Crist's moment in the Middle East

JERUSALEM -- Gov. Charlie Crist was expected in Israel Tuesday morning to lead a Florida entourage on a five-day trip that mixes politics, culture and business. For Crist, it's a vital resume-building mission -- a way for the new governor to add some heft to his biography while meeting key Israeli leaders and visiting Holy Land historical sites.

His arrival coincides with a turbulent moment in Israeli politics. On Monday, voters ousted the leader of the country's Labor Party, throwing the future of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's coalition government into doubt. And ongoing violence prompted the state to scratch a possible visit by Florida's delegation to the Gaza border town of Sderot, a frequent target of Palestinian rocket attacks.

Crist 's 10 1/2-hour El Al flight from Newark was expected to touch down at David Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv at 8 a.m. Tuesday local time (Israel is seven hours ahead of Eastern Daylight time). Two Florida reporters are in Israel covering Crist's trip, so you can expect continuing reports here.   

Comments

[Matt]

I can't really see how this can benefit Florida in any shape. Help Christ with his resume? That should not be his focus as this state has far more important issues to deal with.

The "People's Governor" is now showing sings of the typical politician - looking out for himself.

[Matt]

I can't really see how this can benefit Florida in any shape. Help Christ with his resume? That should not be his focus as this state has far more important issues to deal with.

The "People's Governor" is now showing sings of the typical politician - looking out for himself.

[Tom in Tallahassee]

Matt: I don't think that Christ needs any help with his resume, although I'm sure that he appreciates your thinking about Him. Might you be talking about Charlie Crist?

The last time Christ went to Jerusalem, things didn't go so well.

Did El Al as the Governor whether or not he likes Jews? I wonder what his response was?

Newark? Isn't there a direct flight out of Miami?

[politicalspectator]

Hmmm, a trip to a democratic, controversial country in the Middle East? I smell PRESIDENCY!

Either that or Florida is seceding from the Union and Crist is attempting to maintain diplomatic ties with Israel.

[Capitalist Pig]

Matt -

Believe it or not, we do have businesses in this state that do business with Israel. Most other governors have gone overseas to promote Florida businesses.

Most other Governor's dont refer to saving "the people's" money so much as Crist.

[Paul]

How is this going to lower my property insurance and taxes? What does Israel have to do with anything in Florida. You work for Floridians, Mr. Governor, so stay put and get cracking on issues here and now. Run for president when your job HERE is done.

Does anyone know who the FL reporters are covering the trip? Also, what staff did Crist take with him?

These trade missions are very good for the state. We have foreign dignitaries here all the time. One from Germany is here this week. We have a large contingent of Germans, Brazilians, Brits, French... We should be doing trips to all those places. Encouraging them to open plants here, buy second homes here etc. etc...

Maybe the Gov can make gas prices "drop like a rock" while he's over there. You know, just by saying it over and over.

8:02

can't stop laughing! thank you

Bush, et al had a series of highly successful trade missions to the EU, UK, and South America via EFI. Israel is the one first world economy in that region, and it can't hurt to promote trade there with Florida companies

so 11:35, going with your thought - Charlie and crew's travel, lodging, entertainment expenses are being paid for by these private companies? good job Charlie, however you were elected Governor and not a public relations exec - we've got people, and I'm sure some are with you, paid for that job.

11:07: What’s so funny about the 8:02 post? This is the Governor’s first trip to Jerusalem that I know of.

Hey 12:55, ever heard of Easter?

Charlie took Arlene - right EOG??

did the "people's girlfriend" go along? When do I get my turn?

[GOPFL]

6:47am-
Governor Crist should be commended for leading this Trade Mission to Israel. Promoting a strong business relationship with Israel is important for our economy. Governor Bush led several successful trade missions to Germany, France, UK, Canada, Latin America and South America. I'm glad to see Governor Crist is continuing the tradition.

l:30 pm Yes, Charlie took Arlene.

Charlie should be in Florida working to complete the two important tasks he was elected on; Property tax reform and insurance reform. We are about to have a special session and he should be concentrating on promises he already made.

Nope, that's the People's Legislature's job and he can only encourage that crew to give him something he can sign.

But Crist made the promises. It is the legislators job to pass and prepare the laws, but it was his promises he needs to make sure get fulfilled. Don't make promises you cannot keep. Bad public policy.