Boy of Brazil

Florida Politics has a hysterical wrap up of Charlie Crist's political blundering in Brazil.

Crist went to Brazil to boost his presidential foreign policy resume on a trade mission. The NonDecider attempted to shore up his tough guy image by not meeting with Petroleo Brasileiro.

"We will continue to follow the moral and prudent path by not doing business with companies that sponsor terror and by setting an example for all other states and nations," Crist told the St. Petersburg Times. I wonder if the NonDecider feels the same way about Halliburton.

Petrobras made only a $35-million investment in an Iranian oil company in 2004. Petrobras was blindsided by Crist's tone. Unfortunately, Republican tough guys tend to talk before they think.

Now the St. Petersburg Times has learned that the Florida pension fund has $111,919,435 in foreign equity assets invested in Petrobras, according to the State Board of Administration, which manages the state's investments.

"I talked to the fund before I met with Petrobras to see what amount might be affected," said George LeMieux, Crist's then-chief of staff. "Perhaps someone missed it."

I'm anxiously awaiting Crist saying he can't do business with Florida.

First Crist didn't know about pension money invested in Petrobras. A staffer told the Times Crist actually knew two months before the Brazil trip.

Crist attempted to grandstand on the world stage. He ended up embarrassing himself. The whole incident is expecting from a foreign policy-challenged wingbag like Rudy Giuliani. To make matters worse: Crist pissed off the Brazilian government.

Petrobras officials were taken aback by the scolding from a politician on only his second overseas trip . . . .

Brazil's Consul General in Miami, Joao Almino, has contacted Crist's office to express his government's "surprise" over Crist's decision and the language used in his Nov. 7 statement. Brazil respects Florida's right to regulate its pension plan, officials say, but they deny that Petrobras is associated with terrorism.

Way to go, Charlie.