Darryl Paulson
Charlie Crist has never had a political job he wanted to keep. He has served one term as state senator, one term as education commissioner, one term as attorney general and one term as governor.
Not once did he seek re-election to any of those positions. “One and done” Charlie was always looking for his next political move.
Gov. Rick Scott never was active in politics until running for governor in 2010. Opposed by the party establishment, Scott defeated his primary opposition and won the general election narrowly with Tea Party support. Scott is seeking reelection.
Crist was a Republican when he was elected to his four political positions. He has lost twice. He lost to Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Bob Graham by 26 points in 1998. In 2010, running as an Independent for the U.S. Senate, Crist lost to Republican Marco Rubio by 20 points in one of the most stunning upsets in Florida electoral history. Early in the campaign, when Crist was still a Republican, he led Rubio by 50 points.
Now, the former Republican Governor Crist will take on Scott. This time, Crist will run as a Democrat.
Just three years ago, Democrats were attacking Crist and his policies, just like they had done during his 2006 campaign against Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Davis of Tampa. Today most Democrats are eager to embrace Crist as the Democratic nominee.
Why the change of heart? Politics. Democrats have not won the governor’s office in Florida since Lawton Chiles’ victory in 1994. After 20 years in the political wilderness, they are ready to embrace anyone who can lead them to the promise land.
Unlike former Democratic governors such as Reuben Askew, Bob Graham and Chiles, I have yet to hear a single Democrat praise the policy genius of Crist. They embrace Crist for his charisma.
Charisma is a great attribute for any politician. But, is charisma enough to win an election?
Supporters answer yes, and point to Crist’s four political victories. In a recent ContextFlorida piece, Susan Clary argued that, “The candidate who has the most charisma and who can raise money is the person most likely to draw people to the polls.”
If Clary is right, Scott might as well start packing his bags. Scott has an infinite supply of money, but is charismatically challenged. If charisma were needed to live, Scott would be on life support.
The message for Scott is clear. Make the campaign about competency and results. Compare the faltering economy under Crist to the expanding economy under Scott.
For Crist, the focus will be on what Crist does best. Retail politics. He has unparalleled political skills and develops a personal relationship with every voter. In many respects, Crist is the “people’s governor.”
Will Floridians give Scott credit for the expanding economy, lower unemployment and stabilized Florida budget, or will they respond to his lack of like-ability? Will Floridians remember and punish Crist for the economic decline? More important, will they blame Crist for abdicating the governor’s office during tough economic times in order to seek another political office? Or, will Crist’s charisma trump everything?
Competency versus charisma. That’s what the election will be decided on in the end.
Scott was able to overcome his charisma deficiency to win in 2010. Can he do it a second time?
The last time a presidential candidate attempted to make competency the centerpiece of the campaign, he was clobbered. Anyone remember Michael Dukakis?
Crist clearly has the advantage if the issue is charisma, but it does not guarantee victory. It was only three years ago that Crist lost to Rubio after holding a 50-point lead.
Competency versus charisma. I can’t wait to see who wins this political battle.
