Marco Rubio - U.S. Senate - 2010

Miami Herald Blasts Crist’s Flip-Flops

“Charlie Crist’s Challenge”
Miami Herald Editorial
August 31, 2010

Gov. Charlie Crist’s bid to become the next U.S. senator from Florida — and make history as an independent — has liberated the long-time Republican from following a party script.

But in so doing, Gov. Crist has left many voters confused and others angry. They’re right to wonder what being an independent means, if all his positions seem to follow popular opinion. Voters aren’t selecting a pollster. They are looking for a leader — ideally, one who won’t just parrot the mob.

It’s one thing to be a thoughtful moderate who weighs issues based on the public good and realistic economic conditions. It’s quite another to jump from one position to the exact opposite, sometimes in a matter of hours on the same day.

Example: The governor’s position on healthcare reform. On Friday, he said in a TV interview he would have voted for the legislation had he been in the U.S. Senate — only to retract his support two hours later.

He then said the healthcare fix was “too big, too expensive and expanded the role of government far too much. . . . I would have voted against the bill because of unacceptable provisions like the cuts to the Medicare Advantage program.”

Last March, when he was still a Republican facing conservative Marco Rubio, Gov. Crist sided with those conservatives who want to repeal the healthcare bill. In July, when he became an independent, he told The Wall Street Journal he didn’t support a repeal.

Which is it?

We appreciate nuance. We understand mitigating circumstances. We, in fact, agree with many of the governor’s changed positions in Tallahassee based on the way the legislation was pushed through without public input — such as his veto of the controversial SB6 bill to end tenure for new teachers and a bill that would have required women to pay for, and view, an ultrasound if they were seeking an abortion.

Even his position on drilling off Florida shores is confusing — he had been consistently against it until gas prices reached almost $4 a gallon two years ago. He is now solidly against drilling too close to Florida’s shoreline — we think.

In these trying times, when Florida’s economy is still struggling, the nation is facing monumental debt in the trillions of dollars and the war on terror remains a moving target, this state needs a sensible leader in Washington willing to cross party lines and put the people first. Unfortunately, Mr. Crist has yet to explain what his core beliefs are and how they have evolved since the days he was known as “Chain Gang Charlie” in the Legislature.

Washington already has too many dogmatic idealogues who won’t budge from the party line — either on the left or right — regardless of the facts. It does not need opportunists who knee-jerk to positions back and forth based on polling.

Mr. Crist’s challenge now is to explain to voters what’s at his core — and how he could be a mediator between the two parties, a statesman of the caliber of Democrat Lawton Chiles or Republican Connie Mack — men with high ideals, willing to compromise when necessary and stand tall based on principle when warranted.

NBC Says “Meet The Press” Debate Will Go On With Or Without Crist

Miami, FL – The set of NBC’s “Meet the Press” is probably a pretty scary place for a political opportunist like Charlie Crist. With his six positions on ObamaCare, repeated contradictions and flip-flops on virtually every issue, and a long record of saying and doing anything to win an election, sitting across a table from David Gregory is probably about the last place you would want to be. Which is probably why Crist isn’t planning on being there on September 5th when Marco Rubio and Kendrick Meek square off.

Perhaps Crist thought if he said “No” the debate would be canceled. Apparently not.

NBC News today said the “Meet the Press” debate will go on with or without Crist.  According to an NBC press release, “The acclaimed series will start Labor Day weekend Sunday, September 5th, as Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL) and former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio (R) square off in a debate for the U.S. Senate seat from Florida. (Independent candidate Gov. Charlie Crist has been invited to participate but has not committed.)”

Miami, FL – In light of political opportunist Charlie Crist taking his sixth position on ObamaCare today, U.S. Senate Republican nominee Marco Rubio issued the following statement:

“Charlie Crist has six different positions on ObamaCare because he doesn’t actually care about health care, he only cares about getting himself elected. I’m the only candidate in this race who has opposed ObamaCare and vowed to repeal and replace it with a real reform plan that will lower costs, allow people to keep the coverage they have now and give individuals the same tax breaks businesses get to provide health care insurance.  We all know Kendrick Meek is a liberal who strongly supports ObamaCare.  But Charlie Crist’s political opportunism puts him in a league of his own.  After changing his mind six times, I’m still not sure what he believes because he will likely change it again tomorrow.”

