Rick Scott Defends Debate Delay: Crist Was ‘Sweating and He Needed a Fan’

Governor Rick Scott (R-FL) is sticking by his decision to delay last night’s gubernatorial debate because his opponent, Democrat Charlie Crist, decided to place a small electric fan as the base of his podium.

“I think he was probably worried about his track record,” Scott told CNN affiliate WPBF Thursday, again claiming that it was actually Crist who initially refused to go on stage over the fan issue. “I think he was sweating and he needed a fan. I’m surprised he didn’t try to ask for dry ice.”

Meanwhile, Crist is embracing the #fangate interest, using the story’s popularity to raise money and fire up his base on Twitter:

Glad to have you all on board! RT @TheDemocrats RT if you're on Team Charlie. #FLGovDebate pic.twitter.com/CjPzcs9e2D

— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) October 16, 2014

RT @NextGenFL: Rick Scott, not a fan of renewable energy… or fans #FLGovDebate #Fangate pic.twitter.com/I7hJ3M1spe

— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) October 16, 2014

#fangate – what a night! Now, let's get back to the issues that matter to Florida. 19 days. Say you're in – here: http://t.co/1CFlgKZJsQ

— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) October 16, 2014

The Florida governor is scheduled to appear on CNN during the 5 p.m. hour Thursday for an interview with Wolf Blitzer on The Situation Room.

Watch video below, via CNN:

[Photo via screengrab]

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>> Follow Matt Wilstein (@TheMattWilstein) on Twitter

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