After reading the Washington Post's investigation on Beto's longstanding ties to rich GOP donors (no I am not making it up, see here (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/beto-orourkes-political-career-drew-on-donations-from-the-pro-republican-business-establishment/2019/03/14/4dc299e8-3e8a-11e9-9361-301ffb5bd5e6_story.html?utm_term=.098ad43acca8 )
I think he is a spoiled hypocritic narcissist and faux progressive.
I am waiting for Joe Biden to clear the field and take all these non-starters out. We need someone with experience, mental stability, centrist views, and can lead. Not Beto.
Beto seems like a nice guy, but nice is not what kind of president we need, we need a Pit Bull president,Beto is more Chihuahua, he even is fluent in Spanish, might make a good ambassador to Latin speaking countries. He also speaks Texan, seems we have had a couple of them, along time ago, one was a Democrat.
I think we need a more seasoned candidate,most of the ones so far seem to be one issue candidates. Warren wants to take on the banks, they make good villains, but they also bite back, their history precedes Democracies, they have survived kings and dictators. I do not hear any talk of diplomacy, none of the seem to be criticizing the State Department, which has been reduced to its LCD, now being run by another GOP blowhard, that is ignored by the heads of other governments.
I do not know where to start, the one with the best experience is Biden, and just like all of them, misbehaved in his younger years. The new progressives are demanding perfection, so if you shook hands with a Republican when you were 16, it disqualifies you, Bernie is their choice.
Well anyone would be an improvement over the current Swindler in office, Micky Mouse would be better.
2
I like Beto. He's going to bring people together.He's ahealer
26
Let’s not celebrate Susan Collins. She was making up for her Kavanaugh vote. She ain’t principled, and she ain’t stupid.
35
Beto? Meh.
Give us more Pete Buttigieg, he’s legit.
92
Read Danielle Tcholakian in The Daily Beast, “The Unbearable White Privilege of Beto O’Rourke”. She sums up my thoughts exactly—all this hype over a mediocre but good looking white male, even before he declared, while mostly ignoring the candidates who were already running.
Another thought I have—you would NEVER have seen a video or interview with Michelle Obama sitting by silently. She was(IMO) Barack’s “ X-factor” in 2008 .
68
Tall, handsome, white, male, young: America’s ideal for the presidency. Meanwhile, at least five WOMEN! are running and they get barely a blip of enthusiasm from the media. NYTimes, you’re an influencer. Influence us in the right direction—towards QUALIFIED people instead of matinee idols. Omg, America—wake up.
141
Glad you asked. Just no.
37
I think Beto should run again for Senate and help us conquer Mitch McTreason. I would vote him or even "It is over" Biden over the racist not-even-a-millionaire internet troll any day and twice Sunday, but I hope I don't *have* to—not with Sane candidates like Sanders or Warren.
-----
"So, BET-oh. We’ve heard a lot of Bay-tos out there, but do it his way."
Exactly. Spanish speakers will NEVER pronounce the 'e' as "ay", and those who do are speaking some other language.
Don't get me started on the manifest-destinyist atrocity "nuh-VEH-duh"...
15
“Beto, Better, Best!” You can just hear his cheerleader groupies doing the Beto yell! As our charming, boyish candidate skateboards through the adoring crowds looking like Bobby Kennedy and casting that aw shucks, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington grin.
“But, wait! I thought Beto was running for Most Popular Boy in the senior class, not President of the United States!”
“Who cares, I’ll vote for him as long as he’s got Oprah’s imprimatur.”
8
Uh . . . didn't Christ make that "born for this" claim? A little pretentious, Beto! Big mistake. I've been supporting him since his Texas challenge to take over Cruz' seat. But he needs some seasoning. How about Bernie/Beto or Biden/Beto. Start in the second slot, Beto!
21
His wife needs to work on her version of the Nancy Reagan glazed-eyed stare. And he's sorta' a cartoon. But, it's early yet. Enjoy the menagerie of wannabes.
14
I'll tell you what I think of Beto. Beto is not ready for prime time. I think that pretty much sums it up.
posted by sohy
59
He’s the perfect Millenial candidate: vacuous, shallow, self absorbed, baselessly self assured. Bye bye, Beto.
67
The teeth-cleaning video was Beto's incarnation of Howard Dean's scream. You can't un-see something so adolescent. Sorry.
29
We just witnessed horrifying racist violence in New Zealand. I don't know who we will have as the Democratic presidential nominee. But I will vote for that person. I want our racist president out of the Oval Office.
62
I'm thinking I have my eye on Bill De Blasio
2
Did you mean the Psychedelic Warlord"?
https://www.thedailybeast.com/beto-orourke-was-secret-member-of-notorious-hacking-group-reuters?ref=home
3
So why is he called 'Beto' when his real name is Robert? 'Bobby' isn't good enough for him?
10
Bernie : Beatles :: Beto : Monkees
13
I guess I just don't get what all the fuss is about with Beto. He has no substance. He has nothing to add to the debate. And quite frankly, he comes off like he has some kind of God complex. BTW, he's no Bobby Kennedy. By the time Bobby ran for President, he'd already been through hell and back. Beto has hardly gotten his feet wet.
51
Oh, come on! Snap out of it. Stop with the Beto worship and giving him so much free coverage (remind you of anyone?) and get serious. I’m starting to think Democrats are just as susceptible to cult figures as Republicans. We have a Manchurian candidate in the White House who wants to commit acts of violence on his opponents and you want a not-even-good-looking (sorry, folks, I just don’t see it) possibly misogynistic (cue the silent, adoring wife by his side; that was downright creepy), policy-free latter day hippy to run against him? We’re doomed if Democrats fall for him. Absolutely doomed. Go do your homework and shake yourself out of your Beto stupor, people.
65
Beto needs to go back to school, earn an advanced degree, something to show us that he has intellect.
Would Beto be afraid to reveal his SAT scores? Tax returns?
18
Beto's wife is a millionaire heiress whose job is supporting more charter schools. That's not going to play well with all those teacher voters who are paying for the supplies their students need.
Teachers say: #NeverCoryBooker #LikelyNeverBeto.
18
Beto needs to stay in Texas and run for the Senate. His vanity in Vanity Fair says why.
34
A cute white guy with an adoring wife-that is all I see in this Beto guy. I see how far being white and male and having a wealthy family can get you. That and looking cute.
17
Much ado about nothing.
28
Sorry, but I have to get this off my mind. Iowa is world class in corn production.
https://www.iowacorn.org/
There is much to be learned when one runs for president. Especially the first time. He'll get used to it and we'll get used to him, but early front runners don't always do well.
Too, we still don't know if Big Yellow is going to be indicted, and will his podiatrist get him out of trouble.
IMHO, Beto's campaign is still in the yawn stage of development.
5
Beto O'Rourke's father-in-law is a Billionaire, a real estate investor. Beto helped him make that money off of the poor.
Sound familiar?
It will take truth to win, not a Billionaire false base.
What does it take for Dems to recognize a coat of many colors woven out of OPM, other peoples money.
We need an FDR candidate, like Beto said, the label isn't important, progressive, socialists, centerist ? What matters is the people are all of these things well blended in a candidate like Bernie Sanders. His running mate will be young and brilliant. Bernie will work for all of us, he may not accomplish everything on his list- though its a pure goal for a majority of Americans. He will not be selling out an old neighborhood for a "Build that Wall Street". And he will choose a running mate that can win.
Is this the writing of a future President?..........>>
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/03/15/orourke-not-proud-writing-1223903
11
I go Beto
2
Sound the trumpets, bang the drums....another white male rolls out. Why the breathless coverage? zzzzzzz.....
8
If you think major qualifications for POTUS is being a cute white guy who acts goofy and skate boards, you are crazy. Sure he might be fun to hang out with and go to a movie with, something that I would not care to do with Trump. But vote for him as the leader of the free world? Not a chance.
15
I’ll pass on Beto. Just another wealthy, overprivileged white guy married to an heiress who’ll inherit her daddy’s billions. Can we refocus on Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, please?
28
🔴LIVE: Bernie Sanders Rally in Henderson, Nevada (3/15/19) March 15, 2019.
Watch this today and compare substance.
Youtube.
4
Focus on ....He lost to Ted Cruz. Lost. To. Ted Cruz. Trump would steamroll the lovely little boy.
19
Ouch.
Too bad that Beto announced his candidacy right before the NZ massacre happened.
2
Are you sure about Oprah? Maybe she'll throw her dough behind her spiritual advisor, Marianne Williamson.
3
Sorta reminds me of Obama; attractive and superficial.
6
This very paper laid out his pretty clearly articulated positions on several key issues, so that seems to undermine the idea that he’s wishy-washy on these things (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/14/us/politics/beto-on-the-issues.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share). Like all the candidates, I’m keeping an open mind until the campaign actually starts. It’s all posturing for now. Though I admit that I find Beto to be refreshingly authentic when I’ve heard him speak.
9
What most struck me, Gail, is the question of that Iowa voter, “Why do teachers have to take money out of their own pockets to buy classroom supplies?”
This question encompasses the entire issue of political expediency. How is it that so many teachers in so many states for so long have been asking this question? Apparently, adequate funding for education is a universal issue in this country. Beto’s mealy mouth mumbling response didn’t even address that question. And that question contains many more: Why isn’t there ongoing funding for infrastructure repair and improvement? Why are corporations given such excessively large tax breaks to move to a city or state?
Beto could have run with that original question, noted that educational funding has been politically starved for many years; or, perhaps, that teachers should be able to deduct those expenses from their 1040’s; or that school boards should be held accountable for this problem; or, just about anything else germaine to this question.
A mumbling skateboarder does not a presidential candidate make. Speak out, Beto! Damn the torpedoes, Beto! Think, and let us know what you actually think!
5
Gail,
Keep an eye out for where he puts his dog on those trips around Iowa. This guy could be another golden pot at the end of your writing rainbow.
2
Semigogue.
5
Where's an actual Democrat ?-- one who will stand up and say we need universal single payer health insurance (damn the middle men) and that the gov. indeed will negotiate drug and that abortion MUST be legal(I am not sure about legalizing MJ), for progressive income taxes, and the luxury tax and the estate tax, and who would create an online academy setting a standard-- from KG thru law school (Obama already told us we shouldn't major in art history)- not some 50s style Republican -- like Bill and Hillary. So yes, Bernie and Warren. Beto likes the Abominable Care Act apparently. I would like someone who wants to cut the defense budget. Trump should be happy if the next president keeps icebergs from melting... so that Mar a Lago doesn't get flooded.
And why are we bombing Somalia and what is going on in Yemen. Have ad it with men and their war toys. This leaves Elizabeth Warren IMO.
6
The Progressive Platform
"Income Equality!"
"Racial Injustice!"
"Immigration Reform!"
"...Oh, he's cute!!!"
5
Last thing this country needs is more narcissistic bro culture... or candidates.
13
I think the DNC fix is in to deflect from anyone too progressive. Sound familiar?
7
President Warren
VP Sanders
Att.Gen Avenatti
Sec of State McFaul
To get the job done we need the total package.
If it was Sanders instead of Kain Dems would have won. Ego's can't play in this game. The majority of the vote does.
4
Beto for president? I don’t think so. To put it briefly.
8
With columns like this you can thank yourself for getting Trump re-elected. Jokes didn’t work in 2016. Get serious. Quit trivializing a serious candidate for President.
5
At this point one, long, mostly muted yawn, and it's too early to go to bed as I type this...
6
What do I think about Beto? Not much.
10
Gail, it IS Texas. So, Bobby Kennedy meets Eddie Haskell, from
“ Leave it to Beaver “. Overly smiley, overly polite, overly eager to please. I could be wrong. No, I’m not. “ I’m just born to do this “.
That’s hubris, naiveté, or craziness. At least making the statement in a very public fashion, just like a proud two year old announcing his latest production in the adventures of potty -training. If you can’t beat Ted Cruz, who can you beat ??? That’s the real question. I’d have much more respect for him IF he really got to work and WON the Senate Seat in 2020. Until then, this is all just a Vanity project, or a bid for the VP slot.
Fasten your seat belt, Girl. “ Stuff “ getting interesting.
6
Attn Dem candidates: To beat Trump, like any bully, you will need to punch back, harder. Bloody his nose, split his lip, blacken his eye. I’m not talking physically. When he goes low, you go lower (talking to you, Pocahontas). Forget about respecting the office. You can do that when you take the oath. The only person who seems capable of doing this is Nancy Pelosi, and she ain’t running. Hmmmm. The bar is already on the floor. The American voter responds to this. No more Mr/Ms. Nice Guy!
12
We will need someone mature to clean up the mess after Trump. Think Bernie and Liz Warren (first Jewish President First woman VP). No Biden please, he had 8 years already in the WH as VP, others need to get their chance now. And no more risk taking with skate boarding, he still has 3 kids to put through college and now with increased scrutiny they have to get in with their own merit not through donations ;).
1
“I was born to do this” , words (in a speech) just came to him? thinks making a reference (joke?) in Iowa about not being able to access Tinder because no broadband....
He is ludicrous, and perhaps as narcissistic as trump. STOP the absurd fawning coverage.
I actually sent money to his campaign against ted cruz, but president: ugh.
12
Friends in Texas love him. He finally allowed Texas Democratic voters to let America know that, hey, there are lot of us here, and we aren’t gun-toting racists, and we are people of color. They nearly pulled it off this time, and Texas got a lot more purple.
Empowering very large minority creates tremendous energy and momentum. In Massachusetts, we saw a miror image of this phenomenom in the successful candidacy and election of Scott Brown.
There is a very large minority of voters here that hate the university-educated, avocado-toast-eating, yoga-mat-toting RangeRover drivers, who sit in unnafordable Red-Sox luxury seats, and sail their boats off to Nantucket and the Vineyard in the summer.
They helped elect Scott Brown, who defeated a tone-deaf, vaguely obnoxious career technocrat, who rose up through the political ranks through her own competence. A woman, who demonstrated unfamiliarity with the Red Sox (!!!!???). Democrats here were done in by complacency and boredom.
But here’s the thing: Trump lost the popular vote by 3 million to a slightly better candidate than Martha Coakely was. Trump was the charismatic game-changing underdog who got elected by formerly voiceless, alienated voters.
The Beto O’Rourke phenomenon won’t translate to Democrats in 2020 in a national campaign, driven more by revulsion to Trump’s double-talk and utter lack of substance and competence than by his his turpitude.
We need a Bono—not a Bon Jovi.
"O’Rourke is a former member of the House of Representatives who lost a race to Ted Cruz, one of the least appealing human beings on the face of the earth."
"one of the least appealing human beings..."? Can you name more than one or two others less appealing? I know there must be someone, somewhere, but Ted Cruz may be the very best know 'least appealing' person in the whole world. Usually, the very odious personality traits that make a 'Ted Cruz' a 'Ted Cruz' negate any prospect of worldwide renown.
I'm going out on a limb to say that Ted Cruz is probably the best known, least appealing person in the world. I suppose his wife likes him, maybe. And I'll bet his Mom would claim she does, but that's Moms for you. Other than that, though, its *Ted Cruz*. Sure, someone has to be last, least, but Cruz in the Senate hit #100 right away, and has kept it his effortlessly.
Let's give Beto a chance to educate us all on the real question to be asked, "What Do You Think About, Beto?" What do you think about, and what are you going to do about it. Then - "we'll see".
3
Why is the media focusing on him and not Warren or Harris? Because Warren and Harris are educated and savvy, and real threats to the status quo. Beto is a goofball with little knowledge of anything. Nothing to see here ladies and gentlemen, look over there.
13
Mr O'Rourke gives the impression of being awfully pleased with himself for someone who was recently defeated by America's most detested senator. Could it be nothing fazes Beto? All this reader can imagine is that his super amount of self confidence comes from having a billionaire for a father in law and daily being told how adorable he is.
10
Beto is the perfect candidate to win Celebrity Apprentice, which is exactly what we do not need now. Change bodies and ages with Bernie Sanders, and we”d all be saying, “Beato, who?”
5
Just another pretty face, Dandy, just another pretty face.
6
Beto? More madness. Has this country gone crazy?
4
I am a big Beto supporter ... but I also like Warren a whole lot. They might make a good ticket. Just not sure who's on top. . Oh Ms Collins you forgot to mention along with skateboarding Beto was in a punk rock band. I think they put out a couple Lp's. That almost seals the deal.
2
I watched an interview from someone in Iowa who said that the last time he saw someone as engaging as Beto, was Walter Mondale. sorry Beto but you would would have had a better shot if you won in Texas.
4
Why do voters demand 'charisma?' Be leery of all 'charismtic' types.
8
Beto is likeable, and Warren isn't. Sounds like a good subject for a "conversation" or "argument". I suspect the clown car isn't full yet, so there will be subject matter for similar columns yet to come.
1
He is a light weight and not worth the time. Sorry.
8
What do I think…
Think that Elizabeth Warren should pay Beto O’Rourke $65K to take her Gallup Polls for her – and another $65K to keep quiet about it…
Tried taking the DNA’s herself – rejections still pouring in…
Actually liked her wealth-tax science fair project a lot more than AOC’s income-tax one…
PS
Think the only way she’s gets into the White House is by impersonating Nancy Pelosi and tailgating Chuck Schumer through the security screening…
Only way Beto gets in is by being mistaken for a new Congressional intern on a tour…
Or the Electoral College mistaking him for Jared…
PPS
I’ll pay the Gallup folks $65K to float a “Jared Beto” candidate, just to see what happens…
Probably get offered a slot in Stanford class of ‘23, without even submitting an application…
For clarity, Gallup - wasn't really me making the above offer...
2
How to pronounce his name? Easy: Robert. Just what we need: another middle aged white man claiming he was born to be President. Please.
15
An empty pair of jeans.
9
None is, not none are
4
What does this 65 year old life long liberal think of Beto? I think I will not vote for him.
5
Is there anyone out there who can list even one substantive accomplishment by beto?
4
Kamala Harris is the only candidate who can win.
Warren: never can get past the "worse than Hillary" feel. She makes me cringe.
The white guys? Who wants another white guy?
Harris has everything it takes to get out the vote, just like Obama, but more so. And she's more qualified than he was.
6
Saw him interviewed, nice guy, no chance. Will try to please everyone and please no one.
8
What do I think about Beto? Not much.
5
I’ll decide if I like him after he explains his position on substantive issues. Warren/sanders are running on issues that matter. Does the nytimes care? (Yes, very much imo. That’s why it keeps running puff pieces for centrist candidates with “no” agenda. You are either for Medicare for all or against it. Beto’s answer is almost identical to candidate trump’s & means he’s against it,)
4
Why is no one writing about the alleged wealth he married into? Maybe it's of no import to journalists but the public should know what social and economic pressures accrue to anyone seeking high office.
6
Beto is a skim-milk Howard Schultz and in a few weeks will find himself in the same poll position
3
Wants to raise SS retirement age
Wants to means-test entitlements
Couldn't earn AFLCIO endorsement...vs Senator Cruz
Defeated Rep. Reyes in primary with six figures of R $$
Was for Medicare for All before he was against it
Messiah complex
No thanks
4
Meh. Mayor Pete has a lot more substance and smarts no matter how you pronounce his name. And he’s younger than Beto.
10
Beto could not be any worse than the fraud we now have.
2
To answer your question, not much.
4
I don't think about Beto
5
excellent piece. why, indeed, support women who have years of experience when there's a cute white guy running?
10
Gail, Don't worry. I've read Hillary is giving Amy Klobuchar pointers on how to be likeable enough. You'll have your candidate.
3
He is an emoji.
4
What I want to know is if Beto has a dog and likes to attach him to the roof of his pick up while crossing the country to campaign.
2
Oh Gail, I rarely disagree with you but this column dismays me. Give the guy a chance; it's early in the game. He'll sharpen his policies in plenty of time for people to pick at them. Meanwhile your sarcastic demeaning tone is very disappointing. If he really is not qualified let him do something to earn your smarmy attitude. You have gotten cynical, my dear. Maybe it's time you took a long road trip yourself to get some fresh air, away from Washington.
5
Beto lost to onde of the least appealing human beings on the face of the Earth. How does he intend to beat Trump, another human being competing with Ted Cruz for the title of worst human.
He stands no chance.
4
He’s already been given more air time and coffee than the other candidates, and as Andrew Gillum said on Bill Maher, we don’t need more cult of personality candidates. What’s your platform, not your pearly whites on display. The campaign video of him and his wife sitting on the love seat while he air trafficked controlled his message made the whole couch look like it was going to lift off.
4
Gail, this piece is an old-fashioned hatchet job. Culling the fields early on is how new candidates quickly get marginalized. Why do that to Beto? So soon? For so little? I get suspicious when political writers wave their biased hands so flagrantly, too.
4
The democrats need new blood. We are tired of the same tired roster of old white guys election after election. Beto has energy. He is upbeat, smart and YOUNG! Please...NOT Joe Biden!
2
15 minutes of Beto...
2
Thank you Gail Collins,
More like this please. You may have read opinion and analysis pieces by an aussie political writer : Annabel Crabb? I think you would enjoy them.
1
Beto seems like a teenager who has never had a job.
11
An undistinguished congressional career marked by right-of-center voting ... an unsuccessful bid to unseat the least popular senator ever ... what exactly is the political attraction? "Hate to think it’s being a cute white guy who can skateboard." Ms. Collins pegs it.
4
Whovever survives the Democratic gauntlet will have to take on the snide, snotty, and below the belt hitting Trump. I believe this 2020 will be the dirtiest race ever. I'm looking for ideas, but also someone with the grit to go toe to toe and win against the biggest gasbag that's ever been president.
549
"What Do You Think About Beto?"
Great question, Gail!
2
Beto's chief accomplishment is visiting all 254 counties in Texas. He mentioned that six times in his debates with Cruz, instead of presenting positions and plans -- because he has none of those. Wonder how much time he spent in Loving County, population 78 -- (down from 134 in 2017).
He is a 45 yo child, with no accomplishments in office, no platform of goals he'd pursue if elected, nothing going for him but his charisma and faux Bobby Kennedy hairdo.
An empty charmer. The public will see that. If he is the nominee, we're in for another Trump term.
26
i don't get the appeal I don't watch TV.
3
Here’s the thing: Beto’s not horrible to look at, if you like that type. But the voice is kind of screechy and, really, even though Beto’s well spoken, seems self serving. Is she really likable enough? ... Oh wait! Sorry. Beto O’Rourke is a dude! Yeah, O’Rourke seems pretty cool. Very interested.
4
The teeth cleaning did me in. Someone less self-absorbe is required.
10
I went to Mo's Seafood Restaurant in Newport, Oregon, today to show a friend the pictures of Bobby Kennedy that were mounted on the wall. They were pictures taken on May 25, 1968. It was when Bobby ran on the beach with his dog. He was young. he had vision. And he lost the Oregon primary to Eugene McCarthy.
So my question to Beto is, "what's your vision?"