In Less Than 30 Days, Crist Goes From Voting Against To Voting For ObamaCare:

Today At 2:00 P.M., Crist Says He “Misspoke” And Still Wants To Repeal ObamaCare. “@HotlineReid: Wait wait, Crist now AGAINST health care bill again! Sez he “misspoke,” still wants to repeal and replace. #fingerinthewind” (Reid Wilson, Tweet, http://twitter.com/HotlineReid/status/22287332675, 8/27/10)

Today, Crist Says “I Would Have Voted For” ObamaCare. ANCHOR: “Health care bill, how would you have voted on that?” CRIST: “I would have voted for it but I think it can be done better. I really do.” (CFLN, 8/27/10)
Video:

But In July, Crist Said “I Would Have Voted Against” ObamaCare. “Had I been in the United States Senate at the time, I would have voted against the bill because of unacceptable provisions like the cuts to the Medicare Advantage program.” (Charlie Crist, “My Position, The Obama Health Care Bill”, http://www.charliecrist.com/?p=306, 7/29/10)

Background On Crist’s Six ObamaCare Positions:

Position #1: Crist Called For Repeal The Night The House Passed The Health Care Bill. “Crist, a Republican who was in Tampa tonight attending the closing ceremony for the Gasparilla International Film Festival, said he hopes to get elected senator in November to help repeal the bill and bring a commonsense approach to healthcare reform. ‘What people really want when it comes to health care, in my view, is they want greater access and less cost,’ Crist said. ‘We just need to get it right and do it right,’ Crist said. ‘Do it right for the people.’” (“Crist Hopes To Repeal Health Care Legislation,” The Associated Press, 3/21/10)

Position #2: In July 2010, Crist Tells The Wall Street Journal That He Does Not Support Repealing ObamaCare. “Mr. Crist has made other policy shifts. Despite pledging as a Republican to help repeal President Obama’s health-care overhaul, Mr. Crist now says he does not support such a move.” (Peter Wallsten, “Crist Uses Old Party As New Foil,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/20/10)

Position #3: Crist Tells Wall Street Journal That Those Calling For Repeal Are Only Giving Into The Primary “Purity Test”. Q: When the bill passed, you called for its repeal. A: “Well, I wanted it to be changed….. People get caught up in, ‘I’m going to say it’s going to be repealed’ like they’re hammering their fist on the desk and be impressed with themselves. That’s part of the purity test.” Q: Is that an example of something you had to do in the primary campaign as a Republican? A: “Perhaps. And I just don’t have to do that anymore. I’m liberated to a greater degree, and I’m very happy about it.” (Peter Wallsten, “Q&A With Charlie Crist,” The Wall Street Journal’s “Washington Wire” Blog, 7/20/10)

Position #4: Crist Says His Position On ObamaCare Has Been “Confused” And He Does Support “Repeal”. “FACT CHECK: Recent reports in the media have confused my position on the Obama health care bill. The Obama health care bill was too big, too expensive, and expanded the role of government far too much. Had I been in the United States Senate at the time, I would have voted against the bill because of unacceptable provisions like the cuts to the Medicare Advantage program. But being an independent, I have the freedom to be an honest broker for the people of Florida without regard for political party, and the reality is this: despite its serious flaws, the Obama health care bill does have some positive aspects. Repeal must be accompanied by a responsible substitute — repeal without passage of a substitute law protecting those with pre-existing conditions, closing the prescription drug donut hole for seniors, and allowing parents to keep their children on their insurance coverage until age 26 would be wrong. While I would not have supported the legislation, we have to recognize the positive components and work together across party lines to make our health care system more affordable for both consumers and the government. This debate must not be about political posturing; it must be about protecting the people of Florida and America, and I intend to do that hard work when I get to the United States Senate.” (Charlie Crist, “My Position, The Obama Health Care Bill”, http://www.charliecrist.com/?p=306, 7/29/10)

Position #5: Today, Crist Says “I Would Have Voted For” ObamaCare. ANCHOR: “Health care bill, how would you have voted on that?” CRIST: “I would have voted for it but I think it can be done better. I really do.” (CFLN, 8/27/10)

Position #6: Today At 2:00 P.M., Crist Says He “Misspoke” And Still Wants To Repeal ObamaCare. “@HotlineReid: Wait wait, Crist now AGAINST health care bill again! Sez he “misspoke,” still wants to repeal and replace. #fingerinthewind” (Reid Wilson, Tweet, http://twitter.com/HotlineReid/status/22287332675, 8/27/10)

Takes 6th Position In Five Months, 2nd Position In Two Hours

Miami, FL – This is getting ridiculous. Charlie Crist today took his fifth, and then sixth position on ObamaCare, all in the span of a few hours.

