Both sides are piling on Gov. Charlie Crist for flip-flopping on Obama’s health care plan. Crist said during a TV interview today that he would have voted for the bill.
Republicans quickly pounced. The Republican Party of Florida sent out an email titled “Can’t Trust Charlie: You Can’t Spell Charlie Without ‘Lie’” detailing Crist’s moves on the issue:
Position #1: Crist Called For Repeal The Night The House Passed The Health Care Bill.
Position #2: In July 2010, Crist Tells The Wall Street Journal That He Does Not Support Repealing ObamaCare.
Position #3: Crist Tells Wall Street Journal That Those Calling For Repeal Are Only Giving Into The Primary “Purity Test”.
Position #4: Crist Says His Position On ObamaCare Has Been “Confused” And He Does Support “Repeal.”
Position #5: Today, Crist Says “I Would Have Voted For” ObamaCare.
Democrats got on board, too. Kendrick Meek’s campaign quickly released a statement decrying Crist’s “political amnesia.” Attached is a letter that Crist sent Congressman Meek in March urging him to vote against the bill:
What Floridians don’t need is the current legislation that increases taxes, raises premiums and cuts Medicare that President Obama, Majority Leader Reid, and Speaker Pelosi are jamming through Congress.
Again, put the people of Florida first – I urge you to vote “no” on the Democrat health care bill.
But both campaigns spoke too soon. Later this afternoon, Crist released a statement clarifying his position:
Apparently, based on an interview this afternoon, there may be some confusion regarding my position on health care. If I misspoke, I want to be abundantly clear: the 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 health care bill does have some positive aspects.
Here’s the video that started the whole thing: