Florida gubernatorial hopeful Charlie Crist explained in an interview why he left the Republican Party in 2010.
During an interview with Fusion TV’s Jorge Ramos, Crist said that the GOP’s reactions to President Obama because of his race were a “big reason” why he switched parties.
“I couldn’t be consistent with myself and my core beliefs and stay with a party that was so unfriendly toward the African-American president, I’ll just go there,” Crist said.
Many Republicans, however, have denied his claim about racial hostility towards President Obama.
The former governor is running for his old seat and will be challenging Gov. Rick Scott, who he is leading in the polls.
Ramos asked Crist about being a flip-flopper and changing his stance on some key issues including the Affordable Care Act and the U.S. embargo against Cuba.
Crist admitted that he “modified” a bit on healthcare reform and as for the embargo on Cuba, he said he believes it has not been effective.
On Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Times reported that the 57-year-old is looking into visiting Cuba this summer.