During a noon interview with Central Florida News 13 in Orlando, Crist took Position #5 on ObamaCare saying that he would “have voted for it” had he been in the United States Senate. This directly contradicts Position #4 from July when he said “had I been in the United States Senate at the time, I would have voted against the bill…”

Now, just two hours later, Crist has reversed himself again, incredibly taking Position #6! In five months, Crist has taken six positions. In less than 30 days, Crist has gone from voting against the bill to voting for it to now being against it again. It is more clear than ever that Charlie Crist will do or say anything just to win an election.

In Less Than 30 Days, Crist Goes From Voting Against To Voting For ObamaCare:

Today At 2:00 P.M., Crist Says He “Misspoke” And Still Wants To Repeal ObamaCare. “@HotlineReid: Wait wait, Crist now AGAINST health care bill again! Sez he “misspoke,” still wants to repeal and replace. #fingerinthewind” (Reid Wilson, Tweet, http://twitter.com/HotlineReid/status/22287332675, 8/27/10)

Today, Crist Says “I Would Have Voted For” ObamaCare. ANCHOR: “Health care bill, how would you have voted on that?” CRIST: “I would have voted for it but I think it can be done better. I really do.” (CFLN, 8/27/10)
Video:

But In July, Crist Said “I Would Have Voted Against” ObamaCare. “Had I been in the United States Senate at the time, I would have voted against the bill because of unacceptable provisions like the cuts to the Medicare Advantage program.” (Charlie Crist, “My Position, The Obama Health Care Bill”, http://www.charliecrist.com/?p=306, 7/29/10)

Background On Crist’s Six ObamaCare Positions:

Position #1: Crist Called For Repeal The Night The House Passed The Health Care Bill. “Crist, a Republican who was in Tampa tonight attending the closing ceremony for the Gasparilla International Film Festival, said he hopes to get elected senator in November to help repeal the bill and bring a commonsense approach to healthcare reform. ‘What people really want when it comes to health care, in my view, is they want greater access and less cost,’ Crist said. ‘We just need to get it right and do it right,’ Crist said. ‘Do it right for the people.’” (“Crist Hopes To Repeal Health Care Legislation,” The Associated Press, 3/21/10)

Position #2: In July 2010, Crist Tells The Wall Street Journal That He Does Not Support Repealing ObamaCare. “Mr. Crist has made other policy shifts. Despite pledging as a Republican to help repeal President Obama’s health-care overhaul, Mr. Crist now says he does not support such a move.” (Peter Wallsten, “Crist Uses Old Party As New Foil,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/20/10)

Position #3: Crist Tells Wall Street Journal That Those Calling For Repeal Are Only Giving Into The Primary “Purity Test”. Q: When the bill passed, you called for its repeal. A: “Well, I wanted it to be changed….. People get caught up in, ‘I’m going to say it’s going to be repealed’ like they’re hammering their fist on the desk and be impressed with themselves. That’s part of the purity test.” Q: Is that an example of something you had to do in the primary campaign as a Republican? A: “Perhaps. And I just don’t have to do that anymore. I’m liberated to a greater degree, and I’m very happy about it.” (Peter Wallsten, “Q&A With Charlie Crist,” The Wall Street Journal’s “Washington Wire” Blog, 7/20/10)

Position #4: Crist Says His Position On ObamaCare Has Been “Confused” And He Does Support “Repeal”. “FACT CHECK: Recent reports in the media have confused my position on the Obama health care bill. The Obama health care bill was too big, too expensive, and expanded the role of government far too much. Had I been in the United States Senate at the time, I would have voted against the bill because of unacceptable provisions like the cuts to the Medicare Advantage program. But being an independent, I have the freedom to be an honest broker for the people of Florida without regard for political party, and the reality is this: despite its serious flaws, the Obama health care bill does have some positive aspects. Repeal must be accompanied by a responsible substitute — repeal without passage of a substitute law protecting those with pre-existing conditions, closing the prescription drug donut hole for seniors, and allowing parents to keep their children on their insurance coverage until age 26 would be wrong. While I would not have supported the legislation, we have to recognize the positive components and work together across party lines to make our health care system more affordable for both consumers and the government. This debate must not be about political posturing; it must be about protecting the people of Florida and America, and I intend to do that hard work when I get to the United States Senate.” (Charlie Crist, “My Position, The Obama Health Care Bill”, http://www.charliecrist.com/?p=306, 7/29/10)

