Well Charlie Crist’s latest radio ad certainly throws a healthy dose of cold water on those whispers about him switching parties:
There were never any credible reports he was mulling a flip, but musings about the Florida governor and Republican Senate hopeful taking desperate action were understandable given the brutal beating he has taken in the polls against primary challenger Marco Rubio.
Still, he has five months (the primary isn’t until August 24,) $8 million (to Rubio’s $2 million,) and ad fodder that packs a punch. This TV spot released today uses the excellent reporting of St. Pete Times/Miami Herald tag-team Adam Smith and Beth Reinhard, and it’s exactly the kind of thing that could sully Rubio’s rising star:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3cSGY-mkzQ]
The main substance of the ad aside, note the image at the 0:10 mark. Trying to tie each other to Obama seems to be the name of the game down in Florida. Of course, Rubio will always have “The Hug.” Smith says these two quick hits are designed to run on either side of Crist’s ad:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o68cgu0-PSM]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exRgX2HFjVE]
Maybe they should be careful. President Obama isn’t viewed so unfavorably in the Sunshine State, and if a bitter primary leaves the victor bloodied, Kendrick Meek could surprise him.