Perhaps mindful that Rick Scott had told the press corps to show up at 11:45 a.m. today for a meet-and-greet in a West Tampa Cuban restaurant, but in fact showed up nearly 40 minutes earlier and was long gone by the time the majority of reporters showed up, the Charlie Crist communications team alerted reporters early Tuesday afternoon that a 2 p.m. meet-and-greet for Crist at an East Tampa salon had changed to 1:30.Crist didn't actually get to the Total Image Hair Salon on 40th Street until 2 p.m., leaving reporters sweating in the November Florida humidity.
Here's the exchange he had with reporters after visiting with supporters inside the intimate shop.
Q: Have you seen any exit polls?
Crist: I have not. I just get a good feeling about what's going.I feel like people are energized, they're excited, it just feels good. It's an intangible thing, to be honest with you. I'm just hopeful, and prayerful, and pray to God that things will come out well for Florida tonight.
Q: What's the first thing you'll do if elected?
Crist: One of the first things I want to do is expand Medicaid. I feel sorry for about a million of our fellow Floridians who aren't getting the coverage that they need and deserve, that's really important. Restoring the cuts obviously to education that came about. There's a lot to do. Heal Florida. Bring Florida back together. You know, have Republicans and Democrats and independents come together for a better tomorrow.
Q: How do you expect to be received and how will you govern if you're re-elected?
Crist: As a unifier. I think it's important that you know, this has been a tough race. Let's all admit that. And I think we need to get by that and say after tonight, the campaigning is over — it's time for Floridians to work together again for our common good.
Q: How do you respond to people saying they have to select between the lesser of two evils in this campaign?
Crist: Well, that's not the case, thank God [laughter]. I think they have a good choice in this race.
Q: Do you think we'll have a winner tonight?
Crist: I do. I do. I feel good about it. I really think that we will. I hope so for Florida's sake, to be honest with you. And for all of your sake. I think Florida's ready for a conclusion.
Q: Inaugural ball this time around?
Crist: I haven't even thought about that. One step at a time.
Q: To expand Medicaid, it's going to be a struggle. Will Weatherford is no longer the Speaker of the House, but nevertheless, they didn't want to do it in the House at all.
Crist: Well, you said it. He's not the Speaker. And we'll have new people there, and I'll reach out to them, and work with them, and look them in the eye and say we need to do this for the people. It's the right thing to do.
Q: Are you ready for a recount?
Crist: Well, we are if we need one. I don't think that's going to be necessary. I really hope not. For Florida's sake. I really mean that.
Q: Any words for your opponent in these last few hours of the race?
Crist: No. Travel safe.