Crist Dodges Question on What Limits Should be Placed on Abortion: ‘The Question Really Isn’t What Limits’
July 22, 2022 Updated 10:20 A.M. ET
MIAMI (FLV) – Democrat gubernatorial candidates Nikki Fried and Charlie Crist went head to head in a debate Thursday a month out from the August primary election.
The candidates were asked about topics including abortion, housing, gun regulations and the environment. Both candidates attempted to prove to their base that they are the Democrat for the job.
MEDIATOR: “Would you have any limits to abortion access?”
CRIST: “You know, the question really isn’t what limits. The question is why do Republicans like Ron DeSantis not honor and respect a woman’s right to choose?”
Crist touted his pro-choice record in congress and his stance against an abortion bill as a state senator. Fried attacked Crist for his previous pro-life stance and said if she were elected governor, she would prohibit money from going to state attorneys to prosecute doctors who perform abortions.
The candidates were asked about high rent prices in Florida. Nikki Fried blamed the high prices on “predatory landlords” and said she would declare a housing emergency for state attorneys to “go after” them. Charlie Crist said Florida needs to fully fund the Sadowski Fund to help people pay for rent.
“Hundreds of millions of dollars that can be used for Floridians to be able to put a roof over their head. It’s not just for buying a home. It’s for putting a roof over their head,” Crist said.
Both candidates said they were the person to beat Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in November and both launched attacks at him.
“He’s the worst governor in modern day history,” Crist said. “Attacking LGBTQ, not caring about affordability for your housing, for your gas, for your groceries, for your utility bills.”
Fried called DeSantis a “bully” and said she’s watched him “take away our freedoms.”
The Florida primaries take place on August 23rd, just one month away. The debates were hosted by NBC 6 Anchor Jackie Nespral and Telemundo 51 Senior Political Reporter Marilys Llanos, airing in both English and Spanish.