5
“You know, that’s a great question...”
It is the goal of many politicians to use as many words as possible to say as little as possible.
Beto O’Rourke reminds me of John Edwards. He’s too pretty and seems hard to nail down on anything.
14
“O’Rourke does have a tendency to throw his arms around when he talks.”
Beto, right out of the Steve Kornacki school of annoyingly wild gesticulation, is a media creation, the Meme-Man with a soundbite for every position and all the depth of a typical Tweet.
Next.
8
Give the man a chance. The only thing that people are accusing him now are that he is white, he had his wife at his side when he said he was running. These things seems like a political character tarnishing than something real serious. He seems real and down to earth and should be given a chance to go through this mess. I hope he wins if not, at least he will be more experienced the next time. Run Beto run!!!!
4
Beto.
Shallow.
Lightweight.
Clintonian walk compared to the talk.
Couldn't close a winnable campaign.
End of story.
Beto, don't take up oxygen from other candidates.
16
I think he has an unfortunate name, and I think he is treated as another Obama, young, sexy, inexperienced, unknown quantity. No, thanks.
6
I can't believe Dems are going to be stupid enough to nominate a charismatic empty suit like this guy. This country has had enough of people who don't know anything pretending like they do. How about we let him actually run something more than a rock band before we let him run the country.
12
Beto is not ripe. It would have been better if he had demonstrated leadership and acumen as governor of Texas or Senator from Texas.
Beto is not seasoned, and not gravid with issues and solutions. For the moment, Beto comes off like an empty skateboard.
For a guy in his shoes to run for president demonstrates cheek and belies a lack of self-knowlodge.
14
Isn't it refreshing that if Beto wins the Democratic nomination, America will once again have a literate president? Of course that would hold true for any of the Democratic candidates. Yes, whoever wins the Democratic nomination WILL BE the next elected president. (Regardless of whether he/she is running against President Man-child Trump or replacement President Pious the Pence.)
Come on people, let's get real. America (humanity itself) is at a turning point...a point of no return. The 2020 election is about the future of mankind and earth's habitability. We either defeat the Republican Plague or we succumb to its apocalyptic rape of morality, ethics, America, life, our planet.
When the stakes are so high, it matters little whether Beto, et al, have a plan to lower prescription drugs, increase teacher salaries, provide universal healthcare and do it all while balancing the budget and paying off the national debt. What matters is our survival, the survival of our children, the survival of humanity.
If Beto is our nominee then give him 110 percent of your enthusiasm, dedication, support. If Elizabeth, Kamala, Bernie, Pete or Porky Pig is our nominee, we must rally to their side, we must defeat the Man-child President and the Republican Plague.
After the 2020 election we will not have a second chance.
Stop picking at policy pimples and fretting over each Democratic candidate's cuddle-ability rating.
Focus on the big picture: A Democratic President for the survival of all.
16
Beto has too many big time GOP funders behind him in Texas. Nope, not Beto. Plus Texas' history on women. I am wary of anything Texas, at least now that Ann Richards is gone.
3
Didn't President Obama want to 'bring us all together'? And didn't McConnell stonewall everything he tried to do to bring us all together? Why in the world does BET-O think he can accomplish this when Obama could not? The Republicans would eat BET-O for their Thursday lunch and chew on his bones for days after.
We need a fighter who knows how to bring it. We need to stop the Republican traitors, every single one. Or our country is done.
12
Love the threads about Beto not quite ready. And Trump or even Obama was?
3
Beto is a lightweight with a silver tongue and short on government experience. Kamala Harris for one is better prepared.
8
Put either a black African American face or a brown Native American or Mexican American face on Beto O' Rourke and imagine where he would be in the polls in the 2020 race for President.
After an undistinguished 3-term House Congressional career from San Antonio, multi-millionaire Beto O' Rourke couldn't beat the Canadian Cuban American Gila Monster Rafael Edward Cruz in a Texas Senate race. If Beto can't carry his home state in a Presidential election what good is he?
Abraham Lincoln turned one term in the House of Representatives and a losing Senate race into.a successful run for President of United States. Beto O' Rourke is no Abraham Lincoln.
10
Beto will find his own place. Can we focus on policies and the future?
1
The impact of the Internet cannot be overstated. Its “many-to-many” communication capacity (as opposed to the old “one-to-many” publishing regime) allows fickle crowds to fleetingly form like flicks of birds, and then just as quickly disperse to the next senseless trending bauble. Bernie Sanders, Beto and AOC have a great deal in common - they became the focus of an Internet crowd while none have accomplished ANYTHING substantive. NADA. I am embarrassed that Democrats showed so much support for Bernie when his Senate career has been such a vapid void of emptiness (compared to Hillary’s remarkable record of achievements).
Beto is a huge nothingburger, a fictional empty vessel for a bunch of vapid “community activists” to pour their Internet stupidity into.
Our President should have a record of achieving something worthwhile.
5
Not much! Maybe in a few years, or so...
I hate all of the current, declared candidates for giving me another 2-year long presidential election. I go out of my way to ignore them all.
The Republican clown-car of 2016 appears now to be rented out by the Democrats.
3
The last thing we need right now is a guy who thinks he was "just born to do this." Where's your work product, dude? That's the part that matters. Show us what you done so far and detail your plans for the future.
12
What do [I] think about Beto?
I don't.
5
Elizabeth Warren is taking on the momentous task of tackling systemic corruption in our country. If that weren’t enough, she’s fighting to reform and save Capitalism itself!
She doesn’t just rant and rave at real and imaginary foes. She knows exactly how the middle class is being held back by a corrupt system and powerful players that just aren’t visible to ordinary americans till a scandal like the recent college admissions one is brought to light.
Elizabeth Warren has policy proposals for: universal childcare, prescription drugs, big tech break-up, affordable housing, opioid epidemic... while having a plan to pay for them via a revolutionary wealth tax proposal that has support not just from Democrats and Independents, but also from the majority of Republicans!!
Warren actually set up an agency to help the consumers. She made it happen and returned $12 billion to ordinary Americans.
That is all Elizabeth Warren...
But, sure emo Beto O’Rourke was “just born to do this”... Beto’s campaign is the definition of “white male privilege” ... worse he hasn’t even done his homework on policies (Medicare for All?)
Yes, I’ll vote Blue no matter who... but, I’d rather we elected someone who’s EARNED it on the basis of what and who she’s fought for, on the strength of her principled fight to help those Americans who most need someone to fight for them.
12
Seriously? Another fawning Beto story? You need to read your competition, about how Beto and his politically connected family pushed for developers to "gentrify" parts of El Paso that resulted in the displacement of the poorest people, the area targeted the most vulnerable and Beto was in the thick of that with all those big Republican donors to his local campaigns. I think when news organizations really dig into Beto, he'll be Bye-to
5
Meh. Not sure what the big deal is. Yes, he gave Ted Cruz a run for his money, though in a mid term year when the majority party is always on its heels, and in a state that is swinging quickly to the center.
Other than that, nothing special. Cute guy with a nice smile.
Lightweight.
1
Jumping up on bar tops, posting social media pics of dental appointments does not make a president...but then considering a reality t.v. star grifter is our current standard..who knows!
7
Beto is a lightweight and his video seemed so last year. Also my guess is that it isn't his wife raising the kids -- they are very wealthy and I'm assuming there are nannies to help. The joke was not appreciated --- his wife never should have approved. Is she going to walk 5 steps behind him at public events as well?
1
Beto is a lightweight. He may be good fodder for Gail Collins type opeds, but these are serious times
Why don’t Democrats go with our best? Warren/Sanders or Sanders/Warren in 2020!
5
Ooh-wee! I would be fearful of you as my mother in law with that gamma-ray vision seeing right through me!
1
We have lost our collective mind if we pay any more attention to this huckster. He's an over-hyped, hopped-up version of Chauncey Gardiner. Get a grip, people!
4
Beto lost to Cruz.
Cruz lost to Trump.
Not looking good for Beto.
8
we have a spoiled toddler in the White House right now. We don't need a self-focused teenager there.
10
A couple of notes on your column. (1) Bobby Kennedy in real life was not the Bobby Kennedy you think you know. He was a key aide to Senator Joseph McCarthy. He spent a lot of time with J. Edgar Hoover plotting the spying of many US citizens. (2) Ulysses may just as well have been named after James Joyce's book of the same name which itself was an allegory of Homer's Odyssey, but written by an Irishman. (3) Donald Trump would never be described as a cute skateboarder-- he can hardly walk; but he does occupy the WH.
What do I think about Beto?
Well, you pretty much summed it up,
“O’Rourke is a former member of the House of Representatives who lost a race to Ted Cruz, one of the least appealing human beings on the face of the earth.”
If he had been running against anyone else we probably would never have heard of him. I would be ok with that.
4
Please don't mention the Kennedy family. Their liberal politics I appreciate, of course. But the family dysfunction is legendary. There was a very illiberal Irish Catholic kind of misogyny at its core. The more you compare him with a Kennedy, the more I want to know about his wife.
2
Lincoln was a short time Congressmsn who lost a tight senate race. Why attack this cat? Let them run & debate.
1
Let’s start with a given: there must be a woman on the Democratic ticket in 2020.
This creates a problem for Democrats, because Comma-lah Harris (who my wife and I like) is not ready to take the V-P slot quietly. Also, a person of color on the ticket would really help turn out the vote.
So, what’s the problem? Comma-lah for President!
Hold on. The problem is BET-oh O’Rourke, who my wife and every woman I know thinks is the cutest thing on skateboard wheels.
BET-oh will have even more trouble in the primaries selling Comma-lah on the inevitability of his candidacy, than he will with voters troubled by people getting their teeth cleaned publicly.
Gender matters. She wants a Harris-O’Rourke ticket. He wants an O’Rourke-Harris ticket.
Do we no longer need a president with experience?
4
If we are going to choose a young man, how about one who rather than wandering the countryside and blogging about his navel-gazing, can actually speak more articulately about any issue facing us, has more executive experience than Beto or the current occupant of the oval office (which he admits is a low bar), more military experience than any president since George H.W. Bush, and has actually taken on the task of running something big that was a mess and fixing it. Yes, Mayor Pete - Pete Buttigieg (Boot-edge-edge). He killed on the CNN town hall last week, and on the WaPo's Jonathan Capehart's podcast "Cape Up". He may look younger than his 37 years, but he speaks with the wisdom of a party elder. He's progressive without being stupid-progressive, and he has achieved this by winning election and reelection (with 80% of the vote) in a moderately conservative city in a Red (Rust Belt) State (Indiana). Open your eyes, Democrats. We have a winner in our midst if only we could pronounce his Maltese name. Unlike that famous Falcon from Malta, he is the real deal, though he could just be the stuff Democratic dreams are made of.
6
For me, it's between Beto and Biden. Both offer healing to our divisive nation.
1
I hope this is just how Beto is starting his campaign for Senate against Cornyn in 2020. It keeps him relevant and in the news.
133
At this point, I prefer Elizabeth Warren but both Warren and Beto O'Rourke need some coaching on public speaking. O'Rourke gesticulates too much with his arms and hands while Warren moves her head too much when expressing herself.
Suggested campaign slogan/button for Warren: "I Like Liz."
1
Bumper sicker: "I'm betting on Beto." Good, no? Seriously, who knows? For Beto to win the nomination, he'll have to pull off a Bill Clinton or Barrack Obama: capture the voters imagination. He has some of the chops: young, smart, charismatic. Watch the debates and the fund raising. That says a lot.
1
I'm trying to figure out why I should love Beto, other than the fact that much of the media keeps telling me I should. (Admit to not watching Fox, I doubt the are pushing him.)
I keep hearing "Likeable!, Enthusiastic!, He has the IT factor!" OK............ and?
I do hear the criticism that he hasn't stated policy positions, and I can a little space on that this early, but seriously, why is he supposedly presidential material? If enthusiasm + likeability + it factor are enough to have serious pundits speaking highly of him, why?
I certainly understand that America needs a little Kumbaya right now, but are the pundits basically claiming that that is enough? Or is there more substance than is being reported on?
2
The only way to defeat Trump is through substance, not style. O'Rourke has the latter, not the former, which should disqualify him for 2020 but not beyond. With experience comes wisdom, and with wisdom comes gravitas. Of course, as the axiom goes,
you can't get a job without experience and vice-versa. All of that bloviating aside, the rest of the Democratic hopefuls at this time
have yet to truly prove themselves merciless and forceful enough to slay the dragon.
1
He is a great campaigner-like Trump. I do not think he has an understanding of the federal government, the tax system, or other knowledge that would make him a good president. What we need is a Jack Kennedy-where is that man or women today?
I think we need an experienced professional who has thought out positions on some of the critical issues facing us. Whoever inherits the White House after this president, will have to hit the ground running, to clean up the mess he's left...as far as climate, wealth inequality, racism, sexism, and most of all...a lack of trust.
Beto seems like a nice person, with future of possibilities, but I don't think he has the gravitas necessary for this job at this time.
Not now, Beto.
4
As an old boss of mine used to say--'the boy's got good aim, he just ain't got no ammunition."
3
The kingmakers put Beto on Vanity Fair -- not Klobuchar, not Harris, not Warren, not even Sanders. And Ellen Degeneres loves him. So do the math: Vanity Fair plus Ellen plus a punk band in college equals presidential chops. The only question left is who will play him on SNL.
3
Beto strikes me as all style and no substance. Why are the media giving more attention to his candidacy than to the candidacies of a dozen others?
p.s., it was just creepy to see Amy gaze at him the way Pence gazes at Trump.
2
On the one hand, political relative newcomers can be great Presidents: witness Barack Obama.
On the other hand, to paraphrase Lloyd Bentsen:
(Unfortunately, unelected) “Senator, you’re no Barack Obama”
1
That's the thing about pendulums, they're rarely in the middle. Now we have Trump the old, pompous, self made multi Millionaire. Then we'll have Beto the pot smoking, grunge playing, skateboarding, 'hacking' newbie. That's the thing about pendulums, they spend a lot of time on the extremes.
1
I *just heard* Buttagieig pronounce it boot-a-judge.
Think of what you want to do to a judge who won’t dismiss your parking ticket; that’s my trick.
Beto represents the hopes and dreams of the upper middle class liberal - not scary, loved by the press, sort of looks like a Kennedy, no real policy positions and cool to attract the kids. As his video roll-out with the Stepford wife shows, he won't get a pass on his numerous faux pas from his fellow democrats like he did when he ran against Cruz.
2
Beto O'Rourke. A painful reminder of the vacuous mind of so many Americans when it comes to politics. A man with no agenda is considered, seriously, for president. Shame,
6
If he really loved the Odyssey then his son would have been called Odysseus.
Now a James Joyce fan would have gone for Ulysses.
Which kind of perfectly encapsulates a pseudo-intellectual.
Next press scrum ask him the name of Odysseus' dog.
1
As a fairly cynical old-timer, I'm not sure this macho based land of ours is able to elect a woman president. There has always been a type we 've elected - male, faithful wife, kiddies, dogs and an ability to utilize the English language, etc. etc. Obama was an odd man out but an elegant intellectual whom you could fall for.
Trump is an outsized phenomenon that captured the ugly side of America - hate, racism, misognyny - all came to the surface with him. Now it's time for rehab., a time to restore the dignity of the office and recapture our democracy. So far, Biden might be what we need - Beto looks rather Woodstock to me , but perhaps I'm too
rooted in our history (I go back to Roosevelt), to have a "feel" for the happenings of today. I for one,long for civility, decency, and a powerful voice for fairness and justice. We need to restore who we are as a nation with a leader committed to our history and our future.
3
Please Democrats, no. The ever-present Kennedyesque toothy smile, the egoist proclamation that he was born for this, the agonizingly prolonged silent wife's smile that looked like it was practiced for hours in front of a mirror. But these are all superficialities. The real issue is his 'centrist' position--euphemism for swings whichever way the wind benefits him. His generalities are nonstatements. His political record is suspect. Centrism in the world we now live doesn't cut it. We need hard hitting fervor, specifities and action.
7
God help us all if the democrat political leaders are so desperate to get this hypocrite, entitled and inefficient yuppie to run vs Trump. If they nominate him the democrats will give the current White House tenant four more years, by a landslide. In reality he's just being used as a smoke screen to hide the real candidate who will eventually benefit from Roberto's wealthy financial backers. Anybody who has lived in El Paso knows how and why he got into politics, he dances very well the Texas two step.
2
Beto is an inspirational speaker and truly caught fire in Texas. He’s an atypical & creative campaigner. Most of the ‘criticisms’ I hear of Beto sound exactly like the ones against Obama ... that is - they aren’t really criticisms. He has my support. Beto days are coming!
As a devoted Gail Collins reader, I was shocked--"Casablanca"-style shocked--to see pass by the name of Beto O'Rourke's eldest, Ulysses, without mentioning that the U.S. has already had one resident of the White House named Ulysses. Back in Georgetown, Ohio, what was going through the heads of Jesse and Hannah Grant in 1822 is lost to history. Homer or skateboarding probably had nothing to do with it.
3
I went to the Beto website. On the site you could donate to Beto and/or buy merchandise. Cool! But...there was not one policy position listed. Not one. Cynical me thought that maybe if he had some sharp 8th graders as policy savants or website builders, he could at least "fake" an interest in policy.
That's really bully about him being on a skateboard, a real action figure. The Dems really need to have some policy nuggets if they hope to unseat The Donald, come Nov 2020. LBJ, another Texas pol had orders of magnitude more gravitas than this photogenic lightweight. Come on Beto, you can do it! At least pretend to have some interest in policy.
3
I want to know exactly what Beto stands for on ALL issues. The rest is just window dressing.
Progressives are the wave of the future. The Democratic party needs to have bold ideas so that they are not once again the party that stands for mediocre incremental changes. Corporate bought politicians will not win votes.
The NYT needs to report EXACTLY what each politician believes on all major problems facing the US today. Don't 'pull another Trump' and report the stupid things that waste readers' time.
5
For any Trump voter Beto is a dream opponent, ditto for AOC. Maybe there will be a second term for Trump after all...
1
When I think of the next president in 2020, I think of President Warren.
4
Beto rose to prominence being The Guy Who Might Finally Rid Us of Ted Cruz, but Fell Short, despite a Noble Effort.
But we liked his puppy dog face and demeanor so Beto it is !! Like AOC , his reputation precedes his accomplishments. I think he'd have made a passable Senator, but is woefully under-prepared to be our Fearless Leader. But hey, I didn't even think Trump would make a passable senator, so who knows?
It is early yet, and maybe some of the candidates on the Democratic raft will recognize that their collective weight is sinking it, and jettison themselves before the whole thing skins like a stone. But probably not. While the GOP spares no hypocrisy in pandering collectively to their primary base, the Democrats have yet figured out that the only thing they can do is fail to herd cats. Can no one teach them the meaning of the phrase "Goat Rodeo"?
1
I think Beto would make a great computer go to guy, or a good door to door salesman. But as President of the United States, don't think so. Reminds me of John Edwards, very vague about any policy, but looks cute. Please tell me what other business or real job experiences, achievements he has? I really just don't get it...
1
Beto reminds me of a person who going into a restaurant noted for its fiery dishes orders the tamest non-spicy dish. Beto to me is that dish. As a progressive liberal I want someone to will push the ideas, of which I've heard none from Beto. Actually I've heard no ideas at all. How can that be? Beto should stay in Texas where he might someday be the big hat rather than no hat in the US election.
3
"Ulysses got his name because his dad really loves the 'Odyssey,'" in which Ulysses and his son slaughter his wife's suitors, who were there because Ulysses was never home. Just saying.
Enough already with the APPRENTICES, Bush Jr, Obama,and now Trump. We need a seasoned politician, statesman, someone that knows how to govern , not Rule or run America like a business! At this point I say go Berie or Joe or both.
"Or, you know, he could drive to every county" (presumably without a dog on the roof of the car) ... ?
My question about all these candidates is how many of them have another shoe hanging precariously in the closet and who think either no one will open the door to find it there or no one will care much about the sound it will make once it hits the floor? It always amazes me how politicians think no one will care when their past comes out for a little fresh air. And how stupid they are to think they can dance around it while their opponents fashion it into a political coffin. Let's get it out of the way now folks so all the air for the Democratic party is not released and the party's promise for November 2020 is left grounded. And don't think that if Trump can get away with it, so can I. Republicans have zero moral and ethical standards. Zero. Democrats answer to a higher authority. If you want to wear your racism, misogyny, corruption, or
hypocrisy like badges of honor, become a Republican.
1
remember Beto's answer at a town hall on taking the knee. it's on you tube if you haven't seen it. he answered honestly and without doubt.
1
I am a lifelong Democrat and nothing would give me greater joy (and relief) than to see Donald Trump limited to one term.
But Beto O'Rourke is thick on personality and thin on policy, and as a three-term Congressman he didn't do much of anything substantive in DC. When asked about that we got the usual "I was able to 'reach across the aisle' and work with Republicans" blah, blah, blah. Ho hum.
But no legislative push, no initiatives, nothing of note for the six years he served. I want more from a president than the ability to drive him/herself from county to county for photo ops.
When asked questions about the things that concern most Americans, he says "I don't know," or "That's a good question," and then gives a boiler-plate vanilla answer with nothing to back it up on how to handle the costs that will be incurred.
Nah, too much at stake in 2020 for this Democrat to believe that Beto is the one to take on Trump. Way too much at stake.
4
As a progressive Democrat, Beto O'Rourke seems like a Rohrshach test where we project all our hopes and wishes. But, when we return to reality, we must ask the hard question, "Can the man who lost to the second-most disliked man in Washington, beat the man who is the most dislikable? "
4
Of course, Donald Trump promised guaranteed high-quality health care for everyone, too, so there's that. How much longer are voters going to keep bending over for that one?
2
The Democrats have fielded a bumper crop of diverse candidates who are not afraid to take stands and have impressive credentials. But then there is Beto, a wealthy white man who offers platitudes and evasion and little else but charisma. Most accounts said Cruz ate his lunch in the debates. Why are we taking him seriously? Because Vanity Fair says so?
5
Why are we even talking about him?
He’s a bad candidate that the media is trying to shove down our throats. This is history repeating itself as farce; he’s Obama without any of Obama’s good qualities or historic significance. He’s amorphous at best on the most important issues, too cozy with the worst moneyed interests, but let’s be excited because he’s... shiny, or something?
I seriously don’t get it. Why should I even listen to him to begin with? He doesn’t have a compelling or unique platform, like Bernie; he doesn’t have the wonky detail-orientation, like Warren; he doesn’t even have a singular crusade, like Inslee. Why are we talking about him any more than we are about John “Who Are You Again?” Delaney??
7
Like Trump, the press sees profit in Beto. He's a photogenic, inexperienced publicity machine.The Times and the Post will keep providing him with unwarranted free promotion, and the Democrats may find themselves with an unqualified candidate to sacrifice to Trump, who's even better at conning the press.
