This Miami Herald article declares that Charlie Crist is in trouble. The interview Crist had with them will only hurt him more. Here’s a partial transcript of the interview:

What are your priorities?

“Jobs. jobs jobs. These are difficult times. I think we’re all very cognizant of that fact, but I think my duty and the duty of all of us in public service is to strive to do everything we can to try to improve that situation for our fellow Floridians.”

But how do we create those jobs?

“Jobs, jobs, jobs…It really is all about the economy. There’s no question about it.”

Referring to a sweeping plan to expand rail lines, he added, “This is not a panacea for all jobs and all unemployment. I understand that, but it’s certainly a great step forward. It’s continuing to provide hope for people and that’s important to do, too. People need some encouragement during these difficult times in order to see that that there’s a brighter day ahead.”

I haven’t heard you offer a single specific.

Crist bristled and reiterated his commitment to investing in rail and bio-technology.

“There’s only so much I can do,” he added. “I’m not the king. I can’t change the global meltdown in the economy.”

Do you have a bio-tech initiative?

“There are things already set in motion that I think we can augment and improve upon, and that’s my goal.”

What can the state do about foreclosures?

“I’m a very open-minded guy. I try to approach any issue with an attitude of — `Is there a way we can be helpful? Is there a way that we can make a difference?’”

Where are we in this [economic] recovery?

“I’m not an economist by training. I’m a lawyer. But it seems to me that there are indicators that it’s getting better…We all need to work on this together to improve the plight and the future of our people to make it bright rather than the opposite.

What a pathetic interview. This is how panicked candidates react under pressure. Gov. Crist understands that he’s in trouble, in the polls and in perception. He’s in danger of losing his fundraising edge, too.

This article tells me that Gov. Crist is panicking:

Feeling the chill wind of conservative displeasure in his US Senate race, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is floating the idea of a cut in the state’s corporate income tax, which generates $1.7 billion annually.

Crist told the editorial board of the South Florida Sun Sentinel Thursday he thought a tax cut might free up more money for hiring. But with the state’s budget already in the red, he will likely have a hard time selling the idea to legislators next year.

It’s apparent that Gov. Crist is panicking. It’s apparent because he’s proposing this with Florida facing a big deficit. Gov. Crist knows that that big of a tax cut won’t be passed right now. This is what desperation looks like. Gov. Crist’s proposal fits the political definition of flailing.

The only question left is this: When will Gov. Crist drop out for the good of the party? Marco Rubio has already caught him in the polls without him having statewide name recognition. If Gov. Crist insists on playing this out until the primary, he’ll lose by high double digits.

Finally, it’s worth noting that unprincipled politicians won’t do well in a TEA Party world. That’s why I’m saying goodbye to Gov. Crist.

Technorati: Interview, Primary Election, Charlie Crist, Tax Increases, Stimulus, Economy, Unemployment, RINO, Marco Rubio, TEA Parties, Conservatism, Election 2010

Cross-posted at California Conservative