had sailed long ago. But to take it even further as if it wasn’t enough for Charlie to sit back and wait for an even more gradual shift, he spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte North Carolina on the final night, very controversial, a very mixed reception for Florida’s former Governor, of course those speakers that change parties between cycles always are, for Florida’s former Governor to be on that stage, definitely turned a lot of heads in the political world. That definitely kicked off the buzz into a full Charlie Crist for Governor discussion in 2014 as a Democrat. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s been on the campaign trail, making frequent visits for President Obama, If you remember there was the fuss over the hug. Back when he was Governor of the state. Now he hugs him all of the time. The two are best buds, from what you can tell and Crist is on the stump, for Barack Obama, not just here in Florida but all over the country. Definitely, one of his biggest surrogates, you know there is the question of whether Charlie Crist is going to run for his old job in 2014 as a Democrat. Whether he’s in with the Democrats, whether the Democrats will accept him. Guess what? He’s already been accepted. He outshined his fellow Democratic rivals that could be eyeing a run at Florida Governor Rick Scott in 2014, those including Alex Sink, Scott’s old foe from 2010 and former CFO, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and State Senator Nan Rich. He’s already outshined them, so if Charlie Crist is looking to get an “in” with Democrats, he’s already done that. So it’s interesting to see what kind of role he plays in Florida Politics moving forward. It’s only a matter of time before he switches and it’s only a matter of time before he makes a run at his old job. Unless he has some other goal in mind, of course he’ll deny this, that’s what Charlie Does. It wouldn’t be the first time, I remember when he was on the “Meet the Press” when he was running against Rubio, he was asked if he would go Independent and he said no and did it anyways. So, it’s coming guys, get ready. It’s going to be a “Crist for Governor” campaign in 2014, that’s what I’m predicting, he will be the frontrunner, and depending what Scott does it will be a very interesting race, so when people ask you if Crist is trying to get in with the Democrats… He already is guys. And it’s only a matter of time before he makes it formal. For Florida Politics with Frank Torres. I’ll see you next time.

POLL: Post DNC, Obama takes back lead in OH, VA still belongs to Romney

The “Bounce” poll numbers are in from the Democratic National Convention and there is some good news for both the Obama and Mitt Romney campaigns.

In polls conducted by our friends at Gravis Marketing we’ve got important numbers from the battleground states of Ohio and Virginia.

Obama back up in the Buckeye State:

After post RNC numbers which previously put Mitt Romney up in Ohio, the most recent poll conducted last weekend have President Obama taking back a 4% point lead in Ohio. This is a bigger bounce than Romney enjoyed after his 4 point swing gave him a small lead when the attention shifted to Charlotte last week.

Obama’s lead can be credited to well received speeches by former President Bill Clinton and strong television ratings from the DNC.

Romney up in Virginia:

Another Gravis Poll conducted on the same weekend demonstrate that the DNC didn’t put the President up in all of the swing states. Virginia is still leaning Mitt Romney’s way. The numbers are giving the former Massachusetts Governor a %5 edge over President Obama.

This can be credited to strong stumping by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, the Paul Ryan announcement held there, and a change in the general mood of the electorate.

Florida more important than ever:

The way these states are leaning makes the Sunshine State the battleground both campaigns will pull out all of the stops to win as we head to November. Look at the attention we’re getting. President Obama had a full weekend stay in the state last weekend that led to the famous bear hug pic and both Bill Clinton and Ann Romney have campaign stops in the region today.

Factors that might affect the polling we see down the road? The upcoming debates, the potential QE3 by the Fed, affairs in the Middle East, the sequestration talks, and future job numbers.

Romney and Ryan can feel good about Virginia but have work to do in the Buckeye State.

Wednesday Morning Political Headlines: Clinton in O-Town, Ann Romney in Largo

The Obama campaign is bringing it’s home run hitter to the heart of the I4 corridor today.