3
Since you are asking what we think of Beto when we barely know him ,I have to give you a first impression.He is a breath of fresh air’.Imagine a candidate who drives himself to rallies and does not arrive in a Jet emblazoned with his name.What a delight to see a candidate bound onto the stage and take questions.And finally, it is so joyful to see a candidate with tousled graying hair, who sheds a jacket and then a sweater and finally rolls up his sleeves.Beto is a real person, not an actor-he doesn’t need makeup, hairspray or four foot long red ties to hide his girth.Beto seems to like us-all of us.I hope he develops a winning message to match his winning personality..
1
This is hard. Really hard. But please choose which characteristics are most important to you in the Democratic nominee for POTUS:
a. Has been honest
b. Knows how to surround ones self with experts
c. Can take advice from experts
d. Can present detailed solutions for climate change.
e. Can present detailed solutions for political/election reform
f. Can present detailed plans for infrastructure improvement
g. Can interact with others like an adult with courage - especially on an international stage
h. Can offer a plan to improve the employment status of disenfranchised workers (automation, out sourcing)
i. Can offer a plan to restructure American business law to encourage more competition - more choices for us
f. Can clearly enunciate a policy position of human rights for everyone - here and abroad - encompassing immigration policies that are humane and helpful to both country and those in need.
g. Can offer a practical universal healthcare plan that blends private sectors with a government opportunity for a buy in to Medicare - offers choice and affordable coverage for all
or
h. Can campaign tirelessly with charm and charisma
Beto gives us h. Unclear about the others - too early, I guess.
Mayor Pete offers a. through g. So does John Delaney. They have been specific for quite some time.
Will we be so obsessed with selecting "the one who can beat Trump" that we'll end up with a really nice smile?
2
What did he do for his constituents while he was in Congress? I'm not hearing much about this? And when is he coming to Brooklyn? !
Beto has what the pundit class and the DNC desire, a centrist who won't make the moneyed class uncomfortable because his father-in-law is one of them. He is an another privileged white male with charm, as opposed to the privileged white male with Mafia overtones currently holding the office.
Beto was great as a senate candidate in an otherwise unwinnable state, but he is not quite ready for prime time and thankfully it is showing early. He is shallow and self-involved with no key issues to guide his course. Besides, he has voted with the gas and oil industry far too much to have any cred with people concerned about our dying planet.
4
This is what I think our politicians and the ACA--they make a lot of money on movies and we're the poorer for it. I am sick of the drama club and Walker School of Business. Their parents hind behind the name of their kids and we've seen their faces.
It really is torture. But hey, they aren't selling guns and the ironic thing is they have no children of their own, "They would never bring a child into this 'xhit world'."
I hate to say this, as there were many down here in Tejas that wanted Beto to beat Cruz, and I think I like the guy just for difference’ sake, but...he reminds me of Zaphod Beeblebrox. Without the extra head or third arm (he’s covering plenty of air with the two he has).
1
Choose your favorite Democrat and positively promote him or her. Then, when the dust settles, and this outstanding field is winnowed down to a nominee and VP, support them 100%. If it is or is not Beto, it matters not. The Republicans and their infantile leader must be defeated. Beto or any of the others would be infinitely better.
2
Beto is like so many of the announced candidates. I would be a whole lot happier if he had announced that he was running for Vice President.
I am excited about Beto O'Rourke's becoming our next president. He is like most of us 99% Americans and will honor our Constitution an respect checks-and -balances in the government . And, not lie and cheat.
Another personality for a personality contest. Long on hand-waving, short on policy.
5
Beto is packaging himself (and why not, he's handsome) more then clearly defining specific the issues he will fight for... His Health Care plan is wimpy. A Moderate (skateboard totting) Democrat is NOT what we need- our Country needs a fighter for what polls indicate what the majority of Americans want. Bernie! And put Biden out to pasture too.
2
Beto. Vanity Fair, Vanity Run.
5
Not explicating his views makes people feel that they are in a kind of happening. Wise!
What experience does Beto O'Rourke have that recommends him as a Presidential candidate? 3 terms in the House of Representatives is a pretty thin resume.
3
Beto is accomplished. He has managed to look and act like an adolescent at 46 years old.
5
Not sure. But I think his his Ulysses is the James Joyce version, not Homer's. After all his daughter is named Molly.
1
My feelings about Beto are like my feelings about Obama during the 2008 primary. Charming guy, but we have options who are better qualified.
But Beto's not as charming, not as qualified, not as successful, and frankly, not in a position to be the first black President.
He should resume his soul-searching road trip until he gets a Big Idea for an iPhone app.
4
Really! Beto gets attention for removing his jacket, then his sweater, then??? It makes one wonder why he wore them to begin with... and how it reminds us of how questionable country talents (think Luke Bryan) rise to the top of the charts because of tight jeans and hip swivels. Funny how O'Rourke gets attention for his gesticulating manner when Elizabeth Warren, who has defended regular people for years before becoming a politician, had such mannerisms long before. It is laughable to say he ALMOST beat Ted Cruz; he lost to an unsavory character that no one likes. If you can't beat Cruz, who can you defeat? As Trump would say "SAD!" Can you imagine if a female candidate spent years on quixotic quests of questionable purpose while hubby was home raising the kids? Beto reminds me, somewhat, of Ivanka and Jared having arrived at the place and time by family political connections, demonstrating no accomplishment after six years in congress. He's just another lightweight who claims he wants to "serve" his country, not through the Peace Corps, military service, Special Olympics, etc., but by holding the highest office in the land. We've been there, done that. No thanks.
3
He annoys me. He seems phony to me. His hand gestures seem too practiced, not natural. I think he thinks he’s Bobby Kennedy or something. Also, he does not have near enough experience to be president, and he doesn’t have the brains or the humility or the good judgement to know that.
5
Beto has that rare ability of being able to talk for 20 minutes while trying to think of something to say.
The platitudes, the energy, the enthusiasm, the windmilling arms all help to distract from the fact that there is nothing of substance there.
Nice guy but not what's needed.
3
This is as good column on politicians answering questions to point out...
“That’s a really good question” is noise. It’s the “um” and “uhh” that we excuse in beginners at public speaking. I think we should stop accepting it from the pros.
2
The NYT's reporting and editorials on the 2020 Democratic Presidential candidates and their campaigns is ever more shallow, superficial, saccharine. We're being given puffery, horse-racing. It's as though I reached down to pick up the NY Review of Books and wound up with Tiger Beat Magazine.
At this rate, I'll never make it to 2020. Then again, the fault lies with me. If I yearn for serious reporting, it's up to me to look elsewhere. And I do . . .
3
Note to Dems: the bright, shiny object with a great dental hygiene, optimism dripping from his brow and wildly charming gesticulations is no match for the Trump/GOP meatgrinder. Beto’s greatest accomplishment is that he didn’t lose too badly to Ted Cruz. No legislative scores. But he cares for his teeth. I want Trump to be soundly defeated but Beto is an amuse bouche. Unless you want four more years....
398
Wally Cleaver goes to Washington.
2
I recall how Hillary’s detailed policies and encyclopedic knowledge about governance and issues gave her that easy victory over her goofy, political novice opponent. You know, the one whose name rhymes with con.
3
Is this a good time to rewatch Robert Redford in "The Candidate"?
2
Visually, he reminds me of Ichabod Crane.
2
Seems like a nice guy. I think he has the likability quotient nailed.
1
"Ted Cruz, one of the least appealing human beings on the face of the earth."
You mean Rafael Cruz!
I never heard of a man who went to Harvard, yet is so very uncomfortable in his own skin and ashamed of his heritage.
As for Beto, he needs to grow a spine of steel, and fast.
I am concern why he didn't fire a strong salvo @ CWHO after he called him crazy?
I am waiting to hear it.
CWHO: current WH occupant.
Gail, I plead with you: please don’t do this. Do. Not. Do. This.
I hope future President Kirsten Gillibrand or Elizabeth
Warren pick him for Vice President.
Absolutely cringeworthy.
4
What I think about Beto: he is stepping up on his own terms to deal with something much larger than him. Rather than pick him apart (save that for Trump), give him time to express himself. He only just announced!! He may not be the eventual candidate but he might add something we want and need to hear.
256
@DN
give him time to express himself? we're talking about the presidency. we're not talking about an awkward teenager starting high school. a presidential candidate should be a seasoned thinker who has spent years considering how best to run the country and fix its problems. we're not voting for "boy most like to". we're voting for the most powerful person in the world.
181
@Anti-Marx A seasoned thinker like Trump, you mean?
It's early days, and the good news is the Democrats have lots of choice. The cream will rise to the top, and the rest can join the creepy Starbucks guy on the sidelines.
52
He's very cute. And he happened to be in the right place at the right time, positioned to almost beat Ted Cruz, possibly the only politician at the national level who's sleazier than Trump. Not enough to make him ready for the presidency. Maybe he'd be right for his own reality show, maybe a show where he runs against a different insane Republican every week. If the show is a hit, then maybe president.
117
I liked Beto when he had a shot at displacing a truly repulsive Ted Cruise. But running for President? Sorry, I just don’t see it happening. Joe, Bernie, and even Elizabeth are too old.
That leaves a bunch, and it will take time to decide who will be best. One person who should get a definite look is Mitch Landrieu, former Mayor of New Orleans. For me, right now, he has the right combination of intellect, personality, and real world experience to be a force in leading America in the proper direction.
125
@Bill. Thanks for bringing up Mitch Landrieu's name. He could show up most of the Democratic primarians in short order. I hope he's considering a run, and/or there is a Draft Mitch Movement about to break through.
30
All I want is for the Democrats to run a candidate who can actually win. Getting rid of Trump before he totally wrecks our country is imperative. So far I think there are too many Democrats piling into the race and if the ultimate candidate is too enmeshed in identity politics, we're doomed...
6
I think it is time to give equal coverage to all the people running, not just the media personalities. There are younger candidates in the race than Beto, and there are candidates that actually have a position on issues, unlike Beto.
8
I keep hearing that we need a personable guy, white, charismatic but inoffensive. Someone who might be able to push some progressive- light ideas without offending the Trump base. Someone with almost no record to worry about.
Someone who can might manage to understand and carry forth a few of the ideas of an Elizabeth Warren.
Hmm.
1
Choices, choices, choices. What's a person to do?
For starters, wait a while longer until the herd starts to thin. Undoing the Trump years will be a starting point for our next leader and I want to hear that addressed. Skate boarding and teeth cleanings aside, give me good judgment, common sense and a solid caring for all the constituents and while we are at it, tets get a working Congress back in office too.
4
To an interested outsider, the Democrats are surely missing a trick here . Accepting all the while that the process of nomination is fixed and candidates should never be shackled from standing , it nonetheless defies logic that the party hasn’t streamlined procedures to reduce the number of applicants and select early . A broad based, clumsy , internecine fight is merely a distraction . Trump will gain from this .
Your voters should know the defined opposition to Trump as soon as possible to ensure they create an appropriate connection . Your President has coarsened just about every feature of modern democracy and democratic accountability . From the people of Ireland , we beseech that it shall not be “ Four more years! “.
8
Beto has built something of a cult of personality but when I hear him interviewed, I’m not all that impressed. The guy who does impress me, though, is Mayor Pete Buttigieg who may not be ready for the national stage yet but who I think will ultimately surpass Beto.
14
You mention Beto's children, Ulysses, Molly and Henry and comment of his older son, Beto "really likes Ulysses." Might the names actually be more esoteric references - "Ulysses" by James Joyce, Molly Bloom, a key character in that same novel and the subject of the famous ending, and Henry Miller, another famous author?
Any presidential candidate, and almost all democratic candidates fall into this category, advocating for looser immigration restrictions or the elimination of ICE is doomed to lose. Americans may not agree on much, but most feel that our country is under siege by illegals.
2
Ahhhh a pretty face. A smile, warm words. All very nice and we know how much of the electorate falls for that. But they also apparently fall for fear and anger and resentment too. If by some miracle Pete Buttigieg gets known, I believe he could be the dark horse in this race. Listen to him, he actually answers questions! Has actual ideas! Not just “that’s a great question “. Smart as one can get and still down to earth. Take the time to hear him, donate just five bucks so that he can get on the debate stage. You will be mightily impressed.
14
First thought; Was Ms. Collins as skeptical about the specifics when “Yes, we can”, “Fired up and ready to roll”, and “Hope” were thematic campaign statements ? Context is all when it comes to meaning.
Secondly, few would doubt that our country is politically polarized and angry to a degree that the polarization itself is an issue. Responses to this commonly accepted state differ. In this Cold War some want to go to war, to defeat the less human Other. So it has always been for the many Young seeking a home for their idealized energy. I welcome this. It is only when the real costs of a sustained conflict come due that the ideals flip and we sing, “Give peace a chance.”
Many Democratic candidates are warriors. In O’Rourke there is a peacemaker. For the righteous he will never be as satisfying. The righteous never see their own ego involvement. It is always “the Bigger cause”. Casualties, including smaller truths, are always just the price to be paid. How far down this path will we continue to go?
2
Be careful. We Canadians elected a young, progressive, good looking prime minister. Trudeau mania ran worldwide for a short period of time, as he graced the covers of publications from Europe to Asia.
Eventually though,the work of actually governing had to be done, and in this, he has been a disappointment. It turns out that experience, intelligence and judgement do matter in a leader.
11
I really like that there are more than 2 candidates with enough support to challenge each other. I’m not wild about any of them, yet. It will be in the winnowing process, the political churn, that raises the cream. Eventually it’ll come down to 2 or 3 and there will be significant differences to bring that number down to 1.
After all the harm of the Trump Experiment we need a leader with integrity, solid policy strategy, and judgment based on human kindness. We need a leader to remind us daily of our love for each other and our willingness to forgive.
No one is perfect, so throw aside small quibbles and look at the whole person.
9
Well, stranger things have happened. Not too long ago Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama were also unknowns who were given no chance of even being nominated much less winning the presidency. Beto's real test will come next year when the early primary states start casting their ballots. Then we'll know for sure if Beto O'Rourke has real gravitas or not to withstand the Democratic nominating process before facing Donald Trump in the general election.
1
Beto is charming, charismatic and reminds me of a naive college kid with too much energy. I cannot picture him in a meeting with any world leader.
Biden and Sanders are of an age where their is a good chance that they would not be able to see out eight years of the presidency. I am at loss as to understand why any one would support them. But maybe with a strong vice president in the wings a few good years would be better than not having them at all.
6
A candidate is needed, who can serve all of America, even citizens who are not Democrats. They need intelligence, to be able to be tough when needed, compassionate when needed, understands foreign policy and domestic policies that will improve the quality of life for all Americans and how to work with both parties to achieve it and our international allies. I am not looking for someone who will tear into banks and corporate America, but will make sure that they hold to a standard, that enriches, the people they serve and this country.
We have had enough of misguided appearances of toughness, self-serving, lack of compassion and leaders who are more interested in lining their own pockets as they try to pull the wool over our eyes to make us think they are doing it for the good of the American people. The I know what is best for you attitude of many of those that we put into office has got to end.
I also want someone who has held some political office before at the national level. At this point I am not sure who among the Democrats have everything I am looking for. However when I look at Mr. O'Rourke, I do not see many of the things I want in a candidate as a part of his experience.
4
I would love to hear his detailed positions on the issues, but I feel like he has the charisma for the position. He is one of the few candidates that I feel like has the ability to beat Trump.
6
The only candidate who fully understands the costs of our forever wars and the need to end them is never mentioned by the NYT talking heads. Like other female candidates mentioned in this article, she too is an accomplished legislator. When the MSM does give her a platform - CNN or Colbert - she is subjected to hostile questions and questions she has repeatedly put to rest. She always remains composed, sticks to her clear principles and offers real thought - not cheery platitudes or easy shots at Trump - on the fact that her progressive platform ( Medicare for all, new infrastructure etc) cannot be carried out without shifting money from our out of control defense budget and ending our wars in the Middle East, Africa, Afghanistan and using real diplomacy to engage with Russia, Iran, Venezuela and North Korea instead of another arms build up or military intervention. Perhaps because she served two tours in Iraq ( unlike all of the other most talked about candidates or Trump), she has true insight on how our blind reliace on military might ( fully supported by the MSM and the DNC) is undermining the country both fiscally and morally . You can keep talking about empty suits like Beto, Klobuchar, Harris and Biden while our country founders or maybe look at a serious candidate for real change: vote for Tulsi Gabbard.
2
Really glad that he went on the road trip of "self-discovery" for so many weeks and than shared with all of us on his return that he "really couldn't share" his decision with us for so many subsequent weeks. I was eagerly awaiting his specific recommendations on so many critical issues.
I'm still waiting. Just not as eagerly.
2
I like Beto, but like all the other candidates, I'm not convinced yet that he's the one. I've read all that Wikipedia has to say about him and see him as a regular guy, a nice guy, whose heart is in the right place. He's very real.
Maybe his most impressive accomplishment so far is the $70M he raised in his Texas senatorial campaign, not from heavy hitters, but from small donors. That tells me that people who see and hear him like him. And that says a lot.
8
Beto O’Rourke frequently voted for Republican legislation, analysis reveals
Review of his six-year record in Congress shows Democrat frequently opposed own party, and supported bills that boosted the fossil fuel industry and Trump’s immigration policy.
A new analysis of congressional votes from the non-profit news organisation Capital & Main shows that even as O’Rourke represented one of the most solidly Democratic congressional districts in the United States, he has frequently voted against the majority of House Democrats in support of Republican bills and Trump administration priorities.
O’Rourke has voted for GOP bills that his fellow Democratic lawmakers said reinforced Republicans’ anti-tax ideology, chipped away at the Affordable Care Act (ACA), weakened Wall Street regulations, boosted the fossil fuel industry and bolstered Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/dec/20/beto-orourke-congressional-votes-analysis-capital-and-main
6
He’s a Texas Congressman which puts his positions at odds with blue state Democrats. Not the worst thing in the world to be bipartisan in action.
1
Performing the job of Prez is partly being a front man -- using the bully pulpit -- and partly being a CEO--selecting and managing staff, and negotiating with other entities, chiefly Congress and foreign powers. We voters learn virtually nothing about that second part until a person is in office, yet its consequences are far more important. Okay, setting a tone in speeches SEEMS more important, but that's only because it's what our limited brains like to latch onto...and it's all we get from most candidates.
So Gail is right to mock those who don't give us "the beef." Our winner last time told us only that his health care plan would be "terrific." See what we got?
9
My children are named Yossarian (12), Karenina (9), Atticus (7) and, our most recent addition, Cervantes (1). I am all set to kick off my campaign.
11
Thank goodness my parents didn't name me Ulysses. I doubt that I would have ever forgiven them.
5
Nothing succeeds more than an idea whose time has come. Most of the best leaders that gained the Presidency were largely a function of the historical events or era that birthed them. FDR, JFK and RFK were the prime examples. The dawn of the Great Depression, a true generational segue in 1960 and of course, though he did not live until election day in 1968, RFK was in the maelstrom of Vietnam and civil rights movements. What awful circumstances await us before our next awakening I do not pretend to know. But, it may be the only thing that relinquishes us from the grip of the RW madness we have succumbed to in the bad dream that is Donald Trump.
3
O'Rourke is a centrist, so the media will stump for him right up until Biden announces, at which point all the agonizing about Sanders' age will mysteriously vanish and the media will push a Biden/O'Rourke ticket.
Never mind the fact that O'Rourke is cozy with the oil and gas industry and frequently sides with Trump and the GOP on legislative issues concerning Wall Street, climate change, taxes, etc.
Meanwhile, the media will actively ignore Sanders, the only real threat to a Biden ticket. Just the other day, NBC showed the 2020 Democratic slate of candidates. Sanders, who enjoys the greatest support among all the candidates, was missing from the list. I'm sure they just forgot. Perhaps they are hoping voters will forget him, too. If it's not Trump's empty podium it will be Biden's—or perhaps O'Rourke's.
15
A team of Harris (Ca.) and O'Rourke (Tx.) would mean 93 electoral college votes toward the 270 needed to win. California is a certainty while Beto could help make Texas competitive, as Trump is polling behind there.
3
Except that he actually LOST to Ted Cruz, described aptly by Ms. Collins as one of the least appealing people on the planet. And Harris brings nothing to the Electoral College that isn’t already there.
4
@G.Remember Robert Francis O’Rourke, uh, Beto lost in Texas. All skateboard, no cattle. His criminal record, though perhaps popular among Democrats, didn’t serve him well in this conservative state.
1
California is a given for the Democrat so Harris wouldn’t bring much to the table if she was a running mate.
Beto appears to be coming across as something of a lightweight who is not ready for prime time. A teacher wanted to know what the president of the U.S. would do about her problem of having to buy school supplies out of pocket. The obvious answer is that the question should be referred to the local school board rather than the president.
8
Elizabeth Warren is about the only person offering specifics. True. The campaign is early. Candidates are staking out positions. No one, excepting Warren, wants to dig in on a specific policy solution though. Part of me thinks most candidates wouldn't know good policy if it ran over their foot. They sure don't know how to write it anyway. That might partially explain our want for specifics.
As for Beto, I certainly think he has the charisma to win a presidential election. I'm a little more uncertain about his political staying power. The teachers union question is a good example of his relative inexperience. That's like flopping the "tell me about yourself" question at a job interview. You knew it was coming and you didn't have an answer prepared? Rookie mistake.
Aside from Beto needing a mentor, he's about the only viable moderate who can check the Millennial box and Democrats desperately need Millennials. I'm personally starting to prefer Buttigieg on the issues. If we're talking about full-package, top of the ticket though, Democrats really don't have another viable option in the moderate category. Go left, work on Beto, or take your chances with another Trump victory.
7
To answer the title question. Not much. If this is what the Dems think qualifies as a real candidate, I’ll take Trump in 2020. I don’t want a candidate who so far has only articulated as a platform, the perfect is the enemy of the good
1
The more I see of Beto, the more I am aware that something is missing.
Not sure what it is: the lack of thought through policy ideas, not answering questions asked, or maybe what seems like the inability to look a questioner in the eye when answering.
Maybe a lack of gravitas. Or perhaps a desire to charm people that outweighs everything else in his life.
I guess we will find out soon enough.
23
Although I live in Brazil, I am a Texan born-and-bred, and was excited when Beto entered the senatorial race to try to excise that chancre on the body politic, Ted Cruz. I even thought he might win. But what really drew me to him was a photo of him holding up the band Guided By Voices' album, Alien Lanes. Anyone who is that evolved deserves to be U.S. President, even if deep down I think he has yet to show he's tough enough to endure the constant stress and scrutiny of a campaign. I just hope he can remain being good and decent to his opponents. If he does that, he'll win, even a general election.
Beta seems to be the inspiration for the character Bobby Newport on Parks and Recreation. Look it up on YouTube.
