Monthly Archives: November 2013
The Crist Files: Charlie Crist and school “choice”
Many leaders of Florida’s Teachers Union have made it clear that they find Governor Charlie Crist, now seeking a return to the office he quit four years ago an acceptable choice. While it is entirely possible Crist’s views on education have evolved swiftly over the past few years, his record is very poor especially when […]
Kurly’s Kommentary – Oprah’s Racial Neurosis: It’s not black and white when it comes to President Obama
By Steven Kurlander @kurlykomments It seems that these days, when a celebrity is promoting a book or movie, it’s SOP to make a controversial statement about racism to heat up the coverage. First, it was Sarah Palin’s rather stupid remark about how the national debt was “going to be like slavery when that note is […]
Charlie’s heart, Charlie’s stomach
The following column was submitted by a Democratic staffer working in South Florida who wishes to remain anonymous. __ Everything That’s Wrong With the Gubernatorial Primary in One Picture It’s been two weeks since I heard U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings address this picture at a meeting of the Pompano Beach Democratic Club, and yet I […]
Bill Nelson for Governor? Impact on Charlie Crist, progressives and whether a run is wise.
Florida is alive with speculation that 71-year-old US Senator Bill Nelson who has been very critical of Rick Scott will jump into the Governor’s Race thus potentially saving the Democrats from a messy primary process and/or the possible nomination of former Governor Charlie Crist. Nelson’s unwillingness to definitively rule out a race for Governor has fueled […]
The view from abroad: Iran and Obama’s potential deal
First off, I want to thank Ryan Ray for holding down the fort here at the Florida Squeeze this past week while I have been traveling abroad. Ryan is also working on a number of new features for the site which will launch soon. We will also have a lengthy article on Bill Nelson’s plans […]
A Bill Nelson for Governor potpourri
According to national media reports, Senator Bill Nelson is considering a run for governor. Florida papers have been hounding him and editorializing about it since at least April. And of course the source above, MSNBC’s Hardball, has built its reputation such as it is by living every day like it’s silly season. But this newest round of speculation […]
Poll: Is Nan Rich a viable candidate?
Tampa Bay Times political editor Adam Smith wrote this afternoon that former Sen. Nan Rich “barely passes the threshold of viability,” citing her limited fundraising efforts. Smith notes that though the primary is still ten months out, she has raised less in her statewide race than St. Pete Mayor-elect Rick Kriseman raised for a municipal campaign. […]
Throwback Tuesday: The Cross Florida Barge Canal
A subject we’ve discussed a little bit in the past but never on its own, the Cross Florida Barge Canal and the movement to stop it are among the biggest environmental issues in the history of a state that is marked by huge environmental issues. Promoters of the canal sought to bisect Florida from Fernandina to Cedar […]
The Crist Files: Crist on conservatism, offshore drilling and teacher tenure
On Conservatism: Nov. 2009: “It’s Hard to be More Conservative Than I am on Issues.” On Nov. 24, 2009, the St. Petersburg Times reported that in a sit down with its editorial board, Crist stated, “It’s hard to be more conservative than I am on issues — there’s different ways stylistically to communicate that — […]
A History of Populism in Florida
As Charlie Crist begins another run for Governor, now as a Democrat, let’s take a look back at some of the other populists that have run for or obtained the Governorship in this state. Note that we distinguish populism from mainstream political philosophy by noting that Governor’s such as Leroy Collins, Reubin Askew, Bob Graham, […]
The Florida Squeeze 