Position #5: Today, Crist Says “I Would Have Voted For” ObamaCare. ANCHOR: “Health care bill, how would you have voted on that?” CRIST: “I would have voted for it but I think it can be done better. I really do.” (CFLN, 8/27/10)

Position #6: Today At 2:00 P.M., Crist Says He “Misspoke” And Still Wants To Repeal ObamaCare. “@HotlineReid: Wait wait, Crist now AGAINST health care bill again! Sez he “misspoke,” still wants to repeal and replace. #fingerinthewind” (Reid Wilson, Tweet, http://twitter.com/HotlineReid/status/22287332675, 8/27/10)

Takes 5th Position In Five Months, Reverses Position Last Month That He Would Have Voted Against It

Miami, FL – Today, during a noon interview with Central Florida News 13 in Orlando, Charlie Crist took his fifth position on ObamaCare saying that he would “have voted for it” had he been in the United States Senate. This directly contradicts a July statement that “had I been in the United States Senate at the time, I would have voted against the bill…” In five months, Crist has taken five positions. In less than 30 days, Crist has gone from voting against the bill to voting for it had he been in the U.S. Senate. As a true political opportunist, Crist can’t be trusted to go to Washington to vote for big government programs like ObamaCare.

In Less Than 30 Days, Crist Goes From Voting Against To Voting For ObamaCare:

Today, Crist Says “I Would Have Voted For” ObamaCare. ANCHOR: “Health care bill, how would you have voted on that?” CRIST: “I would have voted for it but I think it can be done better. I really do.” (CFLN, 8/27/10)
Video:

But In July, Crist Said “I Would Have Voted Against” ObamaCare. “Had I been in the United States Senate at the time, I would have voted against the bill because of unacceptable provisions like the cuts to the Medicare Advantage program.” (Charlie Crist, “My Position, The Obama Health Care Bill”, http://www.charliecrist.com/?p=306, 7/29/10)

Background On Crist’s Five ObamaCare Positions:

Position #1: Crist Called For Repeal The Night The House Passed The Health Care Bill. “Crist, a Republican who was in Tampa tonight attending the closing ceremony for the Gasparilla International Film Festival, said he hopes to get elected senator in November to help repeal the bill and bring a commonsense approach to healthcare reform. ‘What people really want when it comes to health care, in my view, is they want greater access and less cost,’ Crist said. ‘We just need to get it right and do it right,’ Crist said. ‘Do it right for the people.’” (“Crist Hopes To Repeal Health Care Legislation,” The Associated Press, 3/21/10)

Position #2: In July 2010, Crist Tells The Wall Street Journal That He Does Not Support Repealing ObamaCare. “Mr. Crist has made other policy shifts. Despite pledging as a Republican to help repeal President Obama’s health-care overhaul, Mr. Crist now says he does not support such a move.” (Peter Wallsten, “Crist Uses Old Party As New Foil,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/20/10)

Position #3: Crist Tells Wall Street Journal That Those Calling For Repeal Are Only Giving Into The Primary “Purity Test”. Q: When the bill passed, you called for its repeal. A: “Well, I wanted it to be changed….. People get caught up in, ‘I’m going to say it’s going to be repealed’ like they’re hammering their fist on the desk and be impressed with themselves. That’s part of the purity test.” Q: Is that an example of something you had to do in the primary campaign as a Republican? A: “Perhaps. And I just don’t have to do that anymore. I’m liberated to a greater degree, and I’m very happy about it.” (Peter Wallsten, “Q&A With Charlie Crist,” The Wall Street Journal’s “Washington Wire” Blog, 7/20/10)

