Charlie Crist Repeats (and Repeats) 'Obama Hug' Baloney on National TV

On his national book tour, chameleon Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist told TV talk-show hosts the story of The Obama Hug. Over and over and over. He always followed it, as he did on "Real Time With Bill Maher" Friday night and at the AP media event in Tallahassee on Jan. 29, with some version of "When the president of the United States of America wants to appear with you, you show up. ... My mom and dad always taught me to be respectful ..."

But a Beth Reinhard story in the National Journal Sunday, "Charle Crist Hugs Barack Obama All Over Again," reminds us again that -- well, contrary to mom and dad's tender teachings, back in 2006, on the eve of his election as governor, Charlie declined to appear at a North Florida rally with George W. Bush. "You chickenshit!" Bush adviser Karl Rove bellowed at him, according to Charlie's book "The Party's Over." At that time, Bush's national approval was at 38 percent and the Cristster was keeping his distance.

Reinhard reminds us in a fine story that defines an aspect of his character that if Charlie perceives being in anybody's company on a stage is in his best interest, he'll be there. Period. If he doesn't, watch him slide to the back of the boat like a wet mackerel.