CNN Shuts Down FanGate Part II Ahead of Florida Debate

The third faceoff between Republic Gov. Rick Scott and former Gov. Charlie Crist, a Republican turned Independent turned Democrat, will not become FanGate Part II.

CNN has banned notes, props, opening statements, closing statements and electronic devices, including fans, from Tuesday’s third and final debate between the gubernatorial hopefuls, the Miami Herald reports.

“FanGate” erupted during the second debate between the two candidates last Wednesday night at Broward College. While both candidates had agreed in advance to no electronic devices, including fans, someone from Crist’s campaign installed a portable fan under his podium.

Scott’s request for a clarification of the rules delayed the debate by about five minutes and sparked a firestorm of criticism from Crist’s campaign.

The Broward debate’s organizers – Leadership Florida and the Florida Press Association – issued a media release following the controversy that said the Crist campaign did break the rules. It also said the temperature on the stage in advance of the debate was a crisp 66 degrees.

The final, fan-less debate takes place Tuesday night, Oct. 21, with a start time of 7 p.m. It will air live on CNN.

Fans aside, what issues would you like to see the candidates address during the debate? Share your thoughts by commenting below!

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See Also:

• FanGate: Crist Campaign Broke the Rules, Debate Organizers Say
• Charlie Crist Using ‘FanGate’ to Drum Up Donations
• Gov. Scott Sweats Fan at Debate