3
Beto ran against Ted Cruz, which is why I supported him in the past.
He won’t get as far with me now on his good looks alone. But then I wasn’t impressed with Trudeau’s good looks either and he’s doing great. Right?
The nice thing about women voting is that the male candidates are really much better looking than they might otherwise be.
4
As much as I admire Beto O'Rourke, so far he has not issued nor described policy statements for his campaign that demonstrate HOW he would govern as president. His responses to voters' questions in Iowa did not contain a scintilla of such evidence.
Is he charming and charismatic? Yes, for sure. Does the media amplify this very beguiling aspect of his personality? Obviously, it does.
It is not simply his youth or good looks that are so appealing. He is one of the most savvy manipulators of media out there - which ironically is something that the current POTUS can also do. Do we really need more of that?
Once the debates start taking place, it will become apparent that voters will be looking for substance over appearance. For that reason, even though I was a Bernie support last time, it seems to me that Elizabeth Warren has outlined the most strategically meaningful agenda for the presidency, and Pete Buttigieg does not lag far behind. Could this be a winning ticket? Time will tell.
13
The other candidates have real jobs so BET-to is the perfect choice for VP. Biden/Beto (or Biden/Klobuchar) will beat Trump which, at this sad point, is what matters.
1
Canada got its first snowboarder president. Ask them how that is going. Justin Trudeau really is, in my view, an analog of Beto O'Rourke. Both are personable and likable, which, as Hillary Clinton proved, are more important qualities than "qualified" when engaged in a popularity contest, but running a country, as Donald Trump and Truedau have been proving on a daily basis, requires competencies that really do matter. Most of the current crop of Democratic candidates lack the latter in spades. The position requires intelligence, curiosity, and empathy (goodbye Schultz, Trump, Warren), administrative experience (goodbye all the rest of the senators), and the ability to build coalitions to legislate successfully (this was Obama's failing). Finally, and it seems that progressives don't quite get this: the candidate cannot scare the middling swing voters that tilt every election in this deeply divided nation. Democrats need someone who is electable, but the nation needs someone who is competent and will govern for the 99 percent, not 50 + 1 percent.
13
He's not for Medicare for all and stopping endless war then he's not for me. Tulsi Gabbard, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren. Policy please, not charcter references.
7
O'Rourke speaks well and has "charisma" so he may well climb rapidly up in the polls. But Elizabeth Warren has concrete ideas for transforming this nation into a more just and equitable one.
Many people list "electability" as the premier quality they are seeking in a candidate to run against Trump. Fiddlesticks. This country is drowning and we need the smartest and most transformational leader for our next president. We cannot compromise with second or third best because we are worried about the unenlightened voters among us. If someone like Warren is unelectable, I think it speaks volumes negatively about our long-term prospects.
13
I’m a lifelong Democrat and I think Warren would be a disaster. While I agree with many of her policies, others seem so steeped in ideology as to seem naive. Take her recent proposal to break up Amazon, which is ludicrous. Unlike true monopolies which control vital services, Amazon is a completely discretionary choice which brings vital access to goods for people in remote locations. Warren is blinded to this kind of nuance and that really scares me. And yes, right now electability matters more than ideological purity. Even a centrist Democrat will be infinitely preferable to a re-elected Trump.
3
The news covers people who inspire passion. E.g. They certainly cover AOC, who isn't even running for President. A lot of people are passionate about Beto ergo he gets attention. Amy and Elizabeth and Kamala have not inspired the same passion as AOC ergo they don't. Don't blame the news, blame the voters.
1
Ms. Collins,
First of all. Thanks for the pronunciation lesson and the the tidbit about why Mr. O'Rourke named his son Ulysses. Made me smile.
1
I am happy to see someone else enjoyed, as in smiling even, while reading a thoroughly engaging article.
1
Well, at least he isn't a Senator.
James Garfield was the last and the only Member of the House of Representatives to be elected President. Sadly, he only served from March 1881 until September 1881.
Plenty of VPs have moved or have sought to move (Ryan lately) from the House into that exalted office.
Maybe Beto should aim a little bit lower?
Not willing to give up on Beto at all. Rather than have all the answers packaged in a dogmatic set of declarations, it would be wiser to engage and listen first. It's as much about influence as it is advocacy.
4
Understood. How much listening is required before substance should emerge? How much patience should we have?
4
Could the Democrats just put us out of our misery and bring forth Dwayne Johnson as the Anointed One. A better business person that the other contenders. Actually a better speaker. Comes across as more mature, more friendly, and more statesman like. (This last observation illustrating how dismal is the Democratic predicament.) The Rock would have a chance of defeating Trump. The current slate of splinter interest left wingers, one trick ephemeral media bait, or ancient re-treads has defeat written all over it.
6
People love Beto because he's like Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life," (and I don't have to tell you what part Donald Trump plays).
Earnest, honest, sweet, and above all, adorable.
We are a nation addicted to screens of all sizes, sappy, happy endings, and we are desperate for an old-fashioned hero to lead us from the wilderness.
It has nothing to do with whether he'd make a good POTUS.
16
what is the matter with Democrats? This guy LOST! Trump would love to run against him or any other "nice guy" - Trump would not even need to bother to make an effort to win again, he could glide to victory.
We need a hard-as-nails WINNER. Right now, there are none in sight.
15
Klobuchar? A winner.
It was such a pleasure to hear someone who could actually speak in human tones without malice,my mother in law wrote a check almost immediately. I like him too.
2
Beto seems like the decent type of guy I want to lead the country. His domestic ideas are great. I would like to hear more about international issues. We have heard so much about his family lately and the effects that the last campaign had on his kids that I cannot help but feel sad for them.
What's appealing to Beto other than his good oratory skills and ability to motivate crowds? That's easy to answer.
Mr. O'Rourke is a fresh young politician that youthful Democrats can appreciate much more that yet another septuagenarian or octogenarian fossil. That's not to say that old Democrats with decades of experience have no value, but the President of the United States wields the bully pulpit and Beto would do that marvelously. Leave the older, experienced Democrats like Speaker Pelosi in Congress where they will successfully apply their decades of experience to make the Legislature function for We The People. Republicans obviously vote for big money special interests over what's best for America and the majority of Americans. They'll be swept out of the Senate and White House in 2020 with Beto being a good candidate for the Oval Office.
As is said, when the response begins "That's a really great question" often the answer won't be. Folks should start listening to Pete B. HE is actually giving long, thoughtful, substantive answers to people's queries, not just admiring the questions.
38
Ann-Marie: that’s what I think too. I’ve listened to several long interviews with Mayor Pete and he appears to be the real deal. He answers complicated questions in plain English and consistently demonstrates that he has thought long and hard about the problems facing this nation and the approach he would take in trying to solve them. The more I hear, the more I like him.
24
@Anne-Marie Hislop who is this Mayor Pete? Never heard of him and never will. A mayor will never be president
I enthusiastically supported Beto in his senate race against Ted Cruse. I even made a couple of contributions to his campaign. I am less enthusiastic about him as the Democratic nominee for president. Yes, he still has all the firepower and charisma, and I'm sure that in time he will flesh out the specifics of his policies to incorporate into his campaigning. What he doesn't have is experience, and, if Trump has demonstrated anything it is that we need our president to have experience in governing.
8
Elizabeth Warren has accomplished more than any other candidate in the field. SHe created the CFPB while not even in Congress. Then, when politics denied her the top post there, entered the fray and won a Senate seat. From that perch she has fearlessly faced down miscreants and foot-draggers and through all the phony sturm und drang she has persisted.
And, as Gail Collins said, she has offered specific, detailed policy positions that are bold, aimed at the middle class and seem realistic and achievable. Still waiting to see any other contender, or President*, measure up.
26
The American public still wants a guy they can share a beer with. That’s the reality.
Elizabeth sounds like an old grandma who should be knitting socks. And before you label me as misogynistic, I’d be enthusiastic about voting for Amy.
And Bernie, that old windbag? Nobody wants to be lectured by a hectoring grandpa.
I can certainly see a Beto/Amy ticket; two pragmatists who stand an actual chance of getting legislation through congress.
Yeah but she can’t skateboard and isn’t, you know, a middle aged man. They’re just sooo cute! (Eyeroll)
1
I don’t spend much time looking at how tall, or handsome/pretty, or how cool the candidates are
I listen to how they speak, what they have to say, what their positions are, and my feelings about how I trust them
I guess that’s why I usually wind up voting for the candidate that loses.
11
Just give him time to grow into this marathon of a campaign. I think he really believes that he will connect with every voter. He seems sincere in believing that bipartisanship is possible, that immigrants are a strength and not a weakness for America and that his generation X got shafted over the past few decades.
But we all must remember that once a nomination is made, everyone chips in to defeat Trump at the polls next year. Beto will be tested just like the other 14 now running.
3
History is a pretty good indicator of what will happen in the future and if Democrat's pick the "safe" candidate or even the Socialist, they are going to lose. Besides Beto, most everyone up there is boring. Trump made mincemeat quickly of boring GOP candidates in 2016 and let's face it, Hillary wasn't exactly exciting either.
I am betting on Beto. He is progressive enough to appeal to the left, but not so far removed from the right to scare away the Republicans. Some have compared him to Bobby Kennedy, but I see him more as White Obama.
He has the charisma to unite the country and the connections, ingenuity and drive to be able to lead us effectively. He's also running on an issue that concerns me greatly and that I believe is the greatest threat to our existence as the dominant species of this planet, Anthropogenic Global Warming.
I just hope the media machine on the right doesn't continue to keep people stupid.
2
Beto seems like a really nice, personable guy, but he doesn't seem to have staked out any positions, or even thought much about them. I'm more and more impressed by Buttigieg, who actually answers questions, thoroughly and thoughtfully.
16
Has O'Rourke actually done anything besides perfecting a delivery of platitudes with faux youthful passion? He's like a mesmer, an evangelist. He seems drunk on the attention. He's stumbled on a glib formula that makes audiences swoon and by God he's gonna go with it where it takes him.
Unfortunately it's hard to see how a person with true competence, ethics, love of mankind, and a normal ego would want the job. We, the people, have brought this reality show contest of empty vessels upon ourselves.
12
@ALW This reality show contest of empty vessels [bang on!] is bought by us...but it is relentlessly sold to us by the media systems in place. Fresh faces presented within a week, and chewed up within a month.
1
Gail, it is called charisma. Yet, what is behind Bet-oh's facade is anyone's guess. So far, as I analyze our other candidates, he seems like a babe in the woods. Vapid answers like "great question" with a subsequent pedantic script just does not cut it for me. I am looking forward to listening to him during the primary debates. Who knows...he just may blow us away with his insight into and solutions for the Trumpian mess we find ourselves being buried in. A little skate-boarding with an on-stage ramp may be enjoyable, too. I have my doubts, though, when standing side-by-side with the likes of Kamala, Elizabeth, Amy, Cory, Bernie et al. That being said any one of our democratic candidates will most certainly be better than this debauched and corrupt guy vetoing what the majority of Americans - and its Congress - prefer: No "Monument" to the worst president ever. If Trump gets his way, I look forward to the graffiti on both sides, as graphic and vivid as possible. Just don't get caught, folks.
4
Nice guy...he could have a bright future in politics.
In 2020? This boy's "cornbread ain't baked in the middle."
Mayor of El Paso doesn't give him executive experience of the caliber needed for the deep dive salvage effort ahead. He's not going to charm the allies that Trump has offended nor generate respect from the adversaries who are licking their chops. We are sorely wounded and severely isolated.
He is a good man and has a future in his chosen profession. He's just not the man for now and needs to let go of this ego trip sooner rather than later.
The Dems need to think in terms of a dream team and not just finding a star quarterback. Who fits at AG? Who fits at DOD? Who can pull up the slack at EPA? Who can inspire confidence at DHS or HHS? Governing a democracy is a team sport not a reality show.
5
I always wanted Bloomberg, because I think he knows how to placate and appease the rich and powerful while achieving (incremental) positive change. I feel the same way about Andrew Cuomo. Campaigning is one thing, but grappling with entrenched, powerful special interests is the reality of politics. You can't just legislate gas-powered cars out of existence. You can't just tell big pharma to charge less. Politics is all about giving a rub n tug while picking a pocket. This isn't a Jimmy Stewart movie.
2
Disappointed by Beto. All those weird hand gestures are unnecessary and make him seem like a spaz. I thought he had thought about his policy positions but it’s clear he hasn’t. He’s become a distraction
10
As an alternative to Cruz, you bet! As Presidential candidate, no thanks. Saving the bandwidth would be enough reason to say no.
8
Pete Buttigieg
He's smart, articulate, young and actually has thought about some answers rather than just sound bytes. He's the grown up in the crowd. I was hoping for a woman but this cycle he's the one.
23
It's hard to say whether Beto is popular due his deft combination of charisma and vagueness on issues. Or is he popular because the rest of the Democratic field is such a hodgepodge of lightweights and geezers? Beto's theory of campaigning is to knock on as many doors as possible and not confuse the voters with boring white papers on complex issues. That's probably the best way to beat Trump.
O’Rourke. called for better wages for everybody who worked at schools, and an effort to “hold one another accountable.” I presume his idea is that by paying teachers higher salaries, they will have more to spend on supplies. As a retired school teacher, I can tell you, this is the sort of answer my eleven-year-olds come up with when pre-strike discussions are held. The kids always uncritically support paying their teachers more. "Why not?" I forgive my little ones for talking like children. They are children. I am sick of hearing adults parrot this sentimental hippy economics. He can bring his skateboard, he can show his off his tattoos, he can wear a feather in his cap like Elizabeth Warren and play a tom-tom, but I will not vote for another inexperienced amateur. Making wild promises in nearly bankrupt states and offering enthusiastic support to freebie-hungry voters is unethical. Seeking the support of Hollywood's desperate housewives might take this clown far, it took Trump to the top, but if this is what the young think is what we need, we really have failed them.
5
Here’s another question for Beto: “How is it that the wealthiest and most powerful nation with some of the most talented and educated people on Earth inevitably offer so many vacuous and hypocritical candidates for its leadership and where does it find the mediocrities to fill its corridors of power?”
8
Beto isn't Barack Obama, but nobody is. That's a really hard act to follow. I think in his favor, though, is that he talks to people and he listens, and doesn't take money from large corporations.
The only safe bet against Trump is the one person who so far has insisted that she won't do it. Michelle Obama. Can't say I blame her.
5
Before his televised coffee house Q&A, I'd never listened to Beto and was fully ready to write him off with the Trumpesque moniker Bozo. But to my humongous surprise, I liked him A LOT, endearing hand motions and all, and, right afterwards, donated to his campaign. I found him inspiring on a genuine level I rarely see. He was not the airhead, entitled, free spirit I expected. I especially liked his unabashed support for the Green Deal, with no regard to pollsters suggesting he temper himself for fear he'll be mocked. The fact that he has no policy specifics is not as big a deal to me as I'd expected it would be. After all, anyone can hire "experts" to write stuff on ways to fix problems. But, few can inspire.
4
I'm not impressed. I hear he's personable and really attracts crowds but those things don't make a president. His launch into the spotlight with a Vanity Fair cover completely turned me off. I also don't care if he was "Born to do this". We'll see...
Meanwhile, where oh where are his policies? His goals? We've waited all this time for his announcement and ... and...?
10
I saw a clip of his tv interview where he was asked why he thinks he is qualified to be president. His answer was vague, boilerplate and included that, paraphrased: "He and Amy have raised three great kids."
That's the last reason I'd vote for anyone. It's a naked, hollow pander and besides, everyone thinks their kids are great. My takeaway, Beto is charming but there's no there there. Maybe one day there will be but not now, not yet.
7
There is an eerie similarity between Beto O'Rourke, and my own prime Minister here in Canada, Justin Trudeau. They are both about the same age, tall, thin, they each have three children, and they are Catholic. They've both done some odd things in their lives. Beto was a punk-rocker, and Justin was a drama teacher and a snowboard instructor. They both seem to have lots of charisma.
Trudeau's predecessor was a very serious, substantive person, who knew his policies completely and, in my view, was probably the most competent Prime Minister Canada ever had. Unfortunately, enough people decided they wanted a "skateboarder Prime Minister", to paraphrase Gail Collins, so here we are. They are only just finding out that Trudeau is shallow, vacuous, naive, and incompetent. He is unlikely to be re-elected.
I am bringing this up as a warning to my American friends. Beware of lots of flash and substance-free talk. I don't know how much depth of character or knowledge Beto has, but so far, he hasn't demonstrated much. Unless he starts to show that he would actually be competent as President, my advice would be to pick someone else. You have no dearth of choices.
8
Beto isn't the Second Coming, but he's close to it. America really needs a skateboarder president, Gail. There's something about Beto, like there was "Something About Mary" in 1998. Like there was something about Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.
Robert Francis O'Rourke is a passionate man. He and Amy named their first son Ulysses after Homer's hero. Beto is the polar opposite of Donald Trump. Beto isn't too young or untried. Though he lost the Senate race in November to Ted Cruz, he ran an unforgettable race.
Remember that age is just a number. Beto is still older than John F. Kennedy was when he ran and won our presidency. Remember that Alexander the Great was tutored by Aristotle, the father of western philosophy. That Alexander was young and famous in the Eastern Hemisphere 1,815 years before the Western Hemisphere was discovered in 1492. In the Alexander Mosaic in Pompeii,79 BC, the portrait of Alexander the Great bears a startling resemblance to Beto O'Rourke. That cake-cutter nose, the unruly black hair, his neck. Yes, we could use a skateboarder president, and there's definitely something about Beto.
1
Yes, and he is at the age that JFK was when he started the built up to the Vietnam War that killed 58,000 Americans.
Beto is just another coastal liberal (yes, Texas has a coast). He's all shine and no spine, and will not persuade the voters in the battleground states where presidential elections are decided.
Look at the Democrats’ winning margin in the House. Where did that come from? Not from the left. Not from Beto supporters. It came largely from moderate or conservative districts, where the Democrats fielded candidates in tune with their moderate or conservative voters.
The presidential election is national in name only. In fact, it resembles nothing more than a series of local elections. It is decided in a handful of battleground states, WI, MI, OH, PA, NC and FL. So, the principle of local tuning applies there as well. To win the Electoral College—and this is what we’re talking about—the Dems need a candidate in tune with the voters in those states: white, working-class, Obama-Trump voters who decided the last election. Beto ain’t gonna do it.
7
Sodium or Chlorine alone will kill you, but together, as salt, they make life possible. Right now, the United States--the world, for that matter--needs both youth and experience to address the issues that confront humanity. Youth, because youth provides both vision, and the answers to the issues of an evolving planet do not lie in the past. And youth because it better promises the likelihood of the visionary being there to shepherd his or her vision into reality, not leaving the mere words to the cynical opportunists who may follow. But the United States also needs experienced leadership that understands the world as it currently exists and the successes and blunders that got it here. Beto O'Rourke brings one component of the leadership the United States needs, but he clearly lacks the other.
2
Anyone who as a Democrat comes close to beating an incumbent Republican senator in a deep red state like Texas deserves our attention. Beto has got the intellect - a B.A, in English from Columbia University is enough of a proof for me of that. He obviously has the ability to connect with a large swath of voters similar to another successful presidential candidate from the south - Bill Clinton. I don't think we need a ultra-lefty fighter like Warren or Bernie to beat pugnacious Trump, but we need a uniter like Beto (or Biden -but alas he is too old) in the tradition of Bill Clinton and Obama to unify a wide spectrum of voters to build a coalition to beat Trump and McConnell. Beto has proven that he is a indefatigable campaigner but I do agree that he needs to refine his message to appeal to democratic base but he has got all the other ingredients to do that. He is got my attention!
2
Perhaps, in time, with seasoning and a record of concrete accomplishments, former Congressman O'Roarke might be a viable candidate. If the past is prologue, however, he did not accomplish much during his short tenure in Congress.
If the job of the voters is to hire a salesman, perhaps, but, America hired a salesman in 2016 and how is that working?
Rather than a salesman, we need a teacher. Someone who has the experience and morality to work with a classroom full of rowdy students and, with patience and leadership, bring them together.
7
I fear that Beto would be an Obama reboot. A lot of hope, almost no change. He lacks experience. Once in office he will need to know how to comunicate to those who are not well versed in the issues; and he'll need to know how to negotiate with both sides of the aisle of Congress. When and where did he learn how to do so? Parenthetically, if you set aside the speeches, has Bernie Sanders actually accomplished anything all these years in Congress? The Dems need to nominate a governor or a mayor. Someone with a track record of dealing with real people and real issues on a daily basis. Not someone who is good at making speeches and taking ideological stands. What I've seen of Inslett looks good. Or, if you want to go the young route, Pete Boot-edge-edge looks absolutely great.
16
@Joe Actually, Bernie Sanders has significant policy success in Congress often with bipartisan support. He and Ted Cruz (yes, this is not a typo) were cosignatories on a bill to import less expensive prescription medication from Canada. It almost passed if it hadn't been torpedoed by Cory Booker and a handful of Democrats. BYW, Big Pharma is a major contributor to Booker, but I'm sure that had nothing to do with his vote. There's something called Google, I think, that may be able to help you look this stuff up. Also, if getting thousands of Amazon workers a raise is not an accomplishment after constantly pushing for this issue, and many other issues that "real" people that you mention are interested in, then what is?
3
@Joe Agreed! I am high on Buttigeig. What will it take to get him a feature in Vanity Fair? It is only fair!!
Beto is just a pretty face in my book, totally lacking in substance based on his policy positions and his inexplicable Republican-friendly voting history. Once again, if Democrats think they can win by trying to be more Republican than the Republicans, as Hillary tried in 2016 by courting suburban Republicans, they will lose. Never forget their disastrous strategy: "For every blue collar Democrat we will lose in western Pennsylvania, we will pick up two, three moderate Republicans in the suburbs of Philadelphia. And you can repeat that in Ohio, Illinois and Michigan." Yes, they actually ignored their own base and ran as moderate Republicans.
"O’Rourke has voted for GOP bills that his fellow Democratic lawmakers said reinforced Republicans’ anti-tax ideology, chipped away at the Affordable Care Act (ACA), weakened Wall Street regulations, boosted the fossil fuel industry and bolstered Donald Trump’s immigration policy"
Don't make the same mistake twice. Beto O'Rourke does not represent the change the voters desperately want.
8
What do I think? Well I know he is bought by the anti free market fossil fuel monopolies. I think that is enough.
6
There is another young 3 term congressperson (currently serving) who has officially announced a run for the Democratic nomination. This person has well defined and thought out progressive domestic policy ideas, a solid foreign policy direction and is a veteran of the Iraq War and is currently an officer in the Army Reserve. She could have probably given very specific answers to the two basic questions that seemed to have taken BET-oh a little bit by surprise. That would be TUL-see Ga-bard of Hawaii. She deserves to be mentioned along with the media's oft-cited "first four" women candidates.
2
She’s a Republican in disguise.
