WATCH: Charlie Crist Chased Off By Liberal Protesters: ‘We Call Your Bluff!’

Zachary LeemanJul 16th, 2022, 3:59 pm
 
Charlie Crist Shouted Down by Protesters

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL) was shouted down and chased away by a group of liberal protesters in Florida after he attempted to speak to them.

The protesters were holding pro-abortion rights signs and also demonstrating against Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) with one sign reading: “One term Ron! That’s it bitch!!”

Crist is currently attempting to replace DeSantis as governor of Florida, a position Crist held from 2007 to 2011. Crist is also a former Republican whose stance on abortion has become a lightning rod of controversy for him in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.

“Democrats, we call your bluff! Voting blue is not enough!” demonstrators chanted while some followed Crist to his car as he made his escape. The congressman tried to throw some friendly waves at the crowd, but the niceties weren’t returned.

Creative Loafing: Tampa Bay reporter Justin Garcia posted video from the women’s rights rally to Twitter. Following Crist to his car, Garcia asked the former governor what just happened.

“Everybody needs help, and I’m here to help,” Crist said while rolling up his window.

WUSF Media journalist Stephanie Colombini also posted video of the Crist incident and reported that the protesters were demonstrating against a conservative Moms for Liberty event in Tampa. State Sen. Janet Cruz (D) was also reportedly rejected by the protesters.

Crist has held pro-life views in the past, including in 2010 when he promised to fight “pro-life legislative efforts.” Questioned by CBS Miami’s Jim DeFede in May what has changed since then, Crist replied, “nothing.” He would follow-up by saying he is in favor of abortion rights and he has made abortion a central issue for his campaign.

On Twitter, Crist’s pinned tweet reads: “On my first day as governor, I will sign an Executive Order to protect reproductive freedom in Florida.”

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is also hoping to replace DeSantis as governor, and she has capitalized on confusion on Crist’s stance on abortion, labeling him a pro-life candidate in a recent ad.

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Zachary Leeman

Zachary Leeman covered pop culture and politics at outlets such as Breitbart, LifeZette, BizPac Review, HollywoodinToto, and others. He is the author of the novel Nigh. He joined Mediaite in 2022.