The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Crist's Only Option

Text Size

Jim is right about why a Charlie Crist independent run would be a lot different from Joe Lieberman's run in 2006, but it's also worth emphasizing that at this point, Crist has put himself in such a bind, that running as an independent is the best of his bad options.

It's too late for him to run for reelection as governor. And whatever remaining chance he had of winning the Republican primary has almost certainly evaporated now that he's publicly entertained the idea that he might run as an independent.

Yet, while a Quinnipiac poll taken last week found that he trailed Marco Rubio by 23 points in the primary, it also found that in a general election, Crist leads Rubio by a narrow 32 percent to 30 percent margin, with Democrat Kendrick Meek at 24 percent.

So, yes, it is true that Crist's independent run would encounter obstacles. But it's at least plausible that he can win, whereas if he stays in the Republican primary or drops out of the race altogether, he's virtually assured to be out of public office come January.

View all comments (5) | Leave a comment

Siegfried X| 4.21.10 @ 5:16PM

There are lots of other options if Crist chooses to remain in the Republican Party and not burn his bridges by turning independent.

It is true that Joe Lieberman won by running independent, but now he is a man without a party and on his way to defeat in the next election.

ARthro| 4.21.10 @ 6:50PM

Crist is done.

The Q-poll can't neasure significantly reduced fundraising and the backlash of current die-hard Repbulicans hwo are now supporting him.

He's done.

jomo2009| 4.21.10 @ 11:06PM

If Crist runs as an independent, I wouldn't give a plugged nickel for his political future.

james wilson| 4.22.10 @ 12:30PM

Crist is the lowest form of politician. Exactly like a child, he cannot imagine the world without him; the only consequences are ones that affect him.
He cannot imagine accepting that he has lost and leaving the field.