Former President Bill Clinton will be in Orlando today to stump for the re-election of President Obama in what is expected to be a packed house. Clinton is coming off of his well received at the Democratic National Convention a week ago and has been given credit to restoring the energy to an exhausted base of 2008 supporters. His presence is also expected to gain the attention of independent voters in Central Florida who have a favorable opinion of the former commander in chief.

Clinton will be introduced by former Orlando Police Chief and Congressional District 10 candidate Val Demings. This is great opportunity for Demings to be connected with Clinton, in what is expected to be a close November showdown with her opponent and incumbent Congressman Daniel Webster.

Down the road in Largo, Mitt Romney’s wife, Ann will be addressing supporters. Ann Romney is coming off of her own well recieved convention speech in Tampa during the RNC.

This story and the Orange County Sick Time measure that will be left off of the November ballot, lead your Wednesday morning political headlines.

Orlando Sentinel: Double Play!


Clinton to boost Obama, local Dems, in Orlando Wednesday

Orange leaders vote to delay sick-time ballot measure

WESH 2: Double Play!

Bill Clinton to speak in Orlando today

Orange County commission makes no decision on sick pay

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: Double Play!

: Bill Clinton to campaign in Orlando for Obama on Wednesday

(Video) No decision made in controversial paid sick time ballot question

CF News 13: Romney, Obama camps make I-4 corridor visits today

WKMG Local 6: Orange County Commissioners consider 2 sick-time pay referendums

WOFL Fox 35: Citrus Bowl to get oversight of oversight

Clinton will be in town stumping for the Obama campaign today

Sunday Morning Political Headlines: Obama in Melbourne Today

Happy Sunday and welcome to the week 1 of NFL action.

This is a political blog so, let’s get some work done.

President Barack Obama spoke to thousands of supporters in Melbourne today. POTUS continued his tour of the Sunshine state after making a stop in Kissimmee yesterday and the Obama campaign isn’t going to stop with the President’s weekend swing, they’ve got former President Bill Clinton coming to town on Wednesday.

Mitt Romney will be in Florida on the same day talking to voters in Hillsborough county.

This morning Obama told supporters in attendance that his it was a choice between two visions for the country. He played off of the talking points in his DNC speech he gave on prime time television last week. He’s on his way to West Palm Beach and will be making several surprise stops along the way.

That story leads your Sunday political headlines.

CF News 13: DNC Wrap-Up Political Connections on CF News 13 at 130pm and 730pm

WKMG Local 6: (Video) ‘Flashpoint’ recaps political conventions

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: Bill Clinton to campaign in Orlando area for Obama

WESH 2: (Video) Obama makes campaign stop in Kissimmee

WOFL Fox 35: President Obama Tours Central Florida

Orlando Sentinel: President Obama delivers upbeat message in Kissimmee

Former President Clinton will be in town Wednesday for the Obama Campaign

DNC Review Pt. III: Obama Sets High Expectations, Crist Slams GOP

Democrats could drive away from Charlotte, North Carolina last night feeling good about the unity of their party and ready to go to work to re-elect President Barack Obama in November.

The Democratic National Convention concluded last night with big speeches from former nominee John Kerry, Vice President Joe Biden, and of course President Barack Obama himself.

There was also a former Florida lawmaker that stole headlines and we’ll get to him.

Vice-President Biden behaves and delivers: There is certainly a lot to be worried sending Joe Biden out there on prime-time television with a race this close. In case you haven’t heard, he’s known to get a little “passionate” about the campaign and President Obama. The Veep spoke well with no major incidents and went a little light on the attacks. He spoke to the Blue-Collar crowd that supported him during his runs for the top office in 2008 and touched on all of the issues. Once again, he mentioned the President’s mental toughness and ability to make the tough call. He got several standing ovations and walked off stage without incident speaking exactly as a Vice-President should.

President Obama sets high second term goals: When copies of the President’s speech went out to media a few hours before the event, both sides got excited. Democrats saw political poetry, a beautifully painted picture of what could be, stories that could reinvigorate the most fatigued Obama supporters from 08′. Republicans saw a wish list that was difficult to take seriously given the President’s first term. When he walked out on the stage, after a great introduction by Michelle, the arena erupted as thousands of supporters rose to their feet to support the man they still believed in.

