DeFede Columns

MIAMI (CBS4) ― At a time when it is hard to find Republican votes in either the House or the Senate for his stimulus plan, President Barack Obama would probably be willing to break out his checkbook and write a check to the Charlie Crist for Senate Campaign during his trip today to Fort Myers.

Obama would love it if Senator Mel Martinez – who has suggested he might step down before his term is up in 2010 – would bow out today so that Crist could appoint himself to the seat.

"Gov. Crist and I have seen firsthand the toll that this economic crisis has taken on the American people, and we agree that we can't allow politics to get in the way of urgent relief for the millions of families and small businesses that need it," Obama said in a statement announcing today's town hall meeting today with Crist in Fort Myers.

Charlie Crist is Obama's favorite Republican – at least for today. And the feeling is mutual.

"Florida has taken prudent steps to cut taxes for our people and balance our budget in these increasingly difficult times," Crist said. "Any attempts at federal stimulus must prioritize job creation and targeted tax relief for small business owners. I am eager to welcome President Obama to the Sunshine State as he continues to work hard to reignite the US economy."

Compared to the way Republicans in Washington have been treating the new president, Crist's comments are the political equivalent of a love in.

Crist is taking a fascinating approach to this stimulus debate, bucking the party's conservative leadership, which has decided to fight the president to the bitter end on the stimulus. Beltway Republicans have made the calculation that it is better to oppose the president and hope his plan fails than to support him and risk being seen as weak.

Crist is taking a more practical approach. He wants the money Obama and the Democrats are dangling to the states. Crist is facing a budget deficit this year of at least $3.5 billion – and maybe as much as $5 billion – and he's decided he is in no position to say no to whatever piece of the $800 billion federal stimulus plan that Florida might get.

Crist isn't alone. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger – facing even greater deficits in his state – is also a big supporter of the president's plan.

And unlike the Washington Republicans who are playing the political angles for the future, Crist has assessed the country's mood and determined that people want action. They don't want to hear about Republicans in Congress trying to trip up the president in the hope of winning congressional seats in two years. But the Republican strategy so far isn't working.

A new Gallup Poll taken during the first week of February, shows that 67 percent of the American people favor the way Obama is handling the stimulus plan with just 25 percent disapproving.

That same poll shows that only 38 percent of Americans approve of the way the Republicans are handling the issue. Fifty-eight say they disapprove of the GOP's approach.

And the one thing that is certain, Crist knows how to read a poll.

As I am wrapping up this column, Obama has just taken the stage in Fort Myers after being introduced by Crist who left no doubt where he is on this issue.

"This is not about partisan politics," Crist said, urging passage of the stimulus plan and lauding the president for his efforts. "This is about helping our country."

And Obama returned the love saying that Crist, as a governor, is one of those politicians who knows what is at stake.

"Gov. Crist understands," Obama said.

He certainly does – in more ways than one.

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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