Almost as shocking as having Rick Scott for a governor is how so much of the media seem to be buying his contrived image makeover. As if as the consummate outsider and political rookie, he’s just been learning on the job and now sees that he needs to be more accessible. Even his innate awkwardness is seen by some as a positive — as if it’s an endearing function of his non-career-politician background.
Much more balderdash than verity. From Count Voldemort to Howie Mandel? Hardly.
It’s so obvious what’s going on. Those still-awful Approval Ratings borne of:
*A certain ideological, anti-Obama move that undermined Tampa-Orlando megalopolis plans while derailing short- and long-term job-creation scenarios.
*A declaration of open season on serious growth management.
*A recession-era pink slip policy, including teachers.
*Disincentives for the get-out-the-non-Republican vote.
*Dismissive, arrogant attitudes for all but acolytes. Underscored by us-against-them gatherings in Tea Party-friendly enclaves such as Eustis and The Villages.
*Contemptuous dislike for the media — or anyone else who dared bring up Scott’s involvement in Medicare fraud or how he bought an election.
*Disingenuous, self-congratulating robo calls to unsuspecting Floridians.
*And, alas, a lot more.
Then add the pressure from the GOP establishment to not be: A) an embarrassment at next year’s Republican National Convention in Tampa (think: media-manna, “Pink Slip Rick” demonstrators in front of the St. Pete Times Forum) and B) enough of a disgust-magnet as to cost the party Florida in the general election.
That’s why he’s inviting the Tallahassee press corps in for Danish. That’s why he’s giving interviews to somebody other than the Koch Brothers. That’s why he’s resurrecting Bob Graham’s old workdays’ gambit.
It’s as calculated as it is transparent.
And speaking of those Scott “workdays,” here’s hoping next up is selling newspapers. Make that “hawking” newspapers. From a median at a mega-busy intersection. Maybe Dale Mabry Highway and Kennedy Boulevard. First, he may be tempted to read one. Second, let’s see if he survives. If so, then maybe the safety issue is, indeed, overstated.