Policies, experience, intelligence, dedicated, hardworking, we had a chance at all that and got Trump, who is none of that. Any decent moral person of character, as long as they can win. Taking back America must be the only goal of the next election.
6
@Heidi If your first list of attributes is meant to refer to Hillary Clinton, add character, credibility, honesty, smugness, poor campaigner, poor campaign manager...
It takes more than a resume. James Buchanan had the most sterling resume of any president, and he's consistently rated one of the worst and ineffective presidents ever.
Beto is no Elizabeth Dole. Not even close.
Dole earned an under graduate degree from Duke, did post-graduate work at Oxford, was a high school student teacher, earned a master's degree and a J.D. from Harvard.
She served in the Johnson, Nixon, Reagan and Bush (41) administrations. Nixon appointed her to a seat on the Federal Trade Commission. Reagan made her his Secretary of Transportation and tasked her with task forces to guarantee equal rights for women. She supported the Equal Rights Amendment. She served Bush as his Secretary of Labor. In 1991 she began serving as the president of the American Red Cross, an office she held for about eight years.
In 1999 she sought but did not win the Republican nomination for president. In 2003 she was elected U.S. Senator from North Carolina.
Beta O'Rourke has certainly caught the attention of the media and that part of the population yearning for Camelot. But, he simply lacks tested experience.
6
From the jump, I was never favorably impressed by O'Rourke. Added exposure hasn't improved the impression. The superficiality and vagueness of his rhetoric; the showmanship as opposed to substance; the manifest vanity he projects of a man who's in love with the sound of his own voice. He reminded me of the ambitious senior in high school who fancied himself a great orator and bored us with a litany of platitudes from the podium at graduation.
He also reminds me of another politician, but it sure isn't Bobby Kennedy, who served as the US Attorney General and as an accomplished senator before he ran for the presidency.
No, Beto reminds me of Donald Trump, another shallow showman who convinced himself he "has what it takes" to run the most powerful nation on earth, with precious little experience to support the pretense. And I've since learned that, like Trump, O'Rourke has morphed from one political posture to another to suit his ambition, only his reinvention is the mirror image of Trump's. Trump went from feigning liberalism to feigning conservatism; Beto went from libertarian to liberal.
Have we not had enough of performers instead of leaders? I know I have.
I realize a lot of my fellow Americans are as politically shallow as O'Rourke and vote the way they buy beer and fast food, all about the image. So this guy's act might serve him well. But I doubt that he'd serve the country well if we made the mistake of electing him. I want a president, not an act.
18
Can we quit talking about people and talk about policy? Voters who support universal healthcare and low cost tuition (student debt is canceling out the benefits of education!) must take the next step to develop a real model of the US political economy and its future markets. Or what we have seen in Detroit, in many parts of rural America will be the harbinger of a economic implosion, similar to Japan's long miasma.
Two opportunities mentioned are the global market for green energy and the global market for food safety and security. Global/domestic urbanization is increasing, and urban efficiencies make big demands on energy and food. 512 cities have populations bigger than 1M .
Energy efficiency will command premium wages, based on demand; innovation will lead to higher--not lower--wages! Shanghai cannot afford its size without sunshine, wind. Green infrastructure will be deployed for underdeveloped Africa/Asia; these regions will not run power lines. Major opportunities, small (individual solar panels for cell phones, etc.) and large (giant wind farms), are where US innovation could take leadership.
With urbanization, food security becomes important. The US heartland could become the global breadbasket, combining harvests and logistics, keeping costs down while increasing wages. The work force for food security is on our borders! The Republican-led xenophobia has blinded the nation to ways to leverage this available/able workforce!
Think ahead!
5
Now I know I am not going to vote for Beto. A pretty silent wife and three kids? Forget about it. First, three kids is excessive. It is a bad example for the country in the age of overpopulation. I’d prefer a child-free candidate but I’m willing to contemplate somebody with the maximum of two kids. Second, a stay-at-home wife? Really, in this day and age? And this is when so many women are running? No way. And of course, his website when I looked at it was so devoid of substance as to put me to sleep immediately. I appreciate its soporific qualities but the country needs to wake up, not to snooze through four more years of no policy on important international and national issues.
6
Are you serious? I know several stay-at-home wives and even several stay-at-home husbands.
Often there's enough money for one spouse to stay at home and of the ones I know, some have kids with developmental delays who need specialized help, one has a child with a chronic illness that requires hospital stays every month, another had a child that was mysteriously injured in day care.
So there's that.
3
@mj I studied and worked when my two kids were small, as did all of my women friends (some of whom had kids with special needs). It was not a question of money; I would be ashamed not to have a career and would feel I have failed my kids by being nothing better than a housewife. Of course, I would always root for a working woman. Beto’s wife is not running but I am suspicious of a man whose wife stays at home. He cannot be counted upon to defend the rights of working women and working mothers.
1
If Beto is the Democratic nominee and you choose not to vote for him because of the number of his children and that his wife is a stay at home mother, I’m afraid you you are truly a voter who wants Trump re-elected. Their personal life choices for family size and how to best raise their children is their decision. Stay at home mothers deceive respect and admiration not condemnation.
The primaries are for selecting out the best we have to take on trump. Once that candidate is chosen if you truly are interesting in righting our failing America, restoring some respect in the world and saving the environment vote for whomever has the D after their name. If you choose not too just know your decision will re-elect trump.
2
I really don’t get what’s special about this guy. If he couldn’t beat the most universally reviled senator with all the money and publicity you could ask for I don’t see how he gets through the gauntlet of purple states needed to win the Electoral college. Meanwhile Warren is releasing sensible, meticulous and groundbreaking policy papers, Buttigieg is making an articulate and convincing case for electing a young gay veteran mayor who’s focused, energetic and principled, and no matter what you think of Klobuchar’s managerial style you can’t argue with her work ethic and impressive legislative record. Beto is by far the least qualified and experienced candidate in the current Democratic field - for a contest in which the Democrats are advertising themselves as the professional, experienced alternative to our amateurish president. Maybe my mind will eventually change, but for me right now he seems like a waste of time who’s stealing the spotlight from worthier candidates.
36
@James Jacobs Klobuchar's "impressive legislative record" got her the nickname in the Senate of "Cotton Candy Amy" for its light substance. And it's not just her "managerial style." It's character and self-control from a pattern of having a hissy fit - no, a rageful meltdown - over inconsequential minutiae. Do I trust her with a 3am phone call as Commander-in-Chief? Not on our lives. And she was my top pick a month ago...
2
We need someone who can beat Trump. That means carrying PA, WI, MI, possibly NC and AZ. And with coattails to flip senate seats in places like AZ, NC too (without the Senate, much of the progressive agenda is dead in the water). I’m keeping an open mind but Beto could do it. And after such a long time of angry politics it is refreshing to hear someone with a positive message. So I’m glad Beto is in the race.
4
@Observer It may be a positive message, but there's no there there. It's insubstantial pablum. We don't need any more Clintonian/Obama glibness that doesn't pan out. Or worse, advances the Reagan Restoration.
No Beto, no Biden.
Let Beto run for some other office. Get more experience, "seasoning," if you will. A gray hair. We do seem to be careening back and forth between extremes in recent history: Geo W. Bush, Donald Trump. And Beto would be, I think, a step toward another extreme (for the Dems, this time.) I am not sure I see any current Dem as President. We need a fifty-ish, moderate leader of substance and experience. A woman would be great. Someone who will not misuse Twitter like the current Occupant does. We all need reassurance, and we need leadership to focus on our pressing issues. We need liberty and justice for all.
7
What exactly don't you see, other than an apparent litmus test for age? You don't cite positions you disagree with or find extreme. Conversely, you ignore the Grassroots movement that elected 2 socialists Chicago alderman with 3 in runoffs, an openly gay governor in Colorado, a number of openly lesbian or bisexual officials at state and local levels, transgender officials winning state-level offices, and the increasing engagement of American Muslims in elected politics.
You ignore the trend away from corporate money, and the embrace of policies of broad benefits for healthcare and education. You ignore the skills of the new Congress at fettering out the fine details of policy rigged to benefit corporations against individuals, and the legal breaches of the current Administration not witnessed before in hearings (Rep. Katie Porter, Katie Hill). You overlook the support these new officials provide for each other and none of them have to hide from town halls!
Defeat Trump!
@Gary Pippenger No gender litmus test. We already lost one election due to pro-woman bias toward a flawed candidate (who is a Rockefeller Republican in drag, in any case). The only silver lining to Trump being President is that Hillary isn't. Just ponder how much we'd be regularly agitated by her selling out to Wall Street...
Beto O'Rourke strikes me as having been the coolest kid in his senior high school -- the one that everyone wanted to hang out with and know. I have not, however, been all that impressed with his grasp of the issues, nor with the smooth, one-size-fits-all solutions to those issues he likes to propound.
Pete Buttigieg, on the other hand, strikes me as having been the wonkiest (and smartest) kid in his senior high school. He has thought well and deeply about the issues we are facing in this country and is articulate about the challenges he perceives in solving them. He has less experience than, say, Elizabeth Warren, but he is working to match her in the policy chops department. I would love to see a Warren/Buttigieg ticket. They could send Beto to Liechtenstein, perhaps, as ambassador?
29
I am following Pete Buttigieg closely. He is really, really interesting. He doesn’t seem to need the spotlight that most of the Democratic candidates crave, has solid policy views, and success in implementing those policies. His resume ticks off a lot of boxes for me, and to top it off, he’s a genuinely nice guy. I do wish The Times would give him as much free time as they are apparently going to give Beto-the-Betokened.
4
I will support Harris, Bernie, Beto, Biden or whomever can beat Trump. Still, after reading this, are we really supposed to believe O’Rourke can’t talk to teachers? Also, how many candidates in Texas would have had the guts to say they would vote to impeach Trump? Or to give one of the best, spur of the moment defenses of the NFL anthem protests? This doesn’t make him presidential material. But to paint him as a vapid wallflower seems like deliberate, brute force torpedoing. As for ego, I’m not seeing the parallels between Mr. “I alone can fix it” Trump and a personal excitement to “be in it” and to see if he can make a difference. I’m all in for [candidate who can beat Trump] 2020. But I’ve had enough cynicism for this week.
10
I suspect Beto is really running for Vice President. Makes a bit of sense given his age and residence. Why wouldn't Sanders pick him to balance country area and age? All he has to do is make the right sounds. If Sanders gets the nomination and beats Goofus, he's not likely to run in 2024 making Beto a shoo-in for the nomination.
2
@Lawrence Bryan
President Sanders
VP Bait-oh
Att.Gen Avenatti
Sec of State McFaul
To get the job done we need the total package.
If it was Sanders instead of Kain. Dems would have won. Ego's can't play in this game.
When you apply for a job, you need to have qualifications that include applicable education, depth of experience, demonstrated competency, leadership potential, organizational synergy, and the talent to add value to the position. Review the list of presidential candidates. Who is the statesman, representative of the best of American leadership, among them?
I don't see it here.
3
@OldSchoolTechie I don't see it anywhere, now that Klobuchar's imploded and Sherrod Brown bowed out. I'm verklempt.
I like Beto. He reminds me of the affectionate, rambunctious beagle puppy we once had--full of energy and really very sweet as he was bouncing off the walls! I think Beto is sincere in his desire to do good things for the country, but he may need to go to obedience school to learn how to communicate without exhausting people!
8
Going through the comments I see that the "Mayor Pete" PR machine is in full swing. Nothing wrong with that but just be smart about it and try not to make so many comments sound the same. The Uber claque did that years ago and it really annoyed people.
4
Beto O'Rourke is quite impressive. He's engaging, humble and ready to admit his mistakes & apologize for them.
He's progressive enough, also articulate.
His hands-gestures maybe a little excessive. But I hope he would NOT make any conscious effort to minimize those gestures, which could diminish his eloquence.
I would like to see him succeed, get the nomination and beat Donald Trump, if he's indeed the nominee - there's a significant chance that he may not be the 2020 Republican Presidential candidate.
4
@A.G. His record is a very Clintonian meh, and he couldn't close on a very winnable campaign. Then there's the narcissistic callowness factor...
1
What do I think about Beto?
"That's a good question!"
Did he honestly say that, not once but more than once?
3
@Marty
That response is a time honored method of gathering a proper answer while encouraging the questioner in the process.
5
Good teachers use it often, but not regularly or habitually because that’s dishonest and the kids know right away.
Is every Democrat running for President? Does no one want to serve in the Senate? Thank you Sherrod Brown for deciding to keep your Senate seat. It would’ve been nice if Beto would’ve decided to run for the Senate in Texas. He could have built on the momentum he developed in 2018 and perhaps won in 2020. If we get a Democratic president we need a majority in the Senate to enact the legislation that has been proposed by such thoughtful candidates as Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders.
Side note... I was upset last night when I saw Seth Myers transfer Beto’s statement to tRump’s image. Same inane/ egotistical commentary. We already have a neophyte in the White House isn’t it time we got someone with experience and actual policy.
9
Beto looked like a windup toy whose key was turned past max. He needs to stop the chop, or go into the shop for a tuneup. I don’t know about his ability to be the next POTUS, but he sure makes the case for wearing a helmet when you’re skateboarding!
6
If the Democratic Party decides to back O'Rourke, that will be a catastrophe. This is about his ego, "born to do this," and PR-image pseudo charisma nonsense. He is more of a spoiler than the Starbucks guy and yet he is getting a lot of seemingly favorable press coverage. Why? Because he's cute, cute family, cute dog, cute truck - this is the celebrity-ization of America and we are even more fool-hardy than one could ever imagine if we don't - at long last - get serious! He has done nothing to earn serious consideration. Elizabeth Warren, Jay Inslee, Bernie Sanders have LIVED their beliefs and they are serious, mature, smart, wise and experienced. If a younger person is needed, then "Mayor Pete" is an excellent choice on the ticket, but also probably not for the top position, yet, although he is awfully good! Elizabeth Warren and Jay Inslee - now THAT is a superb ticket! Or Warren and Bootegeig. There is no rational reason for O'Rourke to get the media attention that "Mayor Pete" deserves! NOT O'Rourke and not Biden. We need to win.
36
Seems as though the requirements to start a campaign for the presidency are the ability to announce it and to have the national media report and continue to follow it, until they or the announcer and his or her supporters declare it to be over.
Manifestly, to meet these requirements, the announcer will also have to state positions on issues and explain his/her qualifications and attract new supporters and raise (more) money as well as interact with other announcers, if the national media are to continue to report on the announcement and continue reporting on the would-be candidate's efforts which follow on the announcement.
But for openers, though it helps for would-be candidates to have otherwise come to public attention, all they gotta do is announce. Whether the rest becomes what may fairly be judged history rather than an oddity, remains to be seen.
2
It's was hard to do, but Beto turned me off with his first appearance. It looks like he is going to try to run without criticizing Trump, after he tries for the nomination without criticizing the other candidates.
Trump can't be beat unless the person running against him looks strong. They are overemphasizing likability.
He doesn't seem to have any clear issues he is running on. That's not good enough.
The optics of his wife sitting there silent and smiling were also not good. Especially when we have a rich choice of women with something to say, Warren and Harris to name two.
He seems like a young Biden to me, both with no ideas and depending on being likable.
21
Andrew Yang is the one I can’t wait to hear during the debates. In my opinion, he’s got the charm and young spirit of Beto, but I find that at this early stage, Andrew is much further ahead of Beto when it comes to the serious factors beginning to face America, and how he tends to face those challenges. I thought Beto was my guy until I heard Andrew share his thoughts on AI and the future of American jobs.
2
Thank you! I’m shouting his name from to rooftops and very few are listening. You and I, let’s keep it up!
Almost any of the current crop of declared candidates and the prince regent in waiting could defeat Trump, however, democrats need an insurance policy because if Mueller and or the U.S. Attorney for Southern District of New York brings charges against Trump or his family enterprise, then the democrats may end up facing a more mainstream republican like Nikki Haley or Marco Rubio who are if nothing else, charismatic and street smart younger politicians. Beto O'Rourke may be somewhat lacking in policy substance, but he may be the best show horse in the democratic primary race and as the late Vince Lombardi famously once "winning isn't everything, it is the only thing".
1
He makes John Edwards (remember him?) appear to be a man of substance.
But while Edwards was born into a working class family that gave him no connections, O'Rourke was born into a prominent and politically connected El Paso family that paid for his Columbia education, got him into a position to run for city council, and appropriated Mexican culture by giving him a fake name (but he used Michael in New York).
Oh, and if it weren't for his good looks, he would be nowhere.
I'll pass.
26
@Erik - yes, lets talk about Sen. John Edwards for a moment. In a sea of politcians caught up in sexual scandals, none was banished from public life more thoroughly than John Edwards. What was his great sin? In a moment of weakness as he endured the pain of his wifes dying, he turned to an associate for emotional comfort. A young southerner devoted to fighting for workers and consumers, disappeared. Let's talk about a true man of substance, NY Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who was widely believed to be presidential material until a prostitution scandal, quite possibly a sting operation, ended his career. And of course there was Sen. Al Franken: another strong fighter for progressive issues brought down by trivial unproven accusations by Republican sympathizers, finished off by Democratic rivals. None of the offenses by these men involved sexual abuse or harassment. Any of them would be worthy candidates, if the Democratic party really wanted ability, accomplishment, intelligence, and vigor.
8
Some of us also want integrity and virtue. We find that lacking in the before mentioned people as well as a long list of Republicans including Justice Kavanaugh and President Trump.
3
Beto does not impress me at all. Pete Buttigieg does. Watch his CNN town hall from last week or his interview with Chris Hayes on MSNBC or even his few minutes with Stephen Colbert.
44
The intra party fights over Beto already playing out are the type that can get a fascist Buffon elected because Trump ain’t the only buffoon that got Trump elected. It took armies of DC insiders squabbling and smearing one another as well.
I have my doubts of Beto but he has already proven one thing.
He is going to put himself in front of Americans and not hide behind DC grifters to whom he is not beholden. Which is a good thing.
And he seems to be approximately as ideological as Obama though I don’t yet know if he has Obama's Disdain for what Obama sadly mistakenly thought ideology was: Clueless talkers cluelessly talking uselessly. Which is a decidedly mixed blessing and whether for the better or the worse no way to yet know.
3
He’s all hat and no cattle. He’s getting more attention than he deserves because he’s the only young straight white man with name recognition in the race. Why some Democrats believe that an untried but telegenic 46 year old with a thin resume, who thinks kumbaya will defeat Trump and right the wrongs he’s wrought, is beyond me. All I see is a lamb being led to the slaughter.
77
Jack Kennedy campaigned to be the VP on the 1956 presidential ticket. Beto's running a stalking horse campaign for either 2024 or 2028. Hopefully he will have done enough by then to merit consideration.
3
Even AI would be better than what we have now.....
1
@Rosalind -- is that Al Gore? Al Franken? Yes, please!
Do you mean Al Gore? Imagine a safer world where he would have been President instead of Bush. How lucky we would have been.
Beto lost a US Senate race, so now he’s running for President.
Who does he think he is, Rick Santorum?
Or Abe Lincoln?
3
Excellent, except I kept looking for his pretext. You do suppose he has one, yes?
1
The title of this op-ed asks us a question, and then the article encourages us not to think too superficially when giving our answer. Because what the piece really asks is not specifically what we think about Beto, but what we think about Beto's position on the issues. Then it gives us examples that show us that Beto is very good at talking and filling up space, but maybe not so great at filling in details.
Yet again, Ms. Collins has gone straight to the matter behind the matter, and in this case, comes to us wondering if there is any matter there in the first place.
Well, here's the deal -- we've given policy know-how up. We don't care anymore what policies and what implementations thereof a candidate may be proposing. And the reason we don't care is because we've been trained to want the show first and only. "Trust us," we say to our politicians, "we don't really care if you don't do anything, as long as you entertain us. Just put on the kind of show we want to see. We're not picky about content."
Poor Hillary. Just not entertaining enough. If only she'd been able to ride a skateboard or play the guitar. Or if she'd stooped so low as to rile up arenas with synchronized hateful shouting. And just think if a tape had come out about her bragging about grabbing things on those of the other gender.
Now that's entertainment.
19
Reminder: And, yet, HRC won the popular vote.
Makes one think that the majority of voters actually do want candidates with substantive policy ideas.
Beto is just a pretty face — one that can’t talk with substance or his past record of voting as a state legislator... not without exposing how often he voted with Republicans and in favor of the fossil fuel industry.
Enter the Beto campaign at your own risk... and the risk to future generations.
5
He seems a bit manic. Not a diagnosis. Just an observation.
12
"A fool's errand".
3
I made a mistake of donating to his campaign against Cruz. I've never left any contact information or indicated I want to be contacted by him again. Since then I've been spammed by text messages from his campaign who used different phone numbers to avoid spam filtering. His campaign faced a law-suit action in Texas for spamming.
Maybe it is better to have a break from narcissists in the white house for a few years? Obama had such class and humility. There are much better democratic candidates than Beto.
21
I wish Beto had not tried to grasp the so-called brass ring for the Presidency and instead pushed for the Cornyn seat in '20 but...he's not getting my dollars this time.
However I need to correct you on the Kamala pronunciation and I speak as an expert from things Tamil. It is not Comma-Lah, though there is that version but I am pretty sure not from my former State. Try for "kahma" as in Khaki, "Ma" as in Ma and La as in La...
I "modified" my name for interaction purpose only after getting it butchered for a few years. It is frustrating when Americans of all stripes are unable to get names that are not Anglo Saxon, but in the 21st C, its ridiculous, people.
5
Aside from being tall, what does he have going for him? What are his qualifications? You're not voting for a prom date. You're voting for the leader of the free world.
23
Well, he is white and male. Perfect, right?
1
I have no idea why Beto’s running for president, but the whole CDC thing does give him a somewhat intriguing mystique.
1
Please, NYT, don't fall into Beto Fever. Please, please make issue positions sexy. It's possible. Then, focus on the amazing qualifications of the whole field of candidates. Create in your space the full marketplace of ideas with which we can engage as citizens. Eschew clickbait.
And p.s.: Beto is no John (or Robert) (or Ted) Kennedy, and he's no Obama.
106
He’s also no Andrew Yang.
What has Beto O'Rourke done to unite us? What has he done at all?
He failed to defeat the much-despised Ted Cruz. He rides a skateboard for photo-ops. Oh, and he exercised his right to cultural appropriation by adopting the Hispanic nickname "Beto" despite about his privileged white upbringing. His father-in-law is a real estate mogul worth about $500 million, so Beto is not likely to embrace the socialism promulgated by Bernie and AOC.
What does Beto stand for? Is he a centrist? A liberal? A socialist? Will he eschew corporate donations? No one knows, least of all Beto. No one will really know for sure until all those surveys and focus groups provide instruction on what he needs to say and do to garner the maximum support for his candidacy.