President Obama laid out methodically his goals, should he be re-elected. More manufacturing jobs, a successful deployment of his health care plan, and a tax plan that would make the rich “pay their fair share”. He was sure to draw a thick black line between himself and Mitt Romney, there was his future and their was his opponent’s. He didn’t attack the man as much as he attacked his vision for American compared with his and for a few minutes, he captured that magic from the convention from four years ago and when he was finished, you had better believe his supporters were refreshed and ready to knock on a thousand doors, and make a thousand phone calls.

The fight has been going on for a few months but last night, the President really laced up his gloves.

Charlie Crist turns on his friends: The former Governor of Florida didn’t just burn every bridge he had left with his former party, he called in an airstrike and turned those bridges into dust. In a display of the worst kind of political opportunism, Crist went on stage in front of thousands of Democrats, put Ronald Reagan, Jeb Bush, and every other Republican he once called an ally on blast. All of it in exchange for a lukewarm reception in front of politically savvy Democrats and a Florida delegation that knows they can put a better candidate on the field. Crist will be touring the state with President Obama this weekend. Hopefully, Democrats will nominate a candidate that has been loyal to their party for more than a few months.

Gabby Giffords inspires a country: The former Arizona Congresswoman who was the victim of a cowardly shooting brought thousands to their feet and to tears with her strength and courage. Giffords gave the pledge of allegiance yesterday evening and everyone no matter of party affiliation or political motivation remembered what this country was really about.

Lets give out some awards.

Best Speech: Bill Clinton really came through for the “D’s” this time around. He was charming, took people back to the 90′s, and through in the right facts that appealed to Independent voters, not just anything he could think of.

Runner Up: Michelle Obama. The First Lady was friendly, humble, and did a fine job warming up the convention for the speakers that would take a harsher, partisan tone.

Best Speech No One Saw: Joe Biden. The DNC organizers thought Biden would be a political liability that would say something that could be used against the President. They were wrong and the Veep gave a good speech before the national audience tuned in at 10.

Worst Speech: Charlie Crist. This guys destroyed POTUS on Florida Statewide television in 2010 before Rubio forced him out of the party and he gets first class at the DNC? You guys can do better.

Best Joke: Bill Clinton. “He even appointed Hilary!” The popular two termer talking about President Obama appointing Hilary Clinton the Secretary of State.

The Democrats got it done in Charlotte. It’s time for debates and while both conventions were successful, Debates tend to make a bigger impression on the probable voters.

This was the sight that brought all Democrats to their feet in Charlotte

Friday Morning Political Headlines: President Obama to Kissimmee and He’s Bringing Charlie Crist

Fresh from a strong showing at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, President Barack Obama will head to Central Florida this weekend to continue delivering his message to the people of the all-important I4 corridor.

He’s not going to be alone.

Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist will be tagging along with POTUS and the Republican, turned Independent, expected to turn Democrat will appear with the President at multiple stops this weekend. This will come days after he blasted his ex-party at the DNC and put everyone from Jeb Bush to Ronald Reagan on blast in front of a full house at the Time Warner Cable Arena.

Democrats will be happy to see POTUS, how will they received the former Governor?

Full final night DNC review coming late today, for now, this story leads your Friday morning political headlines.

CF News 13: Double Play!

DNC over, Obama brings campaign to Florida

1st on Florida Decides: Crist plans to campaign with Obama in Florida

WESH 2: Double Play!

(VIDEO) Obama: ‘We are moving forward, America’

Former Gov. Charlie Crist endorses Obama

Orlando Sentinel: Obama to bring bus tour to Kissimmee Saturday

WKMG Local 6: (CNN) Obama: Election a choice between visions

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: Obama heads to central Fla. after official nomination

WOFL FOX 35: Asking 2nd term, Obama says nation will recover

President Obama and his new ally Charlie Crist won’t be hitting the beach this time but they’ll be meeting voters in Central Florida this weekend

DNC Review Pt II: Clinton Brings House Down, Backs Obama in Charlotte

If President Barack Obama should win re-election on November 6th, he’ll make hundreds of thank you calls on the morning of the 7th.