Position #4: Crist Says His Position On ObamaCare Has Been “Confused” And He Does Support “Repeal”. “FACT CHECK: Recent reports in the media have confused my position on the Obama health care bill. The Obama health care bill was too big, too expensive, and expanded the role of government far too much. Had I been in the United States Senate at the time, I would have voted against the bill because of unacceptable provisions like the cuts to the Medicare Advantage program. But being an independent, I have the freedom to be an honest broker for the people of Florida without regard for political party, and the reality is this: despite its serious flaws, the Obama health care bill does have some positive aspects. Repeal must be accompanied by a responsible substitute — repeal without passage of a substitute law protecting those with pre-existing conditions, closing the prescription drug donut hole for seniors, and allowing parents to keep their children on their insurance coverage until age 26 would be wrong. While I would not have supported the legislation, we have to recognize the positive components and work together across party lines to make our health care system more affordable for both consumers and the government. This debate must not be about political posturing; it must be about protecting the people of Florida and America, and I intend to do that hard work when I get to the United States Senate.” (Charlie Crist, “My Position, The Obama Health Care Bill”, http://www.charliecrist.com/?p=306, 7/29/10)

Position #5: Today, Crist Says “I Would Have Voted For” ObamaCare. ANCHOR: “Health care bill, how would you have voted on that?” CRIST: “I would have voted for it but I think it can be done better. I really do.” (CFLN, 8/27/10)

Lays Out Third Set Of “Ideas To Reclaim America” As Clear Alternative To Washington

Orlando, FL – Today, at a roundtable meeting with the Florida Medical Association, U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio made the third in his “Ideas to Reclaim America” proposals to offer a clear alternative to the big government health care solutions coming out of Washington. America is the greatest country in the world but Washington has been taken over by politicians who would rather pass government takeovers of our health care system than pass simple reforms to lower health care costs. Marco is the only candidate who will challenge the direction they’re taking our country.

“We need to repeal and replace the President’s massive government health care program with common sense reforms that will lower health care costs and get more Floridians insured. What American health care needs today are reforms that promote competition, empower patients with more high-quality health-care options, combat fraud and integrate the latest technologies to make the system more efficient and the patient better informed. The last thing Americans need is another Washington big government solution,” said Rubio.

As Marco has traveled across the state, Floridians everywhere have expressed their concern about health care costs spiraling out-of-control, and President Obama’s new health care law will only make a broken health care system worse for millions of Americans, drive costs through the roof, bankrupt the country and create a bureaucratic nightmare when it comes to everyday health care decisions. Lowering health care costs is essential to growing our economy and creating jobs in our country.

Instead of the direction Washington is taking our country, we should propose common sense, free-market ideas to make health care more accessible and affordable. Marco believes this all begins with repealing the President’s health care takeover, and replacing it with a system that lowers costs, allows people to keep the coverage they have now, and gives individuals the same tax breaks businesses get to provide health care insurance.

As a U.S. Senator, Marco will focus on three goals: first, repeal and replace Obamacare; second, empower individuals to control their own health care choices; and third, restore control of health policy to the states.

To start lowering health care costs and begin to reclaim our country, Marco has proposed 10 simple ideas:

Marco’s 10 Simple Ways To Make Health Care More Affordable And Accessible:

IDEA #1: Allow Individuals To Purchase Health Insurance Across State Lines: Currently individuals purchasing health insurance are limited to those policies sold in the state in which they live. Allowing companies to compete in all 50 states would give individuals more choice, more options, and lower prices. Further, if people are purchasing insurance from companies across the country, states will be forced to loosen mandates to compete. If Americans can buy their auto and life insurance across state lines, they should be able to do so with their health insurance as well.

IDEA #2: Encourage Small Businesses And Trade Associations To Band Together And Form Association Health Plans (AHPs): AHPs are health plans created for individuals and groups who belong to one of the approximately 15,000 associations related to their jobs, careers, hobbies or interests. A significant hindrance to the widespread use of AHPs is the required compliance of all the different state regulations where members might live. By federally regulating these plans, individuals and small groups with similar interests across the country could form AHPs that would lower health care costs for their members.

IDEA #3: Give Individuals The Same Tax Break Given To Businesses When They Buy Health Insurance. Health insurance needs to become patient-centered rather than employer centered. Individuals who purchase their own health insurance should receive the same tax treatment as those employers who provide health coverage. All individually purchased insurance and out-of-pocket expenses should be tax deductible for persons who have at least catastrophic insurance coverage. Coupled with increased portability, the new deduction will encourage the development of an individual insurance market, increase transparency and portability, and reduce costs. Between two and six million middle income Americans are estimated to take up health insurance if the deduction was in place.

