Crist Flips On Health Care Reform

Updated 2:30 pm

Gov. Charlie Crist (I) said on Central Florida News 13 TV Friday that he "would have voted for" the health care reform bill, contradicting numerous previous statements including a pledge to lead the fight to repeal the law.

"I think what we need to do is go ahead and repeal this thing," said Crist, while on "Fox News Sunday" on March 28. "Let's start over. Let's take an opportunity to do what's right for the people."

After switching parties, Crist softened his rhetoric on the issue. In a July 14 interview with the Wall Street Journal, he said the law "should be modified," and didn't support repealing it.

He then issued a "fact check" on his website on July 29, after people were understandably confused about where he stood on the issue.

"The Obama health care bill was too big, too expensive, and expanded the role of government far too much," Crist wrote. "Had I been in the United States Senate at the time, I would have voted against the bill because of unacceptable provisions like the cuts to the Medicare Advantage program."

Ex-FL House Speaker Marco Rubio's (R) campaign is all over Crist's various positions, emailing reporters a detailed summary of Crist's health care stands. But this is not the first issue that Crist has done a complete flip on a policy issue. Hotline On Call detailed in June a history of Crist's switches, and predicted that Crist would move to the left on the health care issue as well.

It's certain that Rubio and Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL) will use the above clip in an attack ad this fall. But Crist has managed to escape criticism before regarding his shifts.

UPDATE 2:30 PM: In an effort to clarify his remarks on the issue, the Crist campaign released a statement Friday that is strikingly similar to a statement he released on 7/29.

Statement today (emphasis mine):

"Apparently, based on an interview this afternoon, there may be some confusion regarding my position on health care. If I misspoke, I want to be abundantly clear: the health care bill was too big, too expensive, and expanded the role of government far too much. Had I been in the United States Senate at the time, I would have voted against the bill because of unacceptable provisions like the cuts to the Medicare Advantage program. But being an independent, I have the freedom to be an honest broker for the people of Florida without regard for political party, and the reality is this: despite its serious flaws, the health care bill does have some positive aspects.

Repeal must be accompanied by a responsible substitute -- repeal without passage of a substitute law protecting those with pre-existing conditions, closing the prescription drug donut hole for seniors, and allowing parents to keep their children on their insurance coverage until age 26 would be wrong. While I would not have supported the legislation, we have to recognize the positive components and work together across party lines to make our health care system more affordable for both consumers and the government.

This debate must not be about political posturing; it must be about protecting the people of Florida and America, and I intend to do that hard work when I get to the United States Senate.

Statement on 7/29 (emphasis mine):

The Obama health care bill was too big, too expensive, and expanded the role of government far too much. Had I been in the United States Senate at the time, I would have voted against the bill because of unacceptable provisions like the cuts to the Medicare Advantage program. But being an independent, I have the freedom to be an honest broker for the people of Florida without regard for political party, and the reality is this: despite its serious flaws, the Obama health care bill does have some positive aspects.

Repeal must be accompanied by a responsible substitute -- repeal without passage of a substitute law protecting those with pre-existing conditions, closing the prescription drug donut hole for seniors, and allowing parents to keep their children on their insurance coverage until age 26 would be wrong. While I would not have supported the legislation, we have to recognize the positive components and work together across party lines to make our health care system more affordable for both consumers and the government.

This debate must not be about political posturing; it must be about protecting the people of Florida and America, and I intend to do that hard work when I get to the United States Senate."

At least his press releases are consistent.