That first call had better be to former President Bill Clinton.

The former, two term, Commander-in-Chief led the charge last night in Charlotte, and worked the thousands of Democrats into a frenzy that hasn’t been seen in almost four years. On primetime television he spoke of his personal experiences in the oval office, and the way he did things in the 90′s. He compared it to situation President Obama face during his four years in office, backed up the decisions he made, and put his verbal seal of approval on Obama’s policy decisions, and re-election.

He evened sealed it with the sight Democrats and even some independents wanted to see, an embrace and photo opp at the end of the night.

The first two night of the convention has revolved around positioning popular figures around the President. Tuesday night it was First Lady Michelle Obama who took the podium to make the case for her husband.

DNC pushes Elizabeth Warren: Casual voters might not have recognized the woman in blue that was on stage before Clinton. That was Massachusetts Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren who is currently in a tough race against Senator Scott Brown. This sort of primetime placement for a candidate who is 5-7 points behind is a sign that the DNC wants Ted Kennedy’s seat back bad. Warren spoke well and should get a decent bounce from the appearance. She’ll also owe the DNC if she wins in November.

Villaraigosa fumbles vote to change Democratic platform: It wasn’t all butterflies and starlight for the DNC in Charlotte last night. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa badly fumbled the vote to change the Democratic platform to include God and Jerusalem. Take a look.

Conventions are about momentum. Ain’t nobody got time for this.

Still, the night belonged to former President Bill Clinton and once he came through for his party, put the Obama campaign on his shoulders, and lifted it to a level it hasn’t seen the entire election.

It will be up to President Obama to pull himself up the rest of the way and get his campaign ready for November.

Clinton came through big for the Obama Campaign last night

Thursday Morning Political Headlines: President Obama, Charlie Crist speaks at DNC Tonight

What has been an eventful two weeks of convention coverage will come to a close tonight when President Barack Obama addresses the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Others scheduled to speak? Vice-President Joe Biden and former Republican Governor of Florida Charlie Crist.

Needless to say it’s not going to be boring.

The President has to follow in the steps of former President Bill Clinton who’s closing speech last night received rave reviews and gave Obama the photo opp many believed will capture the attention of Independent voters and deliver him a November win.

President Obama’s time behind the podium might be the second most stressful block of time on Thursday night. First, he’s got to listen to Vice-President Biden’s introduction and hope the gaffe prone second in command doesn’t say anything the media or Republicans can use against him.

The third most interesting speaker of the evening, at least for Florida politicos will be former Governor Charlie Crist. The former Republican, currently Independent, soon to be Democrat, ex-leader of the Sunshine State made headlines by endorsing Obama the day before the RNC started last week on his home turf. The eyes of Florida’s powerful will be paying extra attention to the way Crist is positioning himself and any indications he might challenge current Governor Rick Scott for his old job. Someone else who might be interested at challenging Scott? Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer who is a Florida delegate and will be in attendance for that speech.

The finale of the DNC leads your Thursday morning political headlines.

CF News 13: Double Play!

Bill Clinton fires up Dems before Obama’s speech

Charlie Crist takes to the DNC stage tonight

WESH 2: Double Play!

(Video) Bill Clinton: You bet we’re better off!

Is Dyer eying governor’s office? He won’t rule it out

Orlando Sentinel: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer considering 2014 run for governor

WOFL Fox 35: (Video) One on one interview with Paul Ryan

WKMG Local 6: (CNN) Obama to speak after forceful Clinton endorsement

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: (AP) Obama advisers don’t expect big bounce in polls

Does this picture elect a Governor in Florida?

Or does this one?

