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brooklynite

(94,519 posts) Mon Jan 21, 2019, 02:21 PM Jan 2019

As Beto O'Rourke Weighs 2020 Run, Democrats Chafe at His Go-It-Alone Style

For a moment in August, an event hall in Texas teemed with hope, taquitos and unity.

It was a border-town stop for Beto O’Rourke’s Senate campaign, but another Democratic politician commanded particular attention: Gina Ortiz Jones, a history-making congressional candidate — gay, Filipina-American, an Iraq war veteran — hoping to turn a majority-Hispanic district blue. “Really special person,” Mr. O’Rourke said, as Ms. Jones stood and waved.

But soon, a county chairwoman posed an uncomfortable question. Mr. O’Rourke had not endorsed Ms. Jones. In fact, he had elevated her Republican opponent, Representative Will Hurd, with frequent praise and, most memorably, a live-streamed bipartisan road trip that helped jump-start their midterm campaigns. Would Mr. O’Rourke support the Democrat?

He would not.

“This is a place where my politics and my job and my commitment to this country come into conflict,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “I’m going to put country over party.”

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As Beto O'Rourke Weighs 2020 Run, Democrats Chafe at His Go-It-Alone Style (Original Post) brooklynite Jan 2019 OP

I like his campaign style, I like his aw shucks kind of way of dealing with voters. redstatebluegirl Jan 2019 #1

Kamala Harris has already lillypaddle Jan 2019 #3

I know that is just where I am right now. I was with Obama early too. redstatebluegirl Jan 2019 #4

We need to see some debates I do declare. Coming right up in June. nt UniteFightBack Jan 2019 #2

Thanks for this brooklynite. I had no idea this happened. Power 2 the People Jan 2019 #5

I like Beto and I am happy to let Beto follow his own path Gothmog Jan 2019 #6

Barring evidence that he is the only (potential) Democratic candidate who can inspire millions Tom Rinaldo Jan 2019 #7

redstatebluegirl

(12,265 posts)

1. I like his campaign style, I like his aw shucks kind of way of dealing with voters.

Reply to brooklynite (Original post)

Mon Jan 21, 2019, 02:26 PM

Jan 2019

I also like someone who is willing to work with anyone to get what we want, but I'm not happy with his lack of willingness to support the democratic nominee in any district. That is concerning in a Bernie kind of way. I see where is his going with it, but it does concern me. My favorite at this moment is Kamala Harris.

lillypaddle

(9,580 posts)

3. Kamala Harris has already

Reply to redstatebluegirl (Reply #1)

Mon Jan 21, 2019, 02:38 PM

Jan 2019

taken Beto O'Rourke's place in my soft spot. It's early yet, though. Things will shake out.

redstatebluegirl

(12,265 posts)

4. I know that is just where I am right now. I was with Obama early too.

Reply to lillypaddle (Reply #3)

Mon Jan 21, 2019, 02:39 PM

Jan 2019

UniteFightBack

(8,231 posts)

2. We need to see some debates I do declare. Coming right up in June. nt

Reply to brooklynite (Original post)

Mon Jan 21, 2019, 02:30 PM

Jan 2019

Power 2 the People

(2,437 posts)

5. Thanks for this brooklynite. I had no idea this happened.

Reply to brooklynite (Original post)

Mon Jan 21, 2019, 02:42 PM

Jan 2019

Gothmog

(145,168 posts)

6. I like Beto and I am happy to let Beto follow his own path

Reply to brooklynite (Original post)

Mon Jan 21, 2019, 05:03 PM

Jan 2019

Tom Rinaldo

(22,912 posts)

7. Barring evidence that he is the only (potential) Democratic candidate who can inspire millions

Reply to brooklynite (Original post)

Mon Jan 21, 2019, 05:28 PM

Jan 2019

Beto will not be who I am supporting this year. I would need strong evidence that he is far better able to whip up sustained mass enthusiasm as a Presidential candidate than any of our other fine choices. In other words, I can perhaps support him if I become convinced that he by far offers our best shot of winning the White House. That is a high bar for him to clear, we have a very strong field. I prefer a number of other candidates over him for various reasons, including this one. Hurd is not among the worst Republicans, but I can't condone Beto refusing to endorse Jones. Especially in a year when it was critically important that we win back the House.

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