DeSantis' Democratic challenger chased off from rally by protesters

's Democratic gubernatorial candidate received a less-than-warm welcome from liberal protesters demonstrating against restrictive abortion laws on Saturday - who chased him off when he attempted to show his support. 

Pro-abortion protesters shouted over Rep. Charlie Crist's attempts to speak to them outside of an event in Tampa on Saturday, chanting: ', we call your bluff! Voting blue is not enough!'

Crist then made his escape from the site of the protest, heading to a waiting car. During his exit, Crist continued to wave and smile at the protesters. 

When asked about the reaction, Crist told reporters: 'Everybody needs help, and I'm here to help.'

The reaction is not a good sign for Rep. Crist who is aiming to win the Democratic nomination on August 23 to take on Gov. Ron DeSantis in Florida's gubernatorial election this fall. 

Many liberals and leftists have complained that Democrats are not doing enough to protect their basic rights and enact key policy such as student loan relief. The overturning of Roe vs Wade has pushed many progressives to demand action now, and reject Nancy Pelosi and other establishment Dems calls to simply vote Blue to fix the problems.

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Rep. Charlie Crist was rebuffed as he repeatedly tried to engage with protesters in Tampa on Saturday

Demonstrators shouted at Crist: 'Democrats, we call your bluff! Voting blue is not enough!'

Despite being shouted down by the protesters, Crist continued to wave and smile

After escaping to the safety of his car, Crist told a reporter: 'Everybody needs help, and I'm here to help'

On Saturday, the pro-abortion group was there to protest the conservative Moms for Liberty organization's first national convention being held in the Marriott Hotel, at the same time Florida's state Democratic Party convention was being held in the same complex.   

Crist previously served as Florida's governor between 2007 and 2011. In 2010, he left the Republican party and registered as an Independent. He joined the Democrats in 2012. 

He is competing against Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried for the Democratic nomination. The congressman is leading in most polls. 

One protester at Saturday's rally held up a sign that read: 'One term Ron!!! That's it b***h.' DeSantis was one of the speakers at the convention, alongside Senator Rick Scott and former Secretary for Education Betsy DeVos.