POLL: RNC bounce gives Romney lead in Ohio

In a poll provided to us by our friends at Gravis Marketing, the Republican National Convention held last week in Tampa has given Mitt Romney a valuable bounce in another important swing state in the country.

According to a survey taken with about 1400 voters earlier this week, the presidential race in the Buckeye state has shifted from a one point Obama lead to a 3 point Romney lead, demonstrating that excitement from the conventions, and emotional speeches on primetime tv can still provide that small (and often temporary) bounce.

The RNC featured top flight speeches by Ann Romney, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, and of course the GOP ticket of Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. The convention had to stare down Tropical Storm Issac and was even shortened to from 4 days to 3 to accommodate safe travel of delegates and lawmakers.

The Democratic National Convention kicked off last night in Charlotte, North Carolina as those in attendance got to see First Lady Michelle Obama make a case for re-election of her husband, as well as rising star and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro flex his public speaking muscle in front of a nationwide television audience for the first time. The convention continues tonight with former President Bill Clinton.

President Obama can also expect a small bump in the polls next week as well. With the current trend being seen around the country, it will probably put the race back within one point, one way or the other. For now, RNC organizers can enjoy the lead they’ve given their candidate in one of the most important swing states in the country.

Romney’s speech at the RNC last week has given him a small lead in the Buckeye state this week

DNC Review Pt I: First Lady Impresses, Castro adequate

The main festivities kicked off last night in Charlotte as the Democratic National Convention hit primetime television, with it’s first group of speakers addressing the country and pushing for the re-election of President Barack Obama.

Among those speakers where former Obama Chief of Staff and current Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emannuel, “Harold and Kumar go to White Castle” actor Kal Penn, and Maryland Governor Bob O’Malley. Florida Congresswoman and DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wassermann Schultz dropped the gavel to start an evening that would ultimately end with First Lady Michelle Obama rallying the capacity crowd to deliver another four years for her husband.

She succeeded. The others? Not so sure.

FLOTUS Delivers: Seriously, did anyone believe that Michelle Obama would take the podium in front of thousands of her supporters and not get the job done? It was a recurring theme last night, thousands on the web complimenting her manner, her personality and her appearance, but taking a step back when examining at her husband’s first term. Yeah, she brought up warm personal memories of the President when he was younger, but those were things we had all heard before.

The First Lady did well. She usually does. But, unlike Ann Romney who had the advantage of introducing that human element to the country for the first time, Michelle Obama has the President’s record to carry on her back this time, and probably didn’t win over many undecided voters.

Castro is no Rubio: Julian Castro, the young gun Mayor from San Antonio came in with the hype machine running full speed behind him. There were comparisons of Obama from 2004 and he showcased a lot of his political tools last night. He told his inspiring story of being raised from nothing to go to Harvard and, along with his twin brother had his family to thank. He got the crowd involved with a multi-issue attack on Mitt Romney that played on all of the passionate Democratic issues. He also closed strong and flexed that speaking ability that energizes and motivates but..

He’s no Marco Rubio.

Sorry, my Democratic friends but it’s way too soon to make those comparison and the speech was far from perfect. The crowd took a while to get going because, outside of Texas, no one really new who this guy was. He got stuck in the moment a few times, overwhelmed by an energy that he didn’t know what to do with. He didn’t talk policy with the national audience. Can he talk solutions?

Rubio can do all of those things and more. Castro is young (37) and still someone to watch but, he needs to get to Washington and it’s his twin Joaquin who is on that career track, not Julian.

No Bench, Cause to Worry for “D’s”: There were some other good speakers last night, but those were advocates from issue based campaigns and organizations. Where are the young lawmakers that are going to lead this party for the next 20 years? Man.. I don’t know.

Tonight, Democrats in Charlotte will turn to one of the lawmakers that they’ve trusted for the last 20+ years, former President Bill Clinton and he’ll need to be in top form because, it won’t just be Democrats watching tonight, it will be Independents.

Castro has got skills but still has work to do to be compared to Rubio