Pro-choice groups, of course, are throwing a party, but I think this was an extremely empty gesture to the left. This entire abortion bill was a terrible attempt by the Florida Legislature to chip at Crist's right-wing support, and is going to blow up in their face. This bill would never have been passed if not for Crist's flee from the party and the desire of Republican lawmakers to stick it to the usurped ruler.
A pity, because the RPOF really nails Crist in an accurate and focused way. Watch below:
I was genuinely surprised to realize Crist called himself pro-choice during the Senate race against Bob Graham. I recalled his platform at the time as pretty right-wing, but issues like vouchers, tax cuts and tort reform were the topics of the day. That campaign was always hopeless, and had no purpose beyond expanding Crist's name recognition statewide. It is delightful to see his most progressive views of that campaign cycle come to bite him.
Unfortunately, this whole affair will likely boost Crist's support instead of erode it. Those right-wingers who hate Crist for vetoing this bill would never have supported him anyway. They were already in Camp Rubio before Crist had his April hissy-fit, and if not, were certainly going to support the Republican nominee once Crist left the primary. Perhaps lawmakers were blinded by spite, but it was obvious to most observers that passing a vicious anti-abortion bill, which went so far as to put financial onus on the mother for a pre-procedure ultrasound, would only give Crist a free chance to appeal to moderate and liberal voters. And by being so rabidly anti-mother, the bill lets Crist hide behind a "personally pro-life" shield while waving the sword of veto.
The RPOF ad, though, seems to recognize this situation better than Larry Cretul. Check the last line: "Can you trust he won't change again?" That is a message to pro-choice voters, not to the Republican base. I hope we hear it loud and clear.
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