DEBATE FACT #5: Crist Did A Lot Of Campaigning For Sarah Palin

What Crist Said…

That he only stood with Sarah Palin to help John McCain, but he’s just trying to hide his record.

The Facts About The Crist Record…

In 2008, Crist Enthusiastically Campaigned With Sarah Palin. “Sarah Palin had some advice for Barack Obama on Sunday at a rally in Kissimmee: Not so fast. The Republican vice-presidential candidate alluded to her experience on the basketball court when she told the enthusiastic crowd of more than 7,000: ‘Where I come from, you have to play the game before you can cut down the nets.’ … Throughout the 45-minute speech in an arena decorated with home-made signs that proclaimed ‘Palin Power’ and ‘Go Sarah,’ the crowd responded to her calls for less taxes and more patriotism with cheers of ‘Sarah! Sarah!’ and ‘USA! USA!’ … The importance of Florida to McCain was underscored by Gov. Charlie Crist, who preceded Palin on stage. ‘We have got to deliver Florida. Nine days to go. Let’s get it done,’ Crist said.” (Jeff Kunerth, “Palin In Osceola: It’s Not Over Yet,” Orlando Sentinel, 10/27/08)

Crist Touted Palin On National TV Saying “I Think She’s Ready.” CHETRY: “When people are polled about their concerns, there are a larger group who are concerned about whether or not she could take over as president versus the Obama-Biden ticket. Are you fully confident that if anything were to happen to John McCain, Sarah Palin could take over as president from day one?” CRIST: “I think she would do a great job. I mean, realize that, you know, she really is the only executive that’s running — the only one who has been the head of the government in Alaska. She’s held executive positions as a mayor, executive position as a governor. Made those kinds of decisions. I think she’s ready.” (CNN’s “American Morning,” 10/22/08)

·         Watch The Video:

·         The Washington Post: Video Of Crist Praising Sarah Palin “Isn’t Going To Help Crist In The Battle With Meek For Dem Support.” “Now that the Florida general election for Senate is under way, one interesting dynamic that’s taking shape is that Republican Marco Rubio and Dem Kendrick Meek each have a common interest in tacitly pushing the same kinds of stories to damage Charlie Crist. Both campaigns will be trying to unearth evidence of Crist’s past lockstep loyalty to the GOP cause, but each for different reasons. Case in point: A Florida operative digs up and sends over this video of Crist in October of 2008 claiming that Sarah Palin would do “a great job” as president, and gushing about her qualifications. This isn’t going to help Crist in the battle with Meek for Dem support” (Greg Sargent, “Flashback: Crist Said Palin Would ‘Do A Great Job’ As President,” The Washington Post’s “Plum Line” Blog, 8/26/2010)

Crist: “As I Say, She Is A Governor, She Has Executive Experience And I Think She’ll Do A Great Job.” CRIST: “Well, God bless him for that. But I think they will have no trouble talking about the attributes that Governor Palin brings to the ticket. As I say, she is a governor, she has executive experience and I think she’ll do a great job.” (CNN’s “Larry King Live,” 8/29/08)

·         Watch The Video:

Crist: “I Was Impressed At Governor Palin Being Picked.” CRIST: “No, I was impressed at Governor Palin being picked. I think that, once again, Senator McCain has shown his independent streak, his maverick status, his go with the gut call. And I think he made a great choice in Senator Palin. I think that she’ll be a great candidate. I watched her speech today. I was very impressed with not only what she had to say, but the way in which she delivered. I thought she was very effective, very articulate. And she’s very bright. I’ve had the occasion to meet her at some governor association meetings and she’s a very impressive lady.” (CNN’s “Larry King Live,” 8/29/08)

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