On Tuesday morning, ABC, CBS and NBC engaged in a comical rescue mission to convince viewers that Charlie Crist (D – FL) is a turncoat and has a chance against incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis. This was thanks to a heated debate in which Crist attacked DeSantis for his “controversial” policies and possible 2024 bid for the presidency.
Crist was the most popular topic on ABC’s Good Morning America. George Stephanopoulos, a former Clinton official, teased in a tease that he was co-host: “Florida face off.” Governor Ron DeSantis defeated Charlie Crist overnight in their only debate in the race to be governor. With polls in the Sunshine State open, the economy and abortion are front and center.
Stephanopoulos stated at the beginning of the segment that it was an “explosive debate”, but Cecilia Vega, chief White House correspondent, insisted DeSantis had “a commanding lead” in the polls.
“[B]ut, in that debate last night his opponent Charlie Crist really tried a spotlight on some governor’s most controversial policies, including the fact that he could be gearing for a White House race in the not too distant future. She explained that the only debate in the heated race was between the candidates.
Vega said that the debate featured “heated topics driving voters to the polls”, with “DeSantis hitting the economy hard” and Crist focusing on Florida’s 15 week abortion ban.
She continued to focus on liberal priorities, griping about DeSantis’s illegal aliens fleeing to Massachusetts and whether DeSantis would be serving his full term. Vega played the role of Liz Quirantes, the debate moderator, reminding Crist that he had broken debate rules when he asked DeSantis about 2024 (click “expand”)
VEGA: DeSantis’ controversial decision to use Florida taxpayer money to fly migrants across Texas from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard is also on full display.
CRIST: It was a terrible, political stunt.
DESANTIS – It’s a sad thing that this happens, but we did our best to make this matter front and center.
VEGA. And even though Joe Biden isn’t on the ballot, DeSantis tried repeatedly to make it a referendum on his presidency. He invoked Biden’s name ten times in a single hour. Crist retorted, accusing DeSantis that he was looking beyond next month’s midterms to 2024, a charge DeSantis declined to answer.
CRIST: Why not look in the eyes and tell the people of Florida that if you are re-elected, you will serve a full 4-year term as governor. Are you sure? [CHEERS and APPLAUSE] Yes, Ron. If you are re-elected governor, will you serve a full term of four years? It’s not difficult to answer. It’s a fair question. He won’t.
LISA QUIRANTES – We disagreed with the candidates asking each another questions.
DESANTIS: Is this my time?
QUIRANTES: Governor it’s your turn.
DESANTIS – I understand that Charlie is interested to talk about Joe Biden and 2024, but I want it to be very clear: Charlie Crist is the only old donkey I’m looking for to go to pasture.
Vega concluded by insisting that it was “the moment…of this debate” and then hailing Biden’s upcoming rally to Florida as proof that Democrats are “laser-focused” on defeating DeSantis.
CBS Mornings did an extended news brief about the foray. Gayle King, a co-host and Democratic donor, lamented in “Eye Opener” that DeSantis was “running to a second term but refusing to say whether he’ll run as president.”
Nate Burleson, co-host, boasted about “fireworks” where “DeSantis sparred…Crist over issues like inflation, migration, and the state’s response after Hurricane Ian.”
Burleson, again doing Crist’s bidding made the only comment about Crist’s desperate focus on 2024. He praised it as “heated”
Hallie Jackson, NBC’s Washington correspondent, consolidated Florida into a larger 2022 segment. Jackson announced Tuesday’s Pennsylvania senatorial discussion and noted that it took place Monday. “Where the firebrand Republican Governor Ron DeSantis was widely speculated not to be looking beyond November to 2024, and possibly a White House run.”
Jackson’s only Florida soundbite was Crist’s question on 2024, making it three for three in simping to liberals.
Advertisers such as Ashley Homestore (on CBS), Home Depot(on NBC) and IHOP [on ABC] made Tuesday’s futile endeavor possible. Follow these links to view their contact information on the MRC’s Conservatives Fight Back Page.
For ABC, CBS and NBC, click here for the transcripts.
