Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) tried to rally the crowd during an event with President Joe Biden.
Biden traveled to Florida on Tuesday for a fundraising event to support the state’s Democratic candidate for governor, Charlie Crist.
“You want to improve people’s lives? I bet some people in here want to improve people’s lives. Are you with me?” Wasserman Schultz asked the audience.
After applause from the crowd, she added, “C’mon people, let’s wake up! We got the President of the United States in the house! C’mon now! I know you got a little more energy than I hear.”
Wasserman Schultz continued, “OK. Thank you very much. That’s the crowd I know. Those are the people I represent. OK, just wanted to make sure you’re still here.”
Watch the video below:
Debbie Wasserman Schultz introduces Biden in Florida:
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 1, 2022
“C’mon people, let’s wake up! We got the President of the United States in the house! C’mon now! […] Just wanted to make sure you’re still here.”
pic.twitter.com/wxdTogwubg
Two Democrats familiar with the situation told CNN Biden held the rally in Florida largely at the encouragement of Crist.
“He’s the most important man in the world,” Crist said during an interview with the outlet.
He continued, “The fact that he’s coming down to Florida with a week to go until the election says everything you need to know about how important Florida is.”
Crist explained he wanted the president to focus on the issue of abortion, calling it the “number one issue” in the race.
Last month, Crist and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) battled during their only debate over issues including abortion and the response to Hurricane Ian.
On Monday, The Hill reported Crist is using an “unusual” strategy to reach voters.
Crist will use a tactic called “relational organizing,” a way to pay people to talk to their friends, family and others about his campaign.
“Relational organizing is setting our campaign apart and laying down a roadmap for a new tactic that Florida Democrats can use moving forward,” Sydney Throop, Crist’s campaign manager, said, as The Hill reported.
She added, “Our program isn’t just about connecting with Democrats, it’s about reaching Floridians, often left out of the political process, and bringing them into the fold. That’s how Florida Democrats will play to win for cycles to come.”
According to FiveThirtyEight, DeSantis is leading Crist by 8.9 points, as of Nov. 1.
