Charlie Crist’s perma-tanned face bears none of the strain you would expect from the archetype of the embattled Republican. Politicians are supposed to keep up appearances, but Crist is especially convincing, one of the more earnest politicians you will see, whether or not he means it.

Marco Rubio at his headquarters in Coral Gables, Fla. Mike Huckabee says he may be the face of the future of the Republican party.

Charlie Crist at the Westin Colonnade hotel in Coral Gables, Fla.

“Are you kidding? It would be an honor,” the governor of Florida tells a guy wearing a kilt who had asked for a photo.

“Thank you for coming to Pensacola, Governor,” a woman says.

“Call me Charlie,”...