#FanGate – Florida Gubernatorial Debate Turns Silly: Gives birth to 3D printed Rick Scott “Tantrum Fan Baby”

I’m a resident of a town in Southwest Florida named Cape Coral. I’ve been living down here for almost ten years now and I love the climate, the people, the sunshine, and the water-sports that this state has to offer. One thing I don’t love about the state is its never-ending political drama. Whether it’s the presidential election recount drama that occurred in 2000, when George W. Bush barely beat out Al Gore to become this country’s president, or the fact that Florida is one of the most prized swing states in the nation, the state always seems to be at the forefront of dramatic turmoil when it comes to politics. Wednesday night’s Florida Gubernatorial debate was no exception when it comes to the drama that preceded the event.

I’m personally very neutral when it comes to politics. I think that all politicians are liars (at least the successful ones), and that none of them believe everything they say. Politics are a game in my mind, a game in which the players (politicians) play by deciding on the best strategy that will win them an office seat. This means saying they believe in one thing, while not really believing in it at all.  Wednesday night, this “game” took an interesting turn, when Governor Rick Scott refused to take part in a debate with Charlie Crist, due to the fact that Crist had an “electronic” fan under his podium. According to debate rules, no electronics should be permitted. See the drama ensue below:

Personally I’m not taking sides, as Crist obviously broke the rules, but Scott didn’t help his case when he basically acted like a kindergartner, by not wanting to take part simply because Crist was feeling a bit on the warm side. One 3D designer, named Fernando Sosa, however, has decided to take sides in this case. Evidently disliking Governor Rick Scott, Sosa is a resident of Orlando, Florida, and has made a name for himself by creating 3D printed political sculptures. He’s known for his Vladimir Putin and Phil Robertson butt plugs, his Ted Cruz “Real Manchurian Candidate” figurine, and many many more.

His latest 3D printed figurine is one that has been created to mock Governor Rick Scott for his “crybaby-like” tactics in the aforementioned Florida Gubernatorial debate. Entitled “Rick Scott – the Tantrum Fan baby – Fangate”, this figure depicts Scott as a baby, holding a fan, and wearing a $100-covered diaper. He has tears streaming down his face, and he appears to be crying quite heavily.

“Rick Scott [spent] 150 million dollars of his own money to become governor of Florida… not counting the millions of that Koch brothers, Sheldon Adelson and his billionaire buddies gave his campaign,” writes Sosa. “You think Rick Scott would be sitting pretty on his huge pile of campaign cash and millions of false ads… but Rick Scott seems to be acting like a Big Fat Rich Spoiled baby.. Waaaa Crist wants you to hate me Waaaa… When you think this spoiled rich brat couldn’t go any lower.. he threw a huge Tantrum when Charlie had a Fan under his podium!!! just like a little rich brat he threw a tantrum and threatened to take back his ball and go home!! For 10 minutes he threw a baby tantrum and refused to debate Charlie Crist.”

Apparently Sosa has some ill feelings toward the governor. Warranted or not, his latest creation is quite the humorous piece. It is available for sale via Shapeways for a mere $25.99. Perhaps Charlie Crist’s campaign should think about handing these out to his supporters. It is 3D printed in full color sandstone and measures 1.837″ w x 2.487″ d x 2.32″ h.

What do you think? Is this a bit unfair to the current Florida Governor, or is it an appropriate portrayal? Discuss in the 3D Printed Rick Scott #fangate Tantrum Baby forum thread on 3DPB.com. Watch more of the debate below: