No B.S.: A case for a two-day prez campaign
Elected Democrats made their pitch this afternoon for an end of the presidential candidate ban on Florida. (see previous Buzz item)
"All we are asking for is two days, two days for the candidates to come to Florida to participate, to share with the citizens of this state ... their vision for the future, to participate at the debate that's been scheduled," at Florida Atlantic University on Jan. 27, said state Sen. Ted Deutch.
At the end of the news conference, a Bay News 9 reporter said he had spoken with RPOF chairman Jim Greer and Greer said breaking the pledge would raise questions about the candidates' character.
"Shall I use another one of my Southernisms?" replied CFO Alex Sink. "That's B.S."
From the writers of the St. Petersburg Times, The Buzz offers the latest news in Florida politics. This is a public forum sponsored and maintained by the St. Petersburg Times. When you post comments here, what you say becomes public and could appear in the newspaper. You are not engaging in private communication with candidates or Times staffers.
What does Jim Greer know about character? Other than not having any of his own.
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Why does the Obama campaign want the boycott pledge to continue? Why are they trying to diminish the importance of our state?
Why doesn't Sen. Obama care about us?
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 01:55 PM
What a bunch of wimps! What the Florida Republican should say is, "if you won't come down here and campaign, then we'll ask our members not to contribute to your campaigns anymore."
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Why would anyone care what Jim Greer has got to say about the Democratic Primary process?
And, the pitch was for the four ealy state Dem party chairs to RELEASE the candidates from the pledge, so they would not be breaking it.
Alex had it right - BS, pure and simple.
Posted by: Gene Smith | January 23, 2008 at 02:09 PM
it's not the pledge, you idiots. No delegates. Clinton, Obama or Edwards would be idiotic to campaign here now. there is only 9 days to hit 22 states thnat DO have delegates.
These goofs mugging for the camera are the ones who put Florida in this situation.
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 02:20 PM
I hope they come to your town. Ask them why regardless of the surveys, hidden cameras, etc.....why no politician has ever said anything about affirmative action concerning tall people......Why??...Because all politicians are tall.
Posted by: Will DePort | January 23, 2008 at 02:26 PM
what's BS is our supposidly non-partisan CFO acting out in such a disgraceful manner.
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Interesting point: The St. Petersburg Times has "boycotted" candidate Ron Paul almost from the get go. And yet, he WON a straw poll of USF students recently. Read the story: http://www.wusf.usf.edu/wusf-fm/news/News_Detail_TVLk.cfm?ID=802
Posted by: Andy G | January 23, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Do you think they all practiced that unified “We’re all pissed off” look?
Hey, here’s a thought… what say you lying, self-serving, criminals do something about insurance rates… you know, like you promised.
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 02:58 PM
USF straw polls? Are you serious? I sat there in 2006 during a USF straw poll and saw many people voting many times.
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Why does the Clinton campaign want the boycott pledge to continue? Why are they trying to diminish the importance of our state?
Why doesn't Sen. Clinton care about us?
Posted by: 1:55 Redux | January 23, 2008 at 04:25 PM
The Democrats should remind the candidates that ultimately it isn't about delegates - its about electoral votes and if you give Florida Democrats the rasberry they may return the favor come November.
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Why does the Edwards campaign want the boycott pledge to continue? Why are they trying to diminish the importance of our state?
Why doesn't Sen. Edwards care about us?
Posted by: 1:55 Tridux | January 23, 2008 at 04:34 PM
It is only Sen. Obama and his Florida surrogates that are saying that our Primary doesn't matter, which is quite understandable if you read the lastest poll numbers.
The overwhelming grassroots support for Sen. Clinton has her 19% above Sen. Obama with Sen. Edwards closing on him quickly.
The people in Florida read newspapers, watch the news and have tuned into many of the debate.
The end result is Obama is going to lose Florida to Sen. Clinton and at the rate he is going may come in third here!
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Hillary Clinton = Satan
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Then why is Clinton saying she is going to stand by the pledge?
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Satan = Republicans... Hmmmm, I see your point!
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 05:04 PM
5:04pm = Retard ....point well taken! Thanks for participating.
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 05:12 PM
As a former Clinton supporter, I can tell you HillBill care only about themselves and getting back power. They could care less about the Democratic Party.
They cost us the Congress in 1994, and it took us 12 years to get it back.
The candidates should have never signed the pledge, but if you can't figure out who the best candidate based on the sleezy way HillBill has run their campaign, then you missing some marbles. Please, no more debates!
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 06:13 PM
6:13,
There's alot of Democrats who used to support Hillary who will never vote for her now.
I always liked her, but her arrogance and meeeeeanness the last few weeks are very telling.
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 06:15 PM
5:12 = kicked out of 5:04's club for not keeping up with the class. Thanks for asking your mother… door knocker.
Oh, and 6:15… great deduction. Ummm… I don’t like my car, so I’ll throw my kids off a cliff… D.D.Deeeeeee! Does Mitt actually pay you for this crap?
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Democrats Obama & Hillary do not care about Florida.
SO DON'T COME BACK ASKING FOR OUR VOTES IN NOVEMBER.
I will be voting independent maverick John McCain.
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 06:56 PM
As a former Obama suppporter, I have decided that I can no longer support his self-righteous camapign.
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 07:32 PM
isnt' Bill, Alex's husband, on HRC's executive committee?
Looks like he "owes" something to the "C"
and yeah, let your mind wander
Posted by: jena | January 23, 2008 at 10:14 PM
2:49 You've got to be kidding. What about our non-partisan Atty General. You know the one who's been running for Govr on taxpayer's dime since the day he took office.
Being chair for Rudy's campaign is non-partisan too I suppose.
Posted by: | January 23, 2008 at 11:16 PM
If the Dems were smart, they would tel their candidates to take a hike when they or their surrogates come down here looking for money. That is one thing all politicians of any party understand--money. NO DELEGATES=NO $$$.
Personally if I were a Dem, I would vote on the Ammendment issue and leave the choice for candidate blank. Then let them argue of the meaningless "undervote".
Also note, that Hillary was the ONLY Dem that stayed on the ballot in the other rogue state--Michigan, in order to claim thier "0" delgates.
Posted by: Bob O'Donnell | January 24, 2008 at 11:06 AM
You are begging your candidates for 2 days?!! Bunch of sheep. Quit begging and send the only message they will understand -- a blank primary ballot.
Posted by: | January 24, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Why is Obama allowed to break oath. He is advertising on TV in Florida. It is disgraceful and the media is letting him get away with this. If Senator Clinton had done this it would be the discussion for every news outlet.
Disgusting!
Posted by: Elaine Fernandez | January 24, 2008 at 05:13 PM