Crist, Meek Dunce Meter: In Competition for Union Vote, Both Look Like Losers

Teamster Charlie.

​As Election Day approaches, the three-way U.S. Senate race between Independent Charlie Crist, Republican Marco Rubio, and Democrat Kendrick Meek gets stranger by the minute. In today's installment, Crist and Meek both canceled a scheduled talk at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, because neither wanted to cross a stagehand picket line and appear anti-union. Let's break down the absurdities in this battle:

Flip-flop rating: 9. Three years ago, Crist was a Republican governor who supported Florida's anti-union "Right-to-Work" law. His concern for the rank and file is about as strong as his UV protection. Plus, this particular contract fight, between the stagehands and the Kravis Center, has been going on for a decade. Teamster Charlie, where were you ten years ago?

Meekest of the Meek.

​Spinelessness rating: 9.5. Meek had planned to first march on the sidewalk with the union protesters, then go inside to speak at the Kravis Center. But when he heard Crist was pulling out, Meek canceled his talk too. Dude, your last name may be the only thing most voters know about you, but that doesn't meant you must adopt it as your mantra.

P.S.No, it doesn't help that you joined the picket line instead of giving your talk. What was the point except to pose for the cameras?

Entertainment rating: 8. A bunch of rich suits paid $55 a pop for tickets to see two high-profile, would-be senators speak. Instead, they got stuck with last-minute stand-ins. There's some sweet irony there.

Embarrassment rating: 9. These are our leaders, people. One of them will soon become the next senator from Florida, unless their right-wing, "drill baby, drill" opponents wins. Voting in Florida hasn't been this shameful since the butterfly ballot.