“We live in a place called America, and America is a special dream, the most successful experiment on the face of the earth,” Gov. Charlie Crist said during his keynote speech at a Republican Party of Florida fundraiser Thursday night.  "Some people, years ago, got together and decided that they were going to make this special place called America.  And have this democracy that gives us the opportunity to choose our leaders. It is precious and it is to be cherished."

Sound familiar? Gov. Crist often talks about Florida in the same way. RPOF raised $1.5 million and touted that more than 700 people attended their Republican Victory Dinner. (AP photo)

Buzz had heard that Crist might talk about the new Republican
coalition in Florida and about the way he governs and how that Florida
formula could help Republicans win elections nationally. But that
didn't happen.

His 10-minute speech was signature Crist, packed with thank yous, shout-outs, enthusiasm and platitudes.

He did talk about the importance of working hard and raising money to get Republicans elected in November.

"The world is on an axis, and things can go either way, and if we don't understand that nobody will," Crist said. He used himself as an example of how hard Republicans need to work, pointing out that he planned to spend his birthday, July 24th, at a fundraiser to re-elect Sen. Jeff Atwater.