Taddeo, Crist at Odds Over Russian Oil Alternative

Florida Democrats are divided as the Biden Administration looks to find oil alternatives in its effort to not accept oil from Russia. However, as GOP members have warned, this alternative could come from lifting Venezuelan sanctions. In response, two gubernatorial candidates are now at odds as Florida Rep. Annette Taddeo (D) is sharing her disapproval of the move while Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) is praising President Joe Biden (D) for seeking an alternative.

Amidst the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Republicans have criticized the Biden Administration, arguing that Biden has made the U.S. dependent on Russia for oil. Instead, they have called for energy independence at a time when reports indicate that the Biden Administration is moving to lift Venezuelan sanctions to receive oil from them.

However, this decision has received criticism from GOP members across the country, and Rep. Taddeo has joined the group of lawmakers warning that the U.S. not to enter a negotiation with Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro.

Taking to social media to discuss the concern, Taddeo commented that "if America was down to its last barrel and Venezuela was giving oil away for free, America still shouldn't go to the murderous tyrannic madero regime for help."

Taddeo added that "there are ways to reduce gas prices that don't involve putting America and Florida at  the mercy of murderous dictators," noting that "cutting deals with  dictators will cost us far more than $5 gallon."

As a result, the Florida Democrat called for the Biden Administration "to immediately clarify the objectives of this visit and unequivocally reiterate its support for the total freedom of the heroic people of Venezuela," affirming that "the freedom of a people cannot be negotiated behind their backs or sold for a barrel of oil."

Rep. Crist, Taddeo's former running mate in his last big for Florida Governor, also released a comment on social media regarding Russia. However, the former Governor of Florida, thanked the president "for standing up to Putin and banning the import of oil and gas from Russia."