IDEA #4: Incentivize The Use Of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs): EMRs have many potential advantages including cost reductions, elimination of cumbersome paper records maintenance, portability, safety and quality care improvements. Unlike the Obama administration’s approach of imposing standards and regulations, the federal government should work with private and not-for-profit firms to develop an EMR platform where applications can be attempted and, if successful, implemented. This innovation-driven approach can be done while simultaneously respecting patient privacy and doctors’ professional integrity.

IDEA #5: Give People The Tools To Make Cost-Conscious Decisions About Their Health Care: Using technology to promote pricing transparency would engage more individuals in making informed health care choices. We should ensure price and quality transparency from providers and insurance companies to clearly lay out what is and is not covered. This will assist health-care consumers to better understand their coverage needs, quality of care and costs at their nearby local clinics and hospitals. For doctors and hospitals, they will be able to find the best price point to sell their products and improve quality for the patients. Ultimately, the best way to drive health care costs down is to let the forces of supply and demand set prices.

IDEA #6: Increase The Number Of Community Health Centers: Community Health Centers help 17 million people in over 6,000 underserved communities, and are an invaluable part of our nation’s health care system. By providing more access to preventative and primary care providers, people can avoid visits to costly emergency rooms for nonemergency or routine care. These centers have a proven track record of providing care to patients that is superior, cost-effective and efficient. We should focus on expanding their presence to more medically underserved areas in the country.

IDEA #7: Incentivize State Medical Malpractice Reform: Recent lottery-size awards and frivolous lawsuits have put a heavy burden on doctors, hospitals, and, through defensive medicine, on the health care system.  According to the Heritage Foundation, it is estimated that in 2007 alone, the tort system cost $252 billion. It is also estimated that ordering unnecessary tests and treatments, otherwise known as defensive medicine, may cost us anywhere from $191 billion to $239 billion a year.  Not surprisingly, states have been leading the way since the mid-1970s in enacting tort reform policies. However, overcoming those special interests dedicated to maintaining ease of lawsuits can be difficult. This is why the federal government should incentivize medical tort reforms at the state level.

IDEA #8: Enhance Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): As of January 2010, more than 10 million Americans, including over 600,000 Floridians, held HSAs. This is up from 3.2 million in 2006 and 1.0 million in 2005.  In 2006, Congress increased the amount of money that can be contributed tax-free to HSAs. To enhance HSAs, we should: (1) give HSA contributions the same tax treatment as employment-based health insurance premiums, (2) allow individuals to make withdrawals from their HSAs, tax free, to pay long-term-care insurance premiums, and (3) allow employers and individuals to make special HSA contributions for the chronically ill. These HSAs will help further reinforce the individual driven market as consumers are driven by prices, quality and out of pocket payment of services.

IDEA #9: Incentivize State Insurance Reform: States throughout America have different regulatory regimes that drive up the cost of health insurance, particularly in the individual and small-group markets. Some of these regulations are justified, others only complicate the market. While allowing individuals to buy across state lines will prompt states to reform, we should also further encourage states to increase market flexibility.  Incentives can be created using federal funds in state-federal programs to help unleash the market potential in the private insurance market.

IDEA #10: Adopt A Sensible Program To Cover Those With Pre-Existing Conditions: Even before Obamacare, federal law prohibited insurance companies from denying coverage to patients with pre-existing conditions. In addition, many states have programs to cover those who didn’t have employer-provided insurance and couldn’t get it from the individual insurance market because of pre-existing conditions. Instead of an expensive and unworkable new federal program, the federal government should pass legislation to allow patients to switch insurance coverage (regardless of whether they are in the employer-provided or individual insurance market) without risking pre-existing condition exclusion. For those who are temporarily unemployed and cannot be covered under Medicaid, state high-risk-pool programs can help, and the federal government should help the states with block grants.

9 Days After Saying “Repeal” Was A Primary “Purity Test”, Crist Calls For “Repeal”. Is He An Independent Or Just A Say And Do Anything Politician?

