The Florida gubernatorial debate was briefly delayed Wednesday evening over what was described by the moderator as a "very peculiar situation."
The debate, between Gov. Rick Scott (R) and former Gov. Charlie Crist (D), failed to begin on time because Scott refused to take the stage when he learned a fan was under Crist's podium.
"Now, let me explain what this is all about," moderator Elliott Rodriguez said.
"Governor Crist has asked to have a fan, a small fan, placed underneath his podium," he continued. "The rules of the debate that I was shown by the Scott campaign said that there should be no fan. Somehow there is a fan there and for that reason, ladies and gentlemen, Governor Scott will not join us for the debate.”
The announcement was immediately met by a loud array of boos throughout the audience.
Democratic challenger Charlie Crist waits for Florida Gov. Rick Scott to start their second debate, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014 in Davie, Fla. Scott delayed the start of the debate because of an electric fan below Crist's podium. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Crist, however, took the stage and used the opportunity to take aim at his opponent.
"Are we really going to debate about a fan or are we going to talk about education, and the environment and the future of our state? I mean, really?" he asked.
Eventually, after several minutes, Scott ultimately agreed to debate and took the stage.
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