I really don't get it. If Stacey Abrams loses the election for Governor and Beto O'Rourke loses the election for Senator, that obviously qualifies them to run for President. Not.
15
I think Mr. O'Rourke, in deciding to run for President, underestimated how much people loathe Ted Cruz. I think his success in Texas was as much Cruz hatred as O'Rourke love.
12
Check out Mayor Pete for a talented young candidate (Maybe VP) - seems more substantial and thoughtful and specific than Beto (to me). https://www.peteforamerica.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxJmpjc2F4QIVh-DICh1aBAPmEAAYASAAEgL-2vD_BwE
8
"But Iowans won't kick off the primary season for 46 more weeks" in a column about a dude campaigning in Iowa is about the most enervating sentence I have ever read in a column by Gail Collins. It makes me want to put a fork in the whole process, if not my own eyeball. Gail Collins has the market on cheerfully skewering politics, but I just can't take another ultramarathon of reported candidate quirks vs. Trumpian tweetstorms. The election is TOO FAR AWAY. A presidential election is not a sporting event, or if it is let's ignore the recruits and focus on who is paying to play. I want to know about position papers getting written into bills proposed by sitting Senators, not posted to a website nobody but a bookee is going to read. Gail, please. Help put a stop to this election circus madness.
4
What a great opinion. Gail Collins just cuts right to it.
2
Pretty face, empty suit, no discernible platform or principles. But I think he would be a good match for Trump in a contest about who has the biggest ego.
6
Beto, like Obama and Trump, knows how to be an effective candidate, and as with those those two, he has done quite a little to prepare for the task of leading the executive branch. Hey
1
Just after Beto made his announcement, Trump jumped right in with the insults."I think he’s got a lot of hand movement. I’ve never seen so much hand movement. I said, ’Is he crazy or is that just the way he acts?" The president's already gearing up to find someone new to mock now that Little Marco's hands are past history. Hard to imagine Beto in 'hand to hand' combat with the Bully-in-Chief on a debate stage.
3
Beto has a great looking wife with a trillion dollar smile, and great
looking kids.
If he can attract such a cool looking happy looking wife, who really does seem happy with him, maybe he does have something to offer.
He is also a good old boy from the south. A white male from the south. Last time he got a lot of white males in Texas to vote for him.
White males are where the Democrats are weakest demographically.
if the Democrats really want to have enough electoral votes to actually win the presidency this time around, and maybe even control the Senate and the House,
Beto might be a good choice.
Beto is not dark skinned and he is not female, but winning the presidency and gaining some political power for a change is not bad.
Keep an open mind.
2
I wish he would get a real job and do real work before declaring that he is ready to run for the highest office in the land.
13
What do I think about Beto? Not much. No “there” there.
A rock star performer is all. Another smooth-talking media savvy operator like Trump but, unlike Trump, not narrow-minded to the point of stupidity, a self-indulgent prejudiced, intellectually lazy, venal, vengeful and bitter bully. No gravitas in either but no moral turpitude in O’Rourke so, although he shares some of the small man’s crowd-pleasing communication skills (mindless bombast not among them) he’s a polar opposite — an anti-Trump Trump.
He’s fortunate in one respect: I’m firmly in the ABT (“Anybody But Trump”) camp so a dead mouse gets my vote if it can get on the ballot.
My preference at this point? Anyone who can knock Trump to the floor, something that Hillary couldn’t do and Kamala, Amy, Kirstin and Elizabeth probably can’t.
4
I watched Beto run against Ted Cruz in Texas. I thought that he was a sure thing, and could not believe it when he lost. I mean really, he comes across like a really nice, personable guy, and Cruz is a jerk that made a long series of political mistakes over the last two years. But Cruz nonetheless managed to beat Beto, and that history speaks volumes about what this is about. I do not care if Beto is nice and personable. We need a proven winner that can beat Donald Trump, and that is not Beto O'Rourke.
712
@TPH
Ted Cruz couldn't defeat Tweety in Iowa, either, which indicates that media savvy is more important than knowledge of the Federal government, experience managing a state or large city, familiarity with the US Constitution, public policy expertise, qualified leadership skills, broad knowledge of foreign governments, a wide network of experienced, collaborative executive-level leaders, etc. Tweety will most assuredly try to turn the next election into a media circus, and what we really need is a qualified leader. It may come to drafting HRC back into the ring again if the Dems could persuade her.
9
@TPH
The rural Texas voters were 4 or 5-1 Trump voters. Some of the areas didn't even have D opponents. That's what got Cruz elected. The problem with Beto is that his policy answers were too broad. Frankly, he'll make a great VP to Biden. I think that ticket can beat Trump/Pence.
35
@gary wilson
You're too kind. It's not that "his policy answers were too broad"; it's that they were too shallow.
The same goes for him.
36
Some aspects of Beto most people are not yet familiar with:
According to Reuters, when he was younger he was arrested on drunk-driving charges and played in a punk band.
Also via Reuters, while a teenager Beto belonged to the oldest group of computer hackers in U.S. called the Cult of the Dead Cow (no, Reuters and I are not kidding), which released tools that allowed ordinary people to hack computers running Microsoft’s Windows. CDC members including Beto also used hacking techniques to obtain "free" phone access for modem communcations.
According to Politico, while a member of the Cult of the Dead Cow Beto wrote fiction about murdering children:
"One day, as I was driving home from work, I noticed two children crossing the street. They were happy, happy to free from their troubles. ... This happiness was mine by right. I had earned it in my dreams. As I neared the young ones, I put all my weight on my right foot, keeping the accelerator pedal on the floor until I heard the crashing of the two children on the hood, and then the sharp cry of pain from one of the two. I was so fascinated for a moment, that when after I had stopped my vehicle, I just sat in a daze, sweet visions filling my head."
Beto said he was not proud of this writing; sounds pretty creepy to me.
Stay tuned; a book on the Cult of the Dead Cow and Beto's capers is on its way.
5
Gail, his daughter's name is Molly. Couldn't his son have been named after James Joyce's novel, and not the Odyssey?
Also, I don't think what makes him stand apart is "being a cute white guy who can skateboard."
I didn't even know that until today.
But I do know that he's charismatic (unlike, say, the rest of the field), and that he was unafraid to stand up to the president on immigration, or to speak out about the football/kneeling controversy.
And that I will vote for him in the primary.
6
"lost a race to Ted Cruz, one of the least appealing human beings on the face of the earth"
That should be more troubling. It is the sort of doubt that was pushed aside with Hillary.
Don't do it again. Don't convince yourself of your own righteousness. You need more votes.
Beto might in fact have policies to get votes. So far though, he hasn't actually said.
So far though, all we know is his personality thing. That is the personality which charmed a minority, and still lost to "one of the least appealing human beings on the face of the earth."
10
Not much there -yet. It's early days but I have heard much more of doable, concrete plans from John Delaney and Mayor Pete. Beto has charisma but little else so far.
4
Liked him until it was noted that he was a hacker - that's pretty low life and tells much about true character- and not in a good way - next!
8
Can't wait to hear debates between BET-oh and Comma-lah Harris and Pete Boot-edge-edge and all the others. Speaking of edge, I think Mayor Pete will definitely have it. But how many months exist before we really get to hear the differences?
4
I find this whole narrative that he's received more attention than any of the female candidates to be questionable. Maybe I would be persuaded if I could see the numbers showing that he's been given more coverage than what Kamala Harris got when she held her rally and announced. Klobuchar didn't have super high name recognition the way Beto does, so of course there wasn't an avalanche of stories on her. And Warren was of course the first person to declare, and there was a fair amount of coverage around her kickoff. It isn't sexism that he's being talked about a lot the day after he declared. You can say it's sexism that he caught fire after his loss in a way that Abrams didn't, but this whole thing about unequal coverage rings hollow to me.
I know nothing about his policies. Until I know more about him and where he stands I am not giving him much thought.
2
I'll admit, he means well enough, but I don't think he knows what he wants for himself, let alone for the country.
Unity will NOT cut it. No self-styled Obama's thanks.
REAL CHANGE this time is essential. Beto is just kicking the can down the road.
Furthermore, I am not willing to tolerate a man as President who wants to 'find himself'. And posts it on social media.
THAT is the definition of narcissism.
8
If it comes to fish or cut bait, I think this time around he'll cut bait and angle for a cabinet position to boost his name recognition nationally and enhance his resume and important contacts quite a lot.
He can certainly raise a crowd and $$$$, too. So whoever's star he eventually hangs his hat on to is going to get some traction.
Today I saw Bernie bandaged and Joe almost too hoarse to speak. I wouldn't be suprised if Beto skates right past these sunshine boys. Trump proved it's nothing but a popularity contest, and Beto's popular. He also isn't Trump. That's 2 out of 2.
1
What do I think? Many other far more qualified candidates in the race.
20
Beto's problem is not name-recognition. Pretty much everyone knows who he is. So why is he so weak in the polls? And why did he chose not to divulge how little money he raised in the first 24 hours after his announcement? Dwarfed by Sanders' haul, maybe? According to Quinnipiac's Texas poll last week, Trump gets 47 vs. Biden's 46, Bernie's 45, and Beto's 44. Aside from the
Trump's being in a statistical tie with all three Dems in the furthest right state this side of MS and Idaho, the most striking thing in this result is surely the fact that "moderate" Biden is virtually tied with both "socialist" Bernie and Beto, and Bernie slightly beats Beto himself, the supposed superstar of Texas Dems. The neoliberal Dems beloved by Wall St. have tried to guarantee their nomination victory with someone for "moderates" (Biden), young people (Beto), and blacks (Booker, and maybe Harris). Yet somehow Bernie keeps being in a statistical tie with Biden, and far ahead of all other candidates, week after week. It will be interesting to see how Biden vs. Bernie shakes out after lots of weak candidates are forced out of the home stretch. At least this time Biden won't be able to use the only trick that allowed Hillary to get the nomination: running the table in the South because she conned the black voters with the absurd lie that she was more n their side than Bernie. This time, Biden will have to split the black vote in these early primaries with Booker and Harris.
I like him because he is a repudiation of the forced diversity of the Democratic Party. Biden and O'Rourke is the winning ticket.
2
Entitled white privileged males--haven't we had enough of this? Of course he is getting slobbered over rather dragged through the dredges like his much more qualified female counterparts, who we are all hand-wringing over whether they are "likable" enough. And THANK YOU for not comparing him to President Barack Obama; that tired trope needs to rest in peace. O'Rourke has not demonstrated any ability to back or write good policy. He seems very cool but my fear is that he would be just as ineffective and lame as Trump without the glaringly obvious malfeasance that Trump advertises. O'Rourke seems to have read the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene and is playing his part for power and glory.
2
Sorry, just not interested in Beto. Or Biden. Or Bernie. We have three terrific candidates in Senators Klobuchar, Warren and Harris. I favor hard working women who get stuff done.
19
JFK in 1960
BFR in 2020 ?
Can the nation stand another President with so little
experience in National Politics ?
Or is that now seen as an absolute plus ?
2
What this country needs is someone who conveys some maturity. Like them or not, Robert Kennedy Jr was 42 when he was murdered and MLK 39.
I've nothing against fooling around, having a good time, etc
We could use some young, vigorous and new leadership but I find all this silliness pretty unappealing.
It feels like high school watching some of the candidates and that's not a good thing.
1
He doesn't need Oprah's fortune because he comes from wealth. No real policy positions? Little governing experience? Means testing for social security benefits? Is he kidding? I guess just about anyone is better than Trump. Perhaps I should run.
4
I think he should have been able to come up with a better answer to the question about why teachers have to buy their own supplies. Surely that's a softball question responded to with goofball answer. This is not about a lack of experience. This is a guy who can't think on his feet.
10
To me, the person Beto looks like is Kyle Secor of Homicide, Life on the Street, but even that isn't enough to make me vote for him. He just strikes me as a lightweight. Well-meaning, kind of pretentious, not all that bright, exactly the sort of person who names his kid after the Odyssey under the impression that he's doing something original and meaningful. There are Betos clogging up MFA programs all across this great land, and I don't have anything against them but I don't want any of them to be president.
8
Young, handsome, Kennedy teeth. America's shallow voters will love him. So what if he has no clearly defined policies. Neither does Trump.
3
I think the electorate has to ask itself whether it can seriously and confidently picture Beto siting across the negotiating table from either Putin, Kim, or Xi.
4
Beto’s success in the Texas Senate race would seem to indicate that Cruz was beatable, but Beto couldn’t close the deal. And now he wants to “fail up” and run for President?
7
Why not? From the little i’ve seen of him he seems like a dead ringer for Dylan on Modern Family, agreeably goofy, heart of gold, left-field ideas turn out to be just right.
1
I don't get the Betomania. He seems pretty vacant to me.
The media is doing a disservice to the public and to the numerous Democratic candidates. They should not approach Beto as they did Trump and give tons of free air time to someone who has very little to say. Let's hear from all the candidates in a fair way.
One candidate that answers questions in a more specific way, who has a common touch, is a high character guy and volunteered to serve his country in Afghanistan is Pete Buttigieg. He has thought about the problems of this century and has interesting ideas about how to fix them. Check out Pete Buttigieg. I don't know if he knows how to skateboard but I believe he knows how to lead.
16
No, Gail, the United States does not need yet another fanboy personality.
After the historically important win by the Democrats to retake the House and preserve our democracy, the key thinkers, influencers, movers, and shakers of the Democratic party descended on Washington to have skull sessions for strategy and tactics. They also took stands against Trumpism and made commitments with consequences that could cost them and our Nation if they were wrong.
Where was fanboy Beto during this? He was on some sort of road trip finding himself, or something. How did he take a stake in the fight for our nation after last November? He didn’t. He’s politically savvy? In Texas, he oversold the safety-net aspects of his policies in a state where voters had not voted for legislated safety nets. He lost to a mean-spirited, sarcastic, narcissist. Exactly how would fanboy Beto take on Trump?
Regardless of how Trump belittles her, this Nation needs to read Elizabeth Warren’s book, “A Fighting Chance,” and find out who she really is and how economic fairness, along with hard work, is an integrated part of her principles and plans. She’s not flash in the pan.
Who reads Vanity Fair for politics? It’s about celebrities and YouTube “influencers.” Our nation needs an experienced politician who has plans and a record of successes. We don’t need a Vanity Fair fanboy influencer.
10
I will not vote for O'Rourke.
Opinion column in the Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/15/beto-orourke-friend-fossil-fuel-industry-climate-change
During his run for the Senate, O'Rourke swore off taking big donations from the oil and gas industry. He promised to take only small (less than $200) donations from individual people who worked in the industry. He signed a pledge. Then he took big donations from the industry and got caught doing it.
I don't need that kind of candidate.
8
I’m all for a skateboarding president if he or she can skateboard us right out of this nightmare.
2
Sure, single parents with two minimum wage jobs really need a skateborder president! What an asinine headline.
Politicians like Beto are the reason most of the country is sick of American politics and feel unmotivated to vote. This 'centrist' politician is: one, clearly not going to get elected president (after just losing his state's election), two, has no distiguishing political accomplishments and three, has zero new or original political proposals. So why is he running? He's obviosly running to consolidate his own personal, political power for future use. Because roughly 10% of establishment Democrats across the country will emotionally bond to a candidate who is young and attractive, i.e. purely on physical grounds, he can use his devouted constituency to help him win a local election or negotiate a cabinet position, for example. This is the sort of political opportunism and careerism that most of the country finds revolting. But it may still work for him.
3
Americans don't seem to want Senators as President. In the last 50 years, there are only two -- Richard Nixon, Barack Obama -- despite the fact that many Senators have run for President. And then there's that thing of Americans (guys, actually) voting for someone they would like to have a beer with. Add Beto's natural charisma, and the media gets excited...
1
O'Rourke lost to Cruz, despite raising and spending some $70M. But the true story is that his 3 point loss was only slightly better than the last candidate who lost to Cruz but spent less than 1/1000 as much.
Bottom line, O'Rourke lost a race that was his to win largely because he did not even attempt to engage those moderate Republicans in Texas who cannot stomach Cruz.But who would not give their vote to someone who could not be bothered to ask. The counry voted for a self-absorbed media darling 2016. Once is enough.
5
@Rupert31 Only slightly better? The previous democratic candidate in 2012 lost by nearly 16% in year when Obama was running for president. Beto lost by less than 3 points in a midterm year. You might not like him, but that's a huge accomplishment for Texas.
Beto seems callow. Needs to mature. As Orson Welles used to intone: "no wine before its time." That he doesn't seem willing to (belaboring the metaphor) ripen — i.e., toil in the fields (block that metaphor!), i.e., learn how government actually works — is worrying.
4
This is a question to be answered next year when Beto has been seasoned, chewed up by the media and opposition, and is still in the top tier.
One notable point is that on a stage with Donald Trump one will look like the energizer bunny and one will look like the subject in an embalming class.
3
I like Beto. I also like most of the other Democratic hopefuls. And I plan to listen carefully during the primary debates and vote for my favorite (as yet undetermined) candidate. And whichever of these Democrats wins the primary..he or she has my vote. I am not looking for ideological purity, I will not get my nose out of joint if the candidate for whom I vote does not gain the nomination. I loathe Trump and what has become of our country under his “leadership” . I want a change...a Democrat in the White House.
10
It would be good if he actually won something before running for President, because if he can't beat Ted Cruz (one of the most disliked men in America), what gives him the confidence to believe he can beat Trump?
13
Seems to me, that another person tried to make it to the top of the political pile, by wind surfing, and we know how that ended!
4
Kerry’s advertising was bad, like Dukakis’s; but he would have made a great president, based on his work as Secretary of State. Advertising in a democracy has to be pitched low, because the median IQ of the voters is 100.
Ah, but would Beto promise to faithfully execute the laws that Congress has already made? Trump won’t do it and none of the other candidates have even mentioned that constitutional duty—except, in passing, former prosecutor Kamala Harris.
No , no, no. Although Beto and Kamal Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders et al have some good ideas, none of them have the necessary attributes to both beat Trump and put the nation on a truly progressive track. So: white male less than 60 years old, family man (a couple of young kids would help), a positive record in his political career so far, not too far to the left, and free of the Democratic Party establishment. Get rid of Trump and the Republicans in general (especially Mc Connell). And go from there.
136
@Renaissance Man Bob Kruszyna That would have been Sherrod Brown, but he's not running. So where to turn now? Steve Bullock doesn't have foreign policy experience. The D's have a wide bench but it's very thin.
Agree with your recitation of insubstantial unelectables, except that Klobuchar would have been an exception to it if she hadn't imploded with her personality traits that disqualify her as a leader, especially as Commander-in-Chief.
The R's are destructive, the D's self-destructive.
30
@Renaissance Man Bob Kruszyna
If some how, we can't choose a qualified, capable, accomplished human being who happens to be female, I'll vote for Governor Hickenlooper. He's actually done something, a successful business created without family money or connections, ran a state where its citizens can enjoy healthcare and quality public education. I think America should limit one narcissistic man-child president per decade...or better yet, per century. Let Mr. O'Rourke enjoy his dental cleaning and skateboarding in private. And the silent, adoring, younger spouse thing is so weird because thank goodness this is 2019.
26
@Renaissance Man Bob Kruszyna
<60, two kids, family man, positive career record, not too left, not too mainstream. You just described White Obama. Except, that just goes to show that for such an individual to win, He must possess a nearly messianic charisma on stage, razor sharp intellect on issues, ruthlessly skilled campaign workers and a powerful enough personal story to break through stone-like societal barriers.
Good luck, Democrats!
12
O'Rourke does have that Kennedyesque/Camelot appeal which we haven't seen in decades. He seems earnest, likeable and decent, and that's a plus. We'll see how this goes.
2
Love you Gail!
As always, you capture his persona and I wonder as he’s answering questions obviously from experience and his heart; where are the answers from Republicans on the critical issues facing America?
Why is it that the Dem’s have to clean up the messes like the financial fallout in 2008?
Beto could be a great VP candidate, especially going up against the likes of Pence. I would like to see Warren in a debate with Trump as I believe she would eat his lunch. She has the brains and experience this country needs and would beat him in a landslide.
7
I voted for Mr. O'Rourke for Senator, and would do so again. Lord knows, I would vote for him for Governor. I think his charisma is real but he needs some more time in politics at the national level. As this paper's Mr. Friedman asked, who do you want to answer the phone when there's a foreign policy crisis at 3:00 AM?
I'm going with Liz.
22
I wish we could stop interviewees of all sorts from responding with, “That’s a great question!” I’m so tired of hearing that. It’s almost as bad as all the telephone-answering robots who start out with “Listen carefully, as our options have recently changed.” I’ve been hearing that on countless calls from countless companies over the last couple of years. Lots of changing, eh? (Not.) And lots of great questions, too — (Not.)
5
Now if only democrats would stop tearing every candidate apart, we might be able to win in 2020.
4
I think Pete Buttigieg is a more serious and accomplished person.
And just as cool.
34
I supported and dontated Beto because I would support any reasonably rational person who might remove Ted Cruz from our sight. But now he is running for the Democratic nomination against many qualified and smart candidates to represent the party.
The central problem with Beto is he does not understand that the issue that animated the voters and was the primary impetus of his near success in his Senate race was how motivated people are to remove the abominable resident of the White House. He deludes himself into thinking he is the uniting principle that will heal the system when the reality is the Democrats want someone who is up to the task of putting the bully back in his place. For Beto, it remains to be seen if he has what it takes.
5
This is nothing more than a thinly veiled audition for a VP of the eventual nominee. I personally am so over him.
7
For those who experienced the 1984 Democratic primaries the famous question of Mondale to Hart comes to mind: "where's the beef?"
3
This country deserves better than Beto.
2018:
Beto spent $80m for 4m votes.
Cruz spent $46m. for 4.3m votes
2012:
Paul Sadler spent $510k for 3.2m votes.
Cruz spent $14m for 4.4m votes.
I'd say Democrats got a terrible deal with Beto.
6
Not a serious contender. His presidential running remarks were boring at best. As an appalled anti Trump constituent, O’Rourke is not the right fit. Neither is Biden. Can we please be serious and find someone who really cares.
12
Julian Castro for President. The press needs to cover this candidate more. He can deliver the Latino vote, Julian has good ideas, knowledgeable, shows poise, calmness, intellect.
This is the candidate.
The entire process is early, but watch Julian.
6
A little on the snarky side, Ms. Collins. While Beto O'Rourke was the fair-haired boy running against Ted Cruz, everyone can't wait to pile on now. In the last few days we have been treated to his school writings, his failure to introduce his wife at an interview, his lack of experience, and on and on. I will glad support Mr. O'Rourke if he wins the nomination. I will also happily support any Dem running against Trump. There is no person on the Democratic side who could be worse than our current president. For that matter I believe the homeless guy on our median with the sign asking for help would be more ethical, compassionate, and probably more knowledgeable about the Constitution than the current occupant of the Oval Office.
19
Not ready for prime time.