Miami, FL – Last night, under the headline of “My Position, the Obama Health Care Bill”, Charlie Crist posted a new statement clarifying that he supports repealing ObamaCare and calling reporters “confused” about where he stands. How could they not be “confused” when Crist’s latest statement is his fourth position on ObamaCare? Nine days ago, Crist said he felt liberated as an independent because he no longer had to call for “repeal”. Now, in his fourth position on ObamaCare, Crist calls for “repeal”. Does anyone know where Crist stands?

“At this point, even the President’s massive government takeover of our health care system is less complicated than trying to figure out where Charlie Crist stands on ObamaCare. With four positions in just four months, Crist is right that Floridians are ‘confused’ about his position on ObamaCare. The only thing that’s clear is that Floridians don’t need more say and do anything politicians in Washington like Charlie Crist,” said Alex Burogs, Rubio for Senate spokesman.

Charlie Crist is now on record with four completely evolutionary and contradictory positions on ObamaCare:

• As a Republican and even as an independent, Crist called for the complete repeal of ObamaCare. Crist even touted his support for repeal on a section of his website that has now been completely removed.

• In July 2010, Crist told the Wall Street Journal that he supported ObamaCare.

• In the same interview, Crist said to call for repeal is to give in to a party primary “purity test”.

• Now Crist says he really does support repealing aspects of ObamaCare and replacing them.

Full Background: Charlie Crist’s Four Positions On ObamaCare…

Position #1: Crist Called For Repeal The Night The House Passed The Health Care Bill. “Crist, a Republican who was in Tampa tonight attending the closing ceremony for the Gasparilla International Film Festival, said he hopes to get elected senator in November to help repeal the bill and bring a commonsense approach to healthcare reform. ‘What people really want when it comes to health care, in my view, is they want greater access and less cost,’ Crist said. ‘We just need to get it right and do it right,’ Crist said. ‘Do it right for the people.’” (“Crist Hopes To Repeal Health Care Legislation,” The Associated Press, 3/21/10)

• Crist: “I Think What We Need To Do Is Go Ahead And Repeal This Thing. Let’s Start Over.” CRIST: “I think one thing that’s very important — and I think everybody agrees on this, Chris — that preexisting instances should not be a discriminatory tool that’s used by insurance companies to not give people insurance. I think what we need to do is go ahead and repeal this thing. Let’s start over. Let’s take an opportunity to do what’s right for the people. The real problems with health care are access and affordability. And we have approached those in Florida.” (FOX’s, “FOX News Sunday,” 3/28/10)

• Even As An Independent, Crist Said That We Need To “Start Over” On Health Care. DAVID GREGORY: “All right, a couple more issues. Would you support legislation that repealed the president’s health care legislation?” CRIST: “Yeah, I think we need to start over, I really do. We’ve got a great plan here in Florida, David. There is no government mandate, no tax increases, it offers coverage to those who can’t afford it, who have lost a job. It’s a compassionate way to do it, and I think that’s a good model for the country.” (NBC’s, “Meet The Press,” 5/2/10)

Position #2: In July 2010, Crist Tells The Wall Street Journal That He Does Not Support Repealing ObamaCare. “Mr. Crist has made other policy shifts. Despite pledging as a Republican to help repeal President Obama’s health-care overhaul, Mr. Crist now says he does not support such a move.” (Peter Wallsten, “Crist Uses Old Party As New Foil,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/20/10)

Position #3: Crist Tells Wall Street Journal That Those Calling For Repeal Are Only Giving Into The Primary “Purity Test”. Q: How do you feel about the health care overhaul? A: “I think it needs to be improved. I’m concerned about so much government control for it. But there are the same time there are good aspects to it.” Q: Should it be repealed? A: “I think it should be modified. It can be made better.” Q: When the bill passed, you called for its repeal. A: “Well, I wanted it to be changed….. People get caught up in, ‘I’m going to say it’s going to be repealed’ like they’re hammering their fist on the desk and be impressed with themselves. That’s part of the purity test.” Q: Is that an example of something you had to do in the primary campaign as a Republican? A: “Perhaps. And I just don’t have to do that anymore. I’m liberated to a greater degree, and I’m very happy about it.” (Peter Wallsten, “Q&A With Charlie Crist,” The Wall Street Journal’s “Washington Wire” Blog, 7/20/10)

