FloridaThe Democratic gubernatorial candidate received a less than warm welcome on Saturday from Liberal protesters demonstrating against restrictive abortion laws – who chased him away when he tried to show his support.
Pro-abortion protesters yelled at Rep. Charlie Crist’s attempts to speak to them outside of an event in Tampa on Saturday, chanting, “democrats, let’s call your bluff! Choosing blue is not enough!’
Crist then fled the scene of the protest and walked to a waiting car. During his exit, Crist continued to wave and smile at the protesters.
When asked about the reaction, Crist told reporters, “Everyone needs help and I’m here to help.”
The reaction does not bode well for Rep. Crist, who is aiming to win the Aug. 23 Democratic nomination to take on Gov. Ron DeSantis in this fall’s Florida gubernatorial election.
Many liberals and leftists have complained that Democrats are not doing enough to protect their fundamental rights and enact important policies like easing student loans. The Roe vs. Wade upset has prompted many progressives to call for action now, dismissing Nancy Pelosi and other establishment Dems calls to simply vote blue to resolve the issues.
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Rep. Charlie Crist was rebuffed when he repeatedly tried to contact protesters in Tampa on Saturday
Demonstrators shouted at Crist: “Democrats, we call your bluff! Choosing blue is not enough!’
Despite being shouted down by the protesters, Crist continued to wave and smile
After fleeing to the safety of his car, Crist told a reporter, “Everyone needs help and I’m here to help.”
On Saturday, the abortion group was there to protest the conservative organization Moms for Liberty’s first national convention being held at the Marriott Hotel while the Florida Democratic Party’s federal convention was being held at the same complex.
Crist previously served as Governor of Florida between 2007 and 2011. In 2010 he left the Republican Party and registered as an independent. In 2012 he joined the Democrats.
He is competing against Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried for the Democratic nomination. The congressman leads in most polls.
A protester at Saturday’s rally held up a sign that read: “One term Ron!!! That’s it b***h.’ DeSantis was one of the speakers at the convention alongside Senator Rick Scott and former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.
According to WUSF Stephanie Colombini, Democratic Senator Janet Cruz was also “chased out”.
WUSF reported that the abortion group held a rally at Lykes Gaslight Park before heading to the Marriott. This event was organized by the Tampa Bay Party for Socialism and Liberation and the Tampa Bay Coalition for Women’s Rights.
The WUSF report says the protest was peaceful and no arrests were made.
The station reports that the group also chanted, “Racist, sexist, anti-gay, Ron DeSantis, go away.”
A post on the Tampa Bay Socialism and Liberation Party’s Instagram page described Moms for Liberty as a “fascist organization organizing nationwide to ban books that don’t teach black history in schools, vaccines or masks in schools.” requires and mentions LGBTQ persons in schools.’
At the Moms for Liberty event, the most widespread issue reported was banning books from schools the group deems too liberal the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told the crowd that activists should run for school board positions in the state.
He said in his keynote speech, “We have a great opportunity in this election in August with the school board primary … and then in November in my election and all these other elections to really solidify the state of Florida as the state’s fortress of liberty.” ‘
The Tampa Bay Times report on the event does not mention abortion as a topic to be discussed at the event.
Crist is up against Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried for the Democratic nomination
A representative for Saturday’s protesters told WUSF that while Republicans were the primary target of the rally, the group was also frustrated by Democrats.
A pinned tweet on Charlie Crist’s Twitter page reads, “On my first day as governor, I will sign an executive order protecting reproductive liberty in Florida.”
Although Crist is known for changing abortion laws. He said WFLX in April: “I’m still pro-life, which means I’m for life. I hope most people are.’ In July he told the Orlando Sentinel that he regretted appointing pro-abortion judges as governor in Florida.
Corresponding PolitiFact, Crist has changed his position on abortion rights six times.
The fact-checking website said in its summary of his stance: “He was conflicted about abortion. In fact, we have endeavored to find any consistent position he has ever taken on the matter.
In 1998 Crist told the Tampa Bay Times that he was “pro-choice, but not pro-abortion.”
When Crist left the Republican Party to become an independent in 2010, he reportedly removed much of his anti-abortion language from his website United States today.
