This much we know: Gov. Rick Scott’s poll numbers remain awful. But we also know this: a surprising number of voters agree with him on some of his highest-profile stands, such as his non-citizen voter purge. What’s the punditocracy to think?
Probably this: At the superficial, conceptual level, Scott can be on the right side of some controversial issues. Think Gov. Jeb Bush and educational accountability. Was anyone not for it? Of course not. But was that a sufficient rationale to carry the FCAT day? Of course not.
As for Scott, he knows that his bumper-sticker, Tea Party reasoning in the context of an increasingly under-informed, over-hectored electorate can resonate. Anyone really in favor of illegals voting? Of taxpayers left on the hook? Of welfare druggies being unaccountable? Of business-strangling regulation running amok? Just don’t ask your clarifying, follow-up questions.
But is that a way to make an honest case that is in the best interest of Florida and Floridians? Of course not.