Position #4: Crist Says His Position On ObamaCare Has Been “Confused” And He Does Support “Repeal”. “FACT CHECK: Recent reports in the media have confused my position on the Obama health care bill. The Obama health care bill was too big, too expensive, and expanded the role of government far too much. Had I been in the United States Senate at the time, I would have voted against the bill because of unacceptable provisions like the cuts to the Medicare Advantage program. But being an independent, I have the freedom to be an honest broker for the people of Florida without regard for political party, and the reality is this: despite its serious flaws, the Obama health care bill does have some positive aspects. Repeal must be accompanied by a responsible substitute — repeal without passage of a substitute law protecting those with pre-existing conditions, closing the prescription drug donut hole for seniors, and allowing parents to keep their children on their insurance coverage until age 26 would be wrong. While I would not have supported the legislation, we have to recognize the positive components and work together across party lines to make our health care system more affordable for both consumers and the government. This debate must not be about political posturing; it must be about protecting the people of Florida and America, and I intend to do that hard work when I get to the United States Senate.” (Charlie Crist, “My Position, The Obama Health Care Bill”, http://www.charliecrist.com/?p=306, 7/29/10)

Miami, FL – Charlie Crist purports himself to be the “candidate of the people,” but his most recent flip-flop brings into question which “people” Crist is actually listening to, as the Rubio for Senate campaign releases a new web video, “The People.” Earlier this week, Crist changed his position on President Obama’s massive health care overhaul and told the Wall Street Journal he now supports ObamaCare and the huge spending that’s necessary to make it a reality. Since 57 percent of Floridians and 60 percent of Americans oppose ObamaCare, Crist is decidedly not listening to “the people.”

But according to Crist, we know of at least one phone call he is taking: Harry Reid’s. Crist desires so badly to get elected that he will say and do anything, and that includes ignoring the majority of Floridians. While Crist lunges leftward and aligns himself with the Obama-Pelosi-Reid agenda, he is silencing the very people he claims to work for and listen to.

Check out the video here:

Marco Rubio
Interview On Fox News’ “Fox & Friends”
July 21, 2010

Fox News’ Dana Perino: “Can we talk about the other part of this story that’s really interesting? The flip-flop on health care. Crist, back then, was quoted saying, ‘Once in the U.S. Senate, I will fight to repeal this government takeover of health care.’ But now he said he thinks it should be ‘modified’, which is basically not going for a repeal and not what he was when he was running as a Republican. Now he’s an independent and has changed his tune. What do you think that will mean to the voters of Florida?”

Rubio: “First of all, it’s important to remember that statement that you just read was made three months ago, not three years ago. So that’s the first thing. I think what it means is very simple. This election’s going to come down to a very simple choice: If you like the direction this country’s going, if you think Barack Obama and Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are doing a good job for America, then there’s going to be two other people on the ballot you can vote for. I’m certainly not your candidate. If what you want to send to Washington is someone who will act as a check and balance on the direction that Harry Reid and others want to take our country, then I’m the only one running in Florida that will do that. ObamaCare is a prime example of it. It is a destructive, job-destroying measure. I can’t tell you how many small business owners I know, who are not growing jobs, some are even going to begin laying people off because of the uncertainty and the dramatic economic consequence of this law taking effect.”

Miami, FL – Charlie Crist added to his extensive list of flip-flops yesterday by deciding to back President Obama’s massive government takeover of health care. This is the same ObamaCare law that Crist wanted to repeal both as a Republican and independent candidate for the U.S. Senate. It was only two months ago that Crist told NBC’s David Gregory that we needed to scrap ObamaCare and “start over.”

Crist, willing to say and do anything to win an election, has clearly decided that opposing ObamaCare is no longer in his best political interest and has abandoned his position from a mere two months ago. Does anyone, including the governor himself, know where Charlie Crist stands on anything?

In case you needed a reminder, the Rubio campaign uploaded this screen shot of Crist’s old “Health Care” issue page that shows Crist’s strong opposition to ObamaCare and support for repeal: http://www.marcorubio.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Charlie-Crist-on-Healthcare.png

See below for a brief excerpt:

“Charlie Crist strongly opposes the government run health care plan that was recently signed into law by President Obama and supports its repeal. . . . These health care opportunities are not found in Democrat legislation crafted behind closed doors by President Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid that increases rates, increases taxes, and cuts Medicare.”