Politics

Pundits: Fla. fight muddled

At the annual Jewish Federation's dinner, guest speakers spar over issues facing the U.S.

By Catherine E. Shoichet, Times Staff Writer
Published February 11, 2008

From left, Dr. Charles Krauthammer, Judy Woodruff and former Sen. Bill Bradley wait to have their picture taken before the Tampa Jewish Federation Annual President's Dinner, which featured a panel discussion "Which Way for America?"
	[John Pendygraft | Times]

TAMPA - A legal battle over Florida's Democratic primary results could cause an irreparable rift and pave the way for a Republican presidential victory in 2008, a conservative columnist said Sunday night.

"It's conceivable you'll see this end up in court, which could cause the kinds of divisions that we really haven't seen in parties since the Democrats in '68 or the Republicans in '76," syndicated Washington Post columnist Charles Krauthammer said at the Tampa Jewish Federation's Annual President's Dinner.

With broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff moderating, Krauthammer and former Sen. Bill Bradley sparred over oil, international affairs and Middle East peace. But they easily agreed on one thing.

"This is a remarkable presidential year," Krauthammer said.

Bradley, a supporter of Sen. Barack Obama, predicted the Democratic race will remain a fierce competition until the convention. And Florida, he said, could play a critical role.

"What happens there is any man's guess," Bradley said.

Organizers said the political panel drew more than 600 people to the philanthropic society's annual dinner Sunday night.

The discussion began with breaking news delivered by Woodruff, fresh off the screen of her Blackberry: Obama had won the Maine caucuses.

Scattered groups of people clapped. A victory means Obama has swept the weekend's presidential contests, though crucial states remain.

Many more cheered when Republican John McCain's name up came up a few minutes later.

But one quip from Woodruff drew applause from everyone.

"I can't resist an invitation to come to the state of Florida, because you are where it's happening," she said. "Florida is a place of endless fascination for all of us who cover American politics."

Catherine E. Shoichet can be reached at cshoichet@sptimes.com or 813 661-2454.

[Last modified February 10, 2008, 23:21:32]