I know most of you will think I'm crazy suggesting former Governor Charlie Crist (or anybody) as the GOP's nominee to run against President Barack Obama during the 2012 election but from everyone I currently see running, or even considering it, this would be their best choice if they truly want a chance of winning Republicans (conservative and liberal), Tea Party, Independents and even Democrat voters over to their side.
Charlie Crist would actually do better running as an Independent against Obama. That way he's not claiming to be either Republican or Democrat which has been one of his previous problems. Running as an Independent might be a better choice. He's got political views on both sides of the isle.
Crist is from Florida and well known across the country with voters. He would most likely win Florida for the nomination and on election day. He was born in Pennsylvania. He played quarterback in high school football, was general counsel for a minor league baseball team and got his law degree from Alabama. All states that would consider him 'their' guy and a sports lover.
Christ worked in a private practice for a period than ran for Florida State Senator and won. As State Senator he supported teacher salary increases and co-sponsored laws that created charter schools. This would please the teacher unions and those that support charter schools.
He later was elected as Education Commissioner and as an attorney general. Crist was praised by civil rights and consumer groups during this time. He also was known for freezing utility rates; adding restrictions to telecom companies, and protecting the environment.
He was criticized by pro-life advocates during the Terri Schiavo case when he ended official attempts to keep Schiavo on life support. This may hurt him with pro-lifers but help him with Democrats and Independents.
Crist has received criticism for his fiscal approach and for his support of President Barack Obama's fiscal policies (Stimulus package). This would help him with those that supported the package.
He supports capital punishment and gun rights but is reasonable with abortion rights. He supported the ban on same sex marriages. These issues would get him votes from both sides of the isle.
Christ reminded voters that Ronald Reagan was a Democrat before he became a Republican, this is true.
He was also considered Florida's "first black governor".
In 2011 Charlie Crist joined the law firm of Morgan and Morgan. In addition, he became a part time instructor at Stetson University. This shows he's worked in the private sector.
During the Republican Governor's Association party in 2008 he said the following:
This party can no longer hope to reach Hispanics, African Americans and other minority groups – we need to just do it. Embracing cultures and lifestyles will make us a better party and better leaders. This desire for inclusiveness is near and dear to my heart.... Last week, the American people made a choice and this week, if we choose to call ourselves leaders, if we truly endeavor to serve with a servant's heart for the people who count on us, then we too must work together, listen to one another and learn from the leaders who made the kind of history the American people deserve.
Has he had some legal problems and embarrassing moments over the years; yes, but so has President Obama.
This is the man the GOP 'should' nominate as their candidate -- but don't tell them that or they might have a chance of beating Barack Hussein Obama for the Presidency in 2012. He would also have a very good chance as an Independent running against the GOP and the Democratic Party.
Now 'that' would be an interesting campaign to watch.
The reason I'm even writing this is because I got to thinking about who exactly is famous enough and likeable enought to take on Obama -- this is who I came up with. What is your opinion of Charlie Christ?