Do something of significance fisrt.
Start a new trend in this day and age.
8
Not much. Found the announcement rather nauseating. I'd hoped for much more. Empty words were what I heard.
7
Is Mayor Pete's last name really pronounced Boot-edge-edge?
In any case, if you lined up all 14 or 15 or 16 (how many are there?) of the candidates out there 6 months ago, Buttigieg would have been near the bottom for me...but I heard an interview on NPR with him 7 weeks ago and I haven't heard a missed note from him yet.
Beto is a fine fellow but he doesn't feel like a President to me.
517
@Southern Hope
Totally agree. Saw Bootigieg interviewed by Amanpour on CNN, and my first impression is that he's a super-smart deep thinker, if a little geeky, which is fine by me. We need intelligence in the White House.
While I like my governor, Jay Inslee, for putting climate change front and center, and I think he'd be a solid candidate, this Bootigieg guy has impressed me more than the others.
50
@Southern Hope
President Sanders
VP Pete
Att.Gen Avenatti
Sec of State McFaul
To get the job done we need the total package.
If it was Sanders instead of Kain. Dems would have won. Ego's can't play in this game.
10
@Southern Hope: I like to think of Mayor Pete's last name as Buddha-judge. I hope he breaks through. He's an actual mayor (or was, don't know if he still is) and I like him.
BET-O? Didn't like the 'quiet wife' video, didn't like the 'I gotta go find myself' road trip (what woman running for prez could get away with that nonsense?) and I especially didn't like the dentist video which makes me question his judgment (I don't like anything that reminds me of dental work).
BUT....we have a lot of time.
At first I thought Liz Warren had no chance but lately she's been growing on me. Had started out sure I was for Amy Klobuchar but those stories of abusing her staff really got to me. We don't need another humiliator in the White House. I'm sorry she has that problem but.....it's there and there are too many stories of it to discount. Kamala? Maybe.
Sigh. I just want Trump gone. Like now......
72
Obama is a genius, he had a vision for the country and knew how to communicate it. I miss him very much. He won his presidential elections in spite of the Republicans and the Electoral college - and for that reason Republicans hate him. As far as I can tell Beto is a nice guy and has been able to get ahead politically because he has a ton of money. If he couldn’t beat Cruz in spite of all the black marks on the guy, he won’t stand a chance against Trump.
While I like Biden and Warren, if I had my pick I’d choose Inslee. I really want someone in office who will put working on the environment their primary concern. However, I’ll vote for whomever the Democrats put up, and I’ll support the Democrat most likely to win.
4
O’Rourke is using smoke and mirrors with too much touchy feely. Democrats have a problem already, too many candidates in the running.
3
I’d prefer to have a winner. He lost to Cruz, which even in Texas should say something.
6
Not Ready for Prime Time, but so much more ready than the current occupant. O'Rourke is moderately bright while the current occupant is extremely dim.
If a moderately bright good person with charisma can beat Mister Venality, it's infinitely better than a serious policy wonk who might lose (Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren... twins separated at birth).
Dan Kravitz
2
Gail, I am an avid fan of yours, but I have to take exception with you on this column. You, like other columnists, have taken Beto's quote in Vanity Fair out of context. Whereas you quote the quote as being " I'm just born to do this," you don't quote the full quote which shows he's not as narcissistic as you make him out to be. The full quote is "“Man, I’m just born to be in it, and want to do everything I humanly can for this country at this moment.” The full quote shows he cares about the country and that that is why he is running. Please do better in the future when quoting someone.
15
If he's running to "serve" me, he better have more than a menu full of platitudes. Underwhelmed and unimpressed.
20
Beto reminds me of a flower child of the 60s lost in a marijuana haze trying to find his purpose in life. He spouts a lot of feel good platitudes and then tumbleweeds out of town.
God are we all harsh in our appraisals since Trump stampeded into town.
Democratic veterans gave him good advice to run against Senator John Cornyn and get some seasoning, but in todays world of instant celebrity who needs experience.
Democrats used to put people with gravitas on their tickets top to bottom. Yes, Obama was young but his intellect was top notch.
Beto, at the moment, has the feel of something very unsubstantial.
772
@Babel Obama was young and inexperienced and it ended up hurting him. Not sure he's any brighter than Beto.
3
@Babel
Harsh, but correct. He's not an empty suit... he's an empty pair of jeans!
12
@Babel Too bad we let Obama's intellect distract us from a timid soul and a beholdenness to bankers and corporates.
15
the video alone with the wife just smiling at him ... while her family fortune supports them ... said it all, still too much patriarchy and aloofness
5
Beto lost to Ted Cruz. Who needs to know more than that? He really does appear to ne an establishment pawn. And does
anyone else notice how blanantly bias Oprah is? All the female candidates have substantial platforms, especially Warren with her arsenal of proposals. Beto, gets the red carpet and is a media darling, overnight. Liberal media is most definitely bias, Bernie Sanders hardly had mentions in the news until 6 months into the campaign.
The other comments on here summed up my opinion of Beto really. I see the Democratic field imploding, they all are not taking big donations — which means they are all fighting for the same money...I see them bumping heads and making it a toss up. BUT Bernie Sanders, who flipped red districts across the country with Our Revolution midterms 2018. And Sanders now has chapters and outreach across the country, and has officials in office thanks to Our Revolution. Sanders national reach spells trouble for other Dems, and he has the highest approval rating of all U.S. politicians. I see young voters going for Bernie, and black voters that regretted not voting for him in 2016 doing the same.
2
@Mia You are absolutely correct. We need a proven friend of labor like Sanders. Not another narcissistic businessman.
Beto does not support Medicare for All, which has support of over 70 percent of the people. He is a Blue Dog Democrat trying to pass himself off as a progressive. Beto’s support in El Paso came from the Republican business community. And thus as Congressman he dutifully paid them back with military projects and real estate deals. Also he married into a billionaire real estate developer family.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/beto-orourkes-political-career-drew-on-donations-from-the-pro-republican-business-establishment/2019/03/14/4dc299e8-3e8a-11e9-9361-301ffb5bd5e6_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.97022aa00e63
“O’Rourke has voted for GOP bills that his fellow Democratic lawmakers said reinforced Republicans’ anti-tax ideology, chipped away at the Affordable Care Act (ACA), weakened Wall Street regulations, boosted the fossil fuel industry and bolstered Donald Trump’s immigration policy”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/dec/20/beto-orourke-congressional-votes-analysis-capital-and-main
8
Ulysses, a hero? As I remember he was devious & cunning. He came up with the Trojan horse idea. Effective, but not decent or noble. That’s why the Greek gods messed with his trip back home. Then when he arrived home 10 years later, he literally cleaned house - killing all of his presumed widowed wife’s suitors.
1
@Fred
In literature, the word "hero" means "main character" or "protagonist." It does not convey personal merit or the absence of it. The term is not greatly in favor anymore, except when applied to martyrs or those who serve in the military. As applied to Homeric poetry, however, it's, um, classic. Yes, Ulysses is the hero of the epic poem, The Odyssey.
1
@Fred Not sure what this has to do with Beto, but it was not the Trojan Horse deception that got the God Poisideon (Neptune) mad at Odysseus but rather the hero blinding the god's One Eyed Giant son. . . .On the other hand, the goddess Athena took his side. Homer depicts the relationship between the wily hero & the powerful goddess in a way almost modern, not patriarchal. . . . James Joyce picked Ulysses as the model for his hero, Mr. Leopold Bloom, because, Joyce said, he was just a family man, trying to get home and, of all the ancient heroes, the only one who would prefer to talk his way out of trouble rather than fight! Happy Paddy's Day. . . .
I am not impressed. Beto is a media darling. He is talented at working social media. He is not presidential material.
Do we need someone to fall in love with or someone who can get the job done. Someone who can generate Facebook clicks, or someone who can defeat Trump? Someone who can throw around catch phrases or someone who can throw around Putin?
I beginning to lean toward Biden, even though I would much rather have someone 20 years younger. I say that because the rest of the field just doesn't have the chops, the weight, for the job. I like Klobuchar, but she now has to surmount saladgate. The way she has been attacked over it, it looks like Democrats are going down the eat our own path again.
Beto is too young, and too inexperienced for the job. He has nothing to offer except worthy but lofty goals and no way to get there. We need someone who can get us there.
560
@Bruce Rozenblit
You are channeling our thoughts. You are right about Biden. If we are going to decide primarily on the basis of charisma, go with Joe. Charm AND experience!
But here is the thing. All the Democratic candidates have more experience than Trump did. All of them have better values. All of them have behaved more like an adult. And I bet they will all share their tax returns.
73
@Bruce Rozenblit - I agree about about Beto. Let’s get together for coffee at the Brookside Roasterie sometime and discuss my favorite, Elizabeth Warren, one who knows how to get things done, per her signature accomplishment in creating the CFPB, for instance.
56
@Dale Irwin
As much as I would love to see a woman as President, I think Biden/Beto would be a winning ticket. Yes, Beto needs more experience but his idealism is important at this time as well. But he's not ready for the President job yet. (Though even now he's more qualified than the current occupant.). Perhaps one of the female ticket leaders and Beto would be a winning combo. I like Warren but don't think she can win. Same with Harris. Klobuchar....maybe. If the rumor mill doesn't Hillary her to infamy.
33
Timing is everything in life. I contend that Beto is the wrong person at exactly the wrong time. Making nice speeches is nice; even necessary. It is not sufficient.
Much like Howard Schultz, Beto has not really done anything relevant to the office. Unlike Schultz, at least Beto has some passing knowledge of how government works as a Congressman. Both of these men would be entering high government office - the most complex large organization in the history of the world - in training.
In normal times, electing someone with such a sparse resume would be challenging. But these are not normal times. We just cannot afford four years training someone when the past four years have been spent under Republican dominion not only destroying government but our external alliances, as well. I want the government to work, and I contend that most Americans do, as well.
The next contender not only has to understand government, but he (or she) also has to communicate a clear vision for not only the government that we need but how to get there.
And finally, they have to have a track record of being able to do that.
My recommendation to Beto is to run for Governor of Texas; become Secretary of State, or run for Senator. Create a resume. Learn how to manage something except for a crowd. Or how to sell coffee, like Schultz.
2
Unqualified.
Health care:
“guaranteed high quality health care” for everyone. And that however that worked out it would be super-expensive, but still worth it.
Every other major country has proven that universal health care costs much less than the U.S. pays for partial coverage. He apparently doesn't know this or unwilling to discuss facts.
School funding:
He called for better wages for everybody who worked at schools, and an effort to “hold one another accountable.”
The Texas supreme court has declared the way schools are funded violates they state constitution multiple times. Not funding minority schools at the same level as white schools. This problem has been in the courts for decades.
For a Texas politician to have such a simplistic answer to a question about school funding is unacceptable. It demonstrates that he hasn't been thinking about a real problem his constituents face.
We need candidates who have specific policy proposals and a willingness to consider fact based amendments and counter proposals.
Maybe next time Beto, if you prepare yourself.
20
At this time, Beto lacks the qualifications to lead our Nation.
If a Democrat is elected President, that person will face rebuilding our alliances and face leading the effort to undo our Nation's gross economic inequality.
Exactly how is Beto more qualified to do this than Elizabeth Warren, for example, who has devoted her entire professional life to making herself expert on the forces that economically disadvantage Americans?
Exactly how is Beto going to win over those working individuals undecided about Trump? Cuteness? Kennedyesque?
Exactly how is Beto going to credibly take on Trump in debates and when contrasted to Trump and his "rallies?"
In this election, each voter needs to think of his or her vote as a hiring decision. "Would I hire this person to run my business that will be the dominant part of my children's future?"
What do I think about Beto? He doesn't meet my standards for what's needed.
47
I received a text from the Beto campaign because I had donated to him for his Senate race. It took over half a day and after my repeated requests to get them to delete me from future texts. I have learned a bit more about Beto since the Texas race. There is no way I will support him again. I am not impressed. And losing to Ted Cruz is hardly a glowing recommendation. Arrgh.
31
@Mary T. Understandable that the aggressive campaigning is annoying at the very least. However, we have to account for how the Senate race in Texas was impacted by voter suppression (a serious issue all over the U.S., especially in the Lone Star State). Mr. O'Rourke more than held his own against Mr. Cruz in light of the circumstances.
3
We’ll see. They all have to cover a lot of ground. having said that, right now there are 2 serious players- Bernie and Booker. Berne because he is who he is. Booker because an African-American lady I know told me that women in that community are not all-in for Harris by any means.
Klobuchar might emerge, too.
Beto? meh, so far. he did well however challenging Trump.
The person we really need to run is Michelle.
6
@Lefthalfbach
Booker has a strong record in other areas, and I'd vote for him in a nanosecond over Trump, but he'll have a lot of 'splainin' to do on his opposition to the Sanders-Klobuchar proposal allowing Rx drugs to be imported from Canada.
Many big pharma companies are HQ'd in Booker's home state of NJ, and he's taken a lot of funding from them. That could prove problematic for him.
6
@Lefthalfbach Booker claims he will only run with a woman vp. Sounds discriminatory pandering and phony to me. Lost my vote.
My vote in the 2018 Senate election in Texas was cast for Beto. I liked his candidacy, his enthusiasm, his grass-roots campaigning, just everything really seemed to mesh. Unfortunately, Beto lost the election by about 3%. I had thought he would stand a chance against Senator Ted Cruz. He did give Mr. Cruz a good run for his money. That being said, I would prefer Beto consider a shot at Senator Cornyn's Senate seat or perhaps, run for Governor Abbott's position. He would gain invaluable experience in either job, and trhat would better prepare him for the rigors of running for another office and the grueling campaign for president.
My hopes for a better future for this country, her citizens, and the immigrants who choose to come here to live and work, perhaps, because they want a shot at a better life for themselves and their families, and they want it here; these same hopes are aligned with the Democratic Party, because it is an inclusive party. We welcome all who are willing to learn, work, and stay in this great country, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. I feel that Democrats can develop better programs that will help more Americans and future Americans balance their daily lives. I believe in a strong social safety ne that will help those of us who struggle with difficult circumstances and feel the best way to do this is to expand and strengthen Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
19
Beto is not first or last on my list but "spent lots of money and lost to Ted Cruz" isn't exactly riveting resume material. That says more about Texas voters than about his campaign, but I'm looking for a trench warrior, not a checklist candidate.
22
I am not a fan, having nothing to do with his politics. His announcement was handled as a clownish PR stunt. Why announce that he had reached a decision but would share it at a later date? Can you imagine him as president? "I have decided my position on military intervention in Venezuela and look forward to sharing it with you sometime next week." No thanks.
29
Goodness gracious. Don't we have anything better to do?
However, I'm solid Warren all the way. She walks the walk, talks, the talk, and is genuine through and through. Starting in November, I might even get involved.
85
@Susan Anderson
I totally agree. She helped the American farmers (I am one) when no one else would and went after the banks. She is totally sincere and a prime consumer advocate..
30
@Susan Anderson
She’s at the top of my list, too. The more she explains her policies, the more I see how much we need to reform our government.
23
She’s the best candidate in the race.
And I like Bernie too.
The rest are interchangeable, except for Beto and Biden, who I think are particularly terrible..
13
Have we lost sight of the value of wisdom, maturity and experience in our politics?
Barack Obama was a “once in a generation leader” with the ability to lead this country, despite limited government experience; he was the exception.
Ever since then we’ve been under the illusion that any charismatic young guy is fit to be President, regardless of their character, maturity, wisdom, or experience. Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Paul Ryan lacked all of the above when they were initially touted as Presidential candidates
And now, Beto O’Rourke. Indeed, he is charismatic and his progressive ideologies are appealing. However, he too lacks experience and wisdom, and based on some of his media choices…perhaps maturity as well.
Politically, our nation is like a rubber band that’s been pulled far to the right; reacting by pulling it far to the left will only increase the tension…and perhaps break us.
We need leadership of character, maturity, wisdom and experience to guide us forward now...more than ever.
53
Thank you for this. He strikes me as a hollow shell whose emptiness only increases with time.
62
On what basis is this young man running? I fail to see any seriousness of purpose, or anything other than a friendly personality. Maybe he would make a good talk show host.
99
I don't believe the story about the naming of Ulysses. I think Beto references Homer because everyone has seen the Wishbone version and so knows the story (and they also like the Simpsons in general). The real reason for the name was the Joyce novel which Beto could not reference because no one has ever finished reading it. (They are rumored to be the same but that is a confusion stemming from the observation that reading Joyce is itself Homeric).
We await the reasons for Molly and Henry.
23
@Gerard, I agree. Molly is clearly inspired by molly Bloom.
1
My feeling about Mr. O’Rourke — as it is with most of the announced Democratic candidates — is, we’ll see. I wasn’t part of the Beto midterm phenomenon, so now I’m interested to see if there’s a there there, or if being the anti-Cruz was the prime accelerant. Cult of the Dead Cow has me wondering, but then I’m in my late 60s and rather grateful I got to live most of my life in a direct human-to-human context. On the other hand, I’ve calendared-in Apple’s March 25 event. So, we’ll see.
Mostly I’m excited about the array of choices before me. If democracy’s alive and vibrant and marching into the future, it’s obviously with the Democratic Party. My number one issue is beating Mr. Trump and restoring a sense of normalcy to the country (“Come home, America,” is a slogan I’ve been toying with). If that doesn’t happen, I don’t think much of the rest happens: climate change, healthcare, income inequality, Green New Deal, racism, sexism. So let’s do it before, you know, I die.
My ActBlue account is up-to-date, and I’ve already given to Sen. Warren. Talk regular and say what you think, and don’t sound like the product of focus groups, and I promise you, I will be listening. This could be the start of an American renaissance. I believe that. Make all us believe that.
35
Mr. O'Rourke may think the vast donor set turned out for HIM in the Texas Senator race. Doesn't he understand that we turned out only because we thought he had a chance AGAINST CRUZ? Now he's running against Sanders, Warren, Harris, Yang and others. He may still have the mailing list but he won't have the donations.
38
Much as we hate to admit it, our electoral choices are based more on emotions than reason. We want to see how relatable a candidate is more than we want to hear how they will maneuver around health industry lobbyists and finance a single payer health system. O’Rourke is Exhibit A of this.
Most people don’t know what his specific policy positions are, but he’s such a cool dude !
10
I don’t need policy positions from a presidential candidate. I need a promise that he or she will not make laws but faithfully execute the ones Congress has already made instead. Or is it too late for that old fashioned constitutional republican idea?
1
Does a presidential candidate need a detailed legislative agenda? Isn't that the role of, you know, legislators? O'Rourke could talk instead about the role of the presidency - his view on emergency powers, reliance on Congress to authorize use of force, border security of course. He could say his budget will reduce the deficit, a constraint on any legislative paths. He could weigh in on SCOTUS packing. He could announce priorities - climate change, say - and say that options crafted by legislators and advocacy groups will be assessed. An attempt to out-Warren Warren would not be playing to O'Rourke's strengths.
14
A friend and I were having an exchange earlier, where we came to the satisfactory, if not perfect conclusion, that we were fortunate to know what it was like to live without a phone, a radio or T.V. We are also prepared for this technological era, where people communication skills are needed, better manners, and a sense of public relations, where an up-and-rising politician's teeth do not feature in the picture. These should remain invisible and sharp.
Mr. O'Rourke might do well to simmer down, and not get overheated. Bright, fit and above all, in possession of tremendous energy, he could use the guidance of a familiar and fatherly statesman as Mr. Joe Biden's running mate. He has mentioned the word 'generational' in his outlook and this is important because it is a growing reality.
A plan to restore 'National Unity' sounds a lot to hope for, but far better than this hatred and vitriol which is consuming some of us: This is known as 'The Mob Mentality', or 'The Ballad of the Sad Mops'.
Mr. O'Rourke, informally Beto, sounds prepared for a long epic journey. Wishing him a safe passage and clear dawn, and as Ulysses, let him listen to the dangerous sirens while staying close to the mast of the ship. May he wear green on St. Paddy's Day, this Irish American is supporting him.
7
@Miss Ley I can't see him even as anyone's running mate. Can you imagine the president (whoever it turns out to be) sending him overseas on some diplomatic mission? I think not.
3
@actualintent,
To answer your question as a matter of courtesy, Mr. O'Rourke has already acquired a better art of the diplomatic handshake than our current president whether here or from sea to shining sea. What you think is none of my business but if we were both right, one of us would be wrong.
1
Even if Beto doesn't make the final cut, his presence will drag the Overton Window left, further away from party center right wherein establishment candidates and power brokers reside.
And that is a good thing. The Democratic center right ran Hillary and lost to Trump, possibly the worst candidate to ever run for president. Trump promised 'change' and Hillary promised 'same'. Voters held their noses and voted 'change'. Oops.
The Democratic center right appears ready to launch their 'same' appeal again with Biden. Joe is a nice guy, but he's is the wrong candidate for a country that wants new direction. Beto is just the visionary to turn the discussion toward real change, whether or not Beto ends up the Democratic nominee.
7
@Charles Tiege Huh? Beto has been endorsed by Blue Dog Democrats and is cozy with Republicans. He is not shifting any Overton window. In fact, he is probably the candidate keeping it the most intact.
I'd advise you to do some more research on him.
2
Pete Buttigieg has all the energy and charisma of Beto—-plus the experience! Military and executive.
Also, a mayor of a medium-sized city has vital hands-on experience with myriad facets of life...unlike the mayor of a large city who would have a huge staff.
134
@John B
I couldn't be more impressed with Mayor Pete from what I've seen so far. I'm not so sure about 2020, but I see a President.
35
@John B I couldn’t agree more he is head and shoulders over Beto. I was very impressed with Buttigieg in an inter view on cspan. Hope he is in the debate.
28
@John B Could not agree more. I have watched numerous interviews with this guy and every single one leaves me impressed. As young as he is, he is graced with a maturity, intelligence, calmness, ability to communicate and connect that belies his age. He also has a certain wonkiness that tells you he would study problems earnestly and look for innovative solutions. Like many of you, It it may be time to hand the keys to the next generation if we have a candidate like Pete Buttilege.
24
I’ve always been impressed with Beto but then I watched Pete Buttigieg on CNN Town Hall. Much more impressive, has both military and governing experience and answered questions more directly than any candidates I’ve watched in a long time. I would encourage all to listen to that broadcast.
246
@Robert I agree! I'm frustrated that Buttigieg isn't getting the coverage he deserves.
13
@Robert Agreed!
5
He dodged "what to do about the high price of prescription drugs"? Simple question, simple answer--pass a law to bring the price down... say no more than the Europeans or Canadians pay, or Medicare no more than Veterans.
Ask the same question to all the candidates. Then congressmen. Just to see how many dodge the issue, something they have all been doing forever. Who will punish them if they do the right thing--Mitch McConnell and those on the take from drug companies. How many are on the take, or simply want to be on the take?
17
What do I think of Beto? He is just as qualified as all those who running to be the nominee of the democratic party to stand against Trump. Beto Veto week as I call it is a game changer for America and a clear choice between border security and possibly a wall to firmly secure the Southern border versus Beto who says we do not need a wall. If Beto becomes the democratic nominee then the contest will be between a skateboarder and a golfer. Let the games begin and hope America wins.
4
Like I mentioned a couple of weeks ago Klobuchar for president and O'Rourke for VP, she needs to get him in shape to go for president the next time around. If he finds he isn't president material, it will also help him save face enough to come back to Texas and be of much needed help here.
2
So far, I'm looking at Amy Klobuchar, Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, in that order, and I would dearly love to see, and read, more about each of them.
My serious question is, how are we all going to cope when we don't have the daily excitement of a reality-show star keeping the news cycles buzzing? Are we too addicted to sensationalism to accept a normal, competent person as president?
11
@Madeline Conant
"Amy Klobuchar, Kamala Hasrris and Cory Booker": forget all three. Elizabeth Warren is the President we need; the only one up to the task. The others will just tell you want you want to hear. Once elected, it will be payback time for their financial backers.
Elizabeth Warren in the White House, together with Bernie Sanders!
2
No way, Yang as VP.
He doesn't excite me at all. He's about at the bottom of my list but I would vote for him if he wins the Democratic nomination. Right now I am leaning towards Harris. I would be proud to call her President; a strong, respectful and respectable woman.
9
@Karen
I hope he quickly considers eschewing the pregnant-and-barefoot-in-the-kitchen image his wife is slowly acquiring. Seems like he's got her muzzled pretty well, too.
2
O'Rourke is much too Obama-like for my taste. Another charismatic candidate who speaks in gauzy platitudes but would give away the store, like Obama, were we to have another 2008 - which we will. He's got to get specific, very specific, about his policies before I would ever consider him. The world would have been better served though if he had beaten Cruz and brought Texas into the 19th century, rather than having him elected as President.
16
@stan continople Obama had more years as a legislator (state level and federal) and was a constitutional law professor so, unlike our current Prez, he knew how our government runs. I think Beto needs more gravitas and experience.
5
While I feel like Gail missed the broad appeal of Beto's Kennedy-esque belief in politics as service to others, I share her perspective on his lack of preparation - both on the job and in his lack of platform as a candidate now. I also really could have done without her pronunciation exercise in the start of the column. There's far too much ethnic humiliation from the president we're working to unseat in 2020 - absolutely no need to add more.
8
What candidates say is important but what they actually do is critical. The two candidates that I admire most are Bernie sanders and Elizabeth Warren because both are relying on individual contributions and won’t accept corporate funding. Therefore they are free to make policy decisions unencumbered by big oil, big pharma, the gun industry, the war machine, and other unsavory influences. As for those who do accept corporate funding, it is essential to know who those contributors are.
73
How do you know Bernie won’t accept corporate funding? Sure, he says so, but this is the guy who refused to finalise his FEC filings from 2016. So we don’t even know for sure where he got money from last time. Sure, he says so....
3
@LoveNOtWar
Bernie has released ten years of tax returns already.
3
@LoveNOtWar
Several other candidates won't accept corporate funding, so if that's you're principle criterion, you should be considering other candidates. To name a few: Amy Klobuchar, John Hickenlooper, Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand, Tulsi Gabbard, Cory Booker, Beto O'Rourke, ...
1
The challenge for Beto is to demonstrate that he is more than just another pretty face. He seems to project more style than substance. In Texas terms is he all hat and no cattle? There is however plenty of time for him to demonstrate that he has the gravitas and the intellect and the moral character to replace the sadly inadequate Trump. I wish him well.
13
I assume he is running to be Vice President and I am not sure that is a good idea. What is his stance on building the Wall and why?
2
@sbanicki
O'Rourke is against building the wall. Because immigration is not a threat. Where have you been for the past year.
I enthusiastically supported Beto O’Rourke in his senatorial campaign, and did not regret that in spite of his close loss to Ted Cruz.
In response to the email I received immediately after O’Rourke announced his presidential candidacy, I gladly contributed to his new campaign.
Then I watched Beto’s kickoff video. It was starkly amateurish and discomforting. He was also thoroughly ill-prepared for his town hall meeting in Iowa yesterday.
I’m looking elsewhere for a viable candidate to take on Trump.
129
For me, Beto makes Elizabeth Warren look better. I believe we need real change now, and we need a good look at what changes candidates believe are necessary going forward. I am looking for specifics.
174
Beto and Elisabeth Warren together may make a nice team with all the essentials in place: Beto to beat Trump and Elisabeth for the policies.
1
@sissifus
I think Elizabeth Warren has more common sense than to choose O'Rourke for her team-mate. O'Rourke is just an ambitious nobody.
10
Beto's talent is his charisma and boundless energy but now that he's in the running his baggage will be exposed, leaving him to defend some of his questionable voting records in Congress and in local government as a councilman. Many candidates in the race possess more solidly Democratic voting credentials and offer more substantial, palpable platforms, but I wouldn't bet against Beto because he has more time than his competitors (he's currently unemployed) to ingratiate himself with voters. And nearly winning in red state Texas is nothing to sneeze at.
10
Charisma and energy are not exactly talents or skills. They are gifts and resources to leverage for good or ill, glory or mediocrity.
25
I hope you'll cover Jay Inslee, governor of Washington State, whose platform is about climate change. My impression is that he's pragmatic and principled about governance and that he's determined for this country to make essential smart changes to deal with climate change.
228
@Cordelia28 ~
I agree with you about Inslee and hope the media gives him the attention he deserves, that he doesn't get overlooked in the crowded Democratic field.
37
I’ve admired and respected him since I first met him, when he was a young state rep from Yakima. Go, Jay!
28
Beto seems to have friends in the House who think highly of him. Presumably they know him better than the average voter.
The New York Daily News ran a story with the headline, "Two New York lawmakers quickly endorse Beto O'Rourke's 2020 bid, leaving Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in the cold."
Rep. Sean Maloney said, "Through many long conversations, and during our years together in the House, I grew to know and love him and his family. He has a heart the size of Texas, real experience, and a vision of that strong, united and youthful America that once led the world — and that can again inspire and motivate millions.”
The other New York representative was Kathleen Rice, who represents part of Nassau county in Long Island, and who was previously the Nassau DA. She said of Beto, "He’s honest, authentic and has the courage of his convictions and a bold vision for our future."
As the News pointed out, both chose not to endorse fellow New Yorker Sen. Gillibrand.
But Beto may not get very far if he keeps repeating "I’m just born to do this,” even if Oprah turns over her fortune to him.
32
@RK
Beto may have just been a convenient excuse for those two New York lawmakers not to endorse Senator Kirsen Gillibrand. I think she has made her share of enemies and those IOUs are coming due.
6
I like Beto. I like them all. May the best one win!
45
Beto may be the media antidote to Trump. Both have little policy substance but understand well how to manipulate media to appeal to their base supporters.
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders may know the issues forwards and backwards, but neither is as comfortable in media as Beto.
The existential question for the nation, however, is whether a media celebrity is the correct skill set to lead the most powerful nation in the world.
33
Only one Democrat has shown that she can stand up to Trump. Her name is Kamala Harris. All of the men who are running are too soft, and Joe Biden has accumulated too much negative baggage. The problem is the blue-collar men in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. If Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee, the party runs the risk of again losing Pennsylvania. Michigan and Wisconsin. Kamala Harris has already proven in various televised hearings that she takes no prisoners. The Democratic males who are running are milquetoast compared to Kamala Harris.
51
I completely agree. But if she brings pretty boy Beto along as a VP, she might have a winning combination!
31
@poodlefree
We're so fortunate to have others who can stand up to him. And the senator who was universally praised as the standout in her sparring with a Trumping character during the Kavanaugh hearings was Amy Klobuchar.
3
I am a Texan at heart. Grew up there (and in Iowa), went to Texas A&M, and have family and friends who supported him for Senate. I would have voted for him if I was still living in Texas.
But I’ve lived in 7 states, and don’t think he’s ready to represent the country. There’s time, so maybe he will prove me wrong but at this moment, I would prefer to see him as a senator or congressman again.
He can’t beat Trump. That is the biggest issue.
92
@Vickie
Who do you think would appeal to the most amount of people?
How different do you find all these states from each other?
1
Leaving everything else aside, I was totally unsettled and more than a little repelled seeing his wife silently gazing up at him. Who knows what she actually feels about him. Whatever rage hatred might be simmering there. But whatever it may or may not be it was hard to take.
20
I followed Beto's Texas campaign and contributed to it. I went out to see him a few times, and I met Amy a few times. She sent everyone on the mailing list a lot of email, too--email she wrote, not some staffer. I can promise you that Amy O'Rourke is extremely involved, extremely passionate, and not at all reticent or afraid to speak her mind. I hope that you--and all voters--will not let a few minutes of video make your mind up for you.
165
@Robert Roth
Rage hatred? Why would you imagine that? She was silent but perfectly happy, smiling, and loving. As a woman, I'm sorry they made the choice of including her in the video, since her role was the usual supportive wife, but I didn't for a moment have suspicions about her authenticity or the quality of their relationship. Don't plant suggestions of something you have no evidence for.
38
Lauri,
I appreciate hearing your observations and experience. And there will be many opportunities to hear him and maybe her out.
Still unless it was some type of spontaneous unscripted awkward moment, they clearly were trying to convey some type of message. I am curious what you think that message was.
4
Beto is too earnest for my taste, kind of a male cheerleader or class president in high school. None of his positions are that controversial.
Instead, we need a warrior, who will confront the dark side- aka the Republican Party- and go forward with universal health care, penalties instead of subsidies for fossil fuels, a much reduced military, and everything else.
So far, only Warren and maybe Inslee will be the one with enough character to pull us all out of this putrid dish that is the Trump Administration. Let's see if the country agrees.
If the well financed corporate candidate emerges, maybe it's time for us to move to a Greek Island, or South America. If a once great country can no longer tell the difference between a criminal and a layman, we need a reboot. It will take more than a good presidential candidate. We need to take a good look at ourselves. It's time to decide if we're going to drift into nothingness, as so many empires have, or step up and defend what made our country great. That leader must have courage and independence. You find more of them in an ant colony than you do in DC these days. Maybe we all need to dig a little deeper.
165
@Mike Roddy
I'm for earnestness, and authenticity, and good judgement. I don't want to see a cage fight. I want the anti-Trump.
And as for detailed policy proposals, none of them ever matter once someone is in office. No one knows what will be possible in a context we cannot foresee. I do, however, want to see some boldness and courage, genuine concern for average Americans, and, most important, the ability to inspire people who are not usually politically engaged.
First, get elected. Then grow into the job.
13
I’m open to Beto and so far am more interested in him than any of the other candidates. Hickenlooper might be ok as well. I’m very much in the centrist camp- and as an independent I don’t even care about party affiliation.
If Democrats want to lose- again- they should pick a liberal. It’s also highly likely that Biden is very much past his prime. Hopefully, Biden will stay away.
If Beto won the nomination and picked Bloomberg as his VP, could Bloomberg legally dump a zillion dollars into the campaign?
General Stanley McChrystal could make an interesting VP contender as well.
Just my two cents!
8
@Doug M I find Buttigieg more compelling as a centrist than either of Beto or Hickenlooper. Check him out.
1
@Doug M
Do you think the Dems lost last time because they picked a liberal? Clinton thinks she is a liberal, but nobody else does.
2
Sorry, not sold on this guy. At all.
What does he stand for? I mean, besides platitudes about "coming together" and whatnot.
He doesn't really say. I watched video of an event of his earlier today - just feel good talk about nothing in particular. Either he's an empty suit, or his positions aren't in line with Democratic positions. Neither of those is very encouraging.
99
@Vin
Look up the video when he addresses a question about NFL players taking a knee during the anthem.
I am not saying that this qualifies him to be President, it will just give you some insight into his overall mindset.
24
@NY->TX I saw the video, and was very impressed by it. I don't dislike the guy, but it seems to me that he's going out of his way to be vague about policy. I'm not asking for white papers, but given the state of our country - especially the struggles of working people and the dominance of corporations and the rich - I want to know how he's going to address our problems.
22
@NY->TX
That's a meaningless issue. The big issues are the economy and the military.
6
Maybe for VP but not enough experience for President now.
Ms. Collins is correct.
We need to see more specifics from Beto than just "that's a great question".
41
Beto has a lot of charisma, energy, is very likable, and has stamina (for certain), but is short on substance. I must say Beto's story (albeit written as a teenager) about a troubled individual running over two children with a car as an "an act of love" and "simply ecstasy"did give me pause. I would actually like to hear him explain why he wrote that story. I found it somewhat troubling that he would write about such things, even as a teenager. Then again, my taste in fiction does not run to that genre of story. Maybe I am borrowing trouble, but trouble is something we certainly do not need come 2020. We need a strong, intelligent, candidate who will clearly answer questions with more than just non-answers. We need someone who will articulate attainable, workable goals.
Health care for all is attainable, if we sweep Congress and the Presidency. Climate change has to be addressed, and regulations reinstated, because we are running out of time. Reasonable gun control laws have to be given voice. Further, the wealthy need to be asked to pay reasonable taxes. The list goes on.
I am waiting for Stacey Abrams to decide whether or not she will run. I am very impressed with her. I also like Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren and Kristin Gilibrand... I would actually like to see a ticket with two women on it. I know, I know, I know.....I will settle for a winning ticket whoever is on it.
21
@Diana
Yeah, Stacey Abrams probably has the brainpower of like half the democratic candidates combined. Super cerebral.
But I'd still hesitate to put anyone in office without more experience.
Woody Plush.
Good guy, cool family, but...somehow the job seems bigger, even though Trump's tiny hands and feet are occupying it now. I like what Warren has been coming out with since the DNA fiasco; will give her a little more attention going forward.
35
I supported Beto from afar during his Senate run. I sent him multiple small donations. I like him a lot. Loved his skateboarding video, which at least seemed impromptu. But he needs to start telling us exactly what he is going to DO. Peace, love and understanding is great. But details count, too. Not necessarily excruciatingly detailed details. Just give us something specific so we feel like we know where Beto would like the country to be on healthcare and lots of other issues. There are some very interesting Democratic candidates already. And I'm taking a good look at all of them. Yep, Joe Biden, too.
78
Sorry, kids, I AM in love. Beto comes off as a real person and that alone makes him different from the rest. He knows how to listen, which in this climate is more important than spouting policy positions. He inspires me. He has the ability to make people want to act as their best selves.
63
@Southern girl, we've seen far too many qualified candidates with limited charisma lose to those with more interesting/appealing personalities. George W is a perfect example. I remember many people voting for him because he just seemed "relatable" compared to Al Gore "the bore". This simplistic thinking is even more prevalent today. Will we never learn this lesson?
This criticism of Beto is coming out early. He has time to develop policy positions. It will be interesting to see if he will.
11
@Southern girl-
“Democrats fall in love. Republicans fall in line.”
—- ancient American proverb
7
@Southern girl
He inspires me. He has the ability to make people want to act as their best selves.
This sounds like something from Jesus Christ Superstar.
6
He comes across as a likable airhead who won't become President because he lacks any kind of gravitas, negative or positive. Add to that his eccentric behavior, the frequent focus by the media on anything but his policy positions (why all the attention on someone who speaks in cliched generalities?), and (to me) the glaring lack of authentic, deeply felt passion, and I think I'm ready to move on.
527
@Barbara
(why all the attention on someone who speaks in cliched generalities?)
Hey, the press ate it up when it Trump. Why change now?
10
@Barbara Do you realize that (except for the l
"likable") you just described Trump?
7
@Barbara I agree with you on everything except “likable.”
5
It's going to be Joe. He is the only one who has what it takes to beat Trump. He has his problems, for sure, but none of them are nearly as bad as Trump's problems.
We should move on to the arduous task of getting Democratic voters to the polls. That is what will make or break us.
66
@Blue Moon
Biden is a sweet guy. I would enjoy having him for a next door neighbor. However, here is a short list of his baggage: anti-busing during de-segregation, drafter of the crime bill in the 90's, and Anita Hill disbeliever. Not to mention he has flamed out over gaffes each time he has tried to run for president. (Pence is a nice guy?)
We will not win with a sweet centrist. That is the "safe" choice that will guarantee failure. We need a firebrand to excite the public while being someone trustworthy. That would be Sanders and Warren.
Amy is nasty; Kristen is manipulative; Harris has some heavy baggage from California; and Booker never met a Wall Streeter he didn't like. The rest have no name recognition and are unlikely to catch fire.
4
Waaaay too may me too moments caught on video/audio. Gaffs abound.
4
@Blue Moon
How can he get past the Anita Hill fiasco and decades upon decades of writing loopholes for credit card companies so they can fleece us?
5
Beto “I’m just born to do this” O'Rourke certainly seems to have the self-regard most presidential candidates have but there is an aspect of his candidacy that just feels like a vanity campaign.
This is an odd choice for a 46 year old unemployed 3 term Congressman who lost his last election. At some point he is going to have to do more than echo back what he thinks his audience wants to hear and take some serious and detailed policy positions.
"Much nicer than Cruz" isn't enough anymore. And "much nicer than Trump" isn't going to make you a standout in a Democractic primary. "Nicer than Trump" wouldn't make you a standout in an election for prison cell block team leader.
If you are "born to do this" you should already be prepared to tell me want you are going to do.
366
@LT
This is an odd choice for a 46 year old unemployed 3 term Congressman who lost his last election.
I guess being prez is better than driving for Uber.
64
@LT, I guess he figures that if Trump could get elected without knowing much about anything, why not me?
23
@Anti-Marx,
Beto would probably work pretty good on an internship for a conductor: Symphony maestro; nice long arms, easy to see.
8
Beto's campaign is a mile wide and an inch deep. No discernable, substantial platform that I can identify. If he wants to run the US, why didn't he think about issues on voters' minds first? He's enjoying the spotlight and attention. His campaign might start strong but he'll flame out quickly.
197
First impression is not very positive and I hope his campaign team reads this. I did not care for his "I'm just born to do this" comment coupled with the Vanity Fair cover. Please take the ego down a few notches. Speaking in generalizations is not going to cut it. Candidates need to immediately say what their priorities are and what actions they plan to push for and implement. What Beto discussed out the gate are issues of lesser priority. It is an immediate red flag when a candidate does not have the courage (and/or the intelligence) to confront the most serious and important things first.
503
I thought he sounded authentic - more than most politicans that I heard. That may be the key as to why people like him. I think he would be great as Vice President with Biden - who then runs for President after four years.
30
Beto O'Rourke may "throw his arms around" but at least he doesn't do it to mock a reporter's physical disability. And his enthusiasm isn't all about himself.
He doesn't have my vote yet, but neither does anyone else. We need an outstanding individual. Someone who is capable, ethical, can work with those who don't share his/her opinions, will work for the betterment of our country and our environment and, most importantly, is electable.
141
@KJ: At this point I'll settle for sane.
13
The folksy guy has terrific passion and smarts. He's charismatic more than other Democrats. But he needs to get very specific about his foreign and domestic policy positions, management style and most importantly how he will effectively deflect Trumps's inevitable smarmy negativity.
42
@JaaArr I like Beto a lot. If you followed the Texas Senate campaign, you know that he talked policy a lot. The media is already stereotyping him as charismatic but without beliefs. I recall him talking a lot about universal healthcare, racial injustice, immigration issues and a lot more. Apparently he made the mistake of saying "I don't know" to some question in a Washington Post interview. The media has jumped all over that. I found it refreshingly honest.
By the way, what is the problem with Amy O'Rourke looking at him and holding his hand? She isn't running. I really wouldn't expect her to speak. I've seen Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton looking much the same way at their spouses. (Melania Trump not so much.) He got the Vanity Fair cover, but other than that, I don't think he has gotten more coverage than Kamala Harris or Elizabeth Warren.
Gail Collins' comment about Oprah is completely untrue and she knows it. Oprah's interview was simply a standard Oprah interview. She didn't express any partiality for Beto. I doubt if she is even supporting Beto.
13
@Joe Langford I agree with you. I've followed Beto and raised money in CA for his Senate race. But he needs to speak about a much wider range of topics and spread them far wider than Texas, and soon. Although we know he hired good managers for his Senate campaign, his management style will be an important issue in the 2020 race. Too many candidates (Hillary, McCain to name a couple) were terrible managers and made huge campaign mistakes that doomed their runs. Obama, on the other hand, knew how to delegate and manage his message. I'm rooting for Beto to ramp up quickly.
3
Smarts? I don’t see it. He comes across as an airhead. I voted for Beto against Cruz, because “nobody likes Ted Cruz.” The thing Beto has going for him is he comes across as non-threatening.
2
Democrats are up to their ears in attractive candidates. Beto is about the cutest and most personable. But being a centrist is very hard. In negotiating this difficult pathway, he risks saying next to nothing. The minute he states a policy position, the sharks from left and right will eat him alive. And we haven't heard about his family's wealth yet. He has a very large challenge ahead if he is to be the nominee, and first and foremost, he has to demonstrate that he can beat Trump. Gail has got it about right. The campaign has just started, and Beto is still pretty lightweight.
23
@William O, Beeman For the record, Beto's father-in-law is a real estate mogul worth about $500 million; perhaps that is why his wife is smiling all the way through his speech.
1
Are we certain that Beto's two oldest kids didn't come by their given names because their father loved James Joyce? Anyway, he comes across as a very nice guy (which already gives him a leg up on The Thing That Squats in the Oval Office) but it doesn't appear that he's been a terribly effective congressman. Perhaps he and Liz can team up: one has the personality and the other has the policy positions.
99
@stu freeman The Thing That Squats is excellent. Thank you.
21
@stu freeman Regarding the names of his two older children: I read an article that stated their names were chosen because "Ulysses," by Joyce, was Beto and Amy's favorite book. (It seems more likely than the Homer story.)
7
@stu freeman hey, I missed that!...good catch...that would be awesome...he'd get my vote if that were true and if Henry were named Leopold...
2
I like Elizabeth Warren. She has specific ideas and lays out her ideas in the way you would expect a professor to do. She may not be as charming as Beto, but I don't care about charm or cuteness. I want a President who thinks, has specific plans and cares about the middle class as well as working people and those trying to climb out of poverty. She is organized and dynamic. She may not skateboard but she sure can rock. Go Elizabeth.
893
Couldn’t agree more. And Warren has had the same consistent, well thought out positions throughout her entire career. I trust her.
277
@Kris I like Warren too (right now, I'm in-between Warren and Sanders). I'm not sure she can get the Democratic nomination, but I do think she can beat Trump. Her image is a bit schoolmarmish, but she has great proposals to help working people and curb corporate power, and is able to communicate them well. If she makes it to the general, I think her message would resonate.
124
@Parker,
It is my hope that Biden will choose Mayor Pete right off the bