Why is Charlie Crist afraid of debating Democrat gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich?

With all of the usual left-leaning suspects in the media, as well as the majority of die-hard Florida Democrats, pushing for a debate between Rich and Crist, the former “Conservative Republican” governor of Florida refused to engage his opponent in an open forum.

I don’t believe we can defeat an anti-choice, pro-gun, Republican governor like Scott by nominating an anti-choice, pro-gun, former Republican governor like Charlie Crist.-Nan Rich

Crist contends that he needs to stay focused on his real opponent, Florida Governor Rick Scott.

Rich is fundraising off of Crist dodge-and-run tactics, and is once again calling on him to debate her.

Here is Rich’s recent fundraising ask:

I accepted an invitation to a debate this Thursday with the Florida Press Association. My opponent, Charlie Crist, wouldn’t. Florida’s major newspapers have all called for primary debates, and I know you want them, too.

I believe candidates have a responsibility to defend their records and offer a clear vision of the future. But it seems that Charlie Crist doesn’t want to discuss or attempt to defend his record. In a very real way – his silence speaks volumes.

We must defeat Rick Scott. But I don’t believe we can defeat an anti-choice, pro-gun, Republican governor like Scott by nominating an anti-choice, pro-gun, former Republican governor like Charlie Crist.

Rich then puts out a press release calling for Crist to debate her at this Thursday’s Florida Press Association and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors gubernatorial forum

“Months ago, the Florida Press Association invited both candidates in the Democratic Primary to face the press and take questions side by side,” said Rich. “I accepted immediately and without conditions. The Crist campaign delayed accepting for weeks, and then only agreed to attend if Charlie and I appeared on different days. In other words… no debate. Florida voters deserve better, and I’m calling on Charlie to do the right thing and agree to debate.”

Despite calls from nearly every major newspaper in Florida and polling that shows a clear desire on the part of primary voters to see a real debate, Crist has refused to do so.

“Anyone who wants to lead the Democratic Party against Rick Scott should have the courage to talk about their record and their vision for Florida in a debate,” said Rich. “I’m prepared to do so today, Thursday, or any other day.”

Rich and Crist have appeared consecutively at four events in the last three months, but Crist has, so far, refused to appear on the same stage at the same time. Senator Rich has accepted multiple debate invitations from third-party organizations. Charlie Crist his ignored or declined all of them.

From the looks of it, Crist is running scared from Rich. In a debate between the two, Rich would all but embarrass Crist by skewering him on his multitude of political flip-flops.

A debate between Crist and Rich would be a whole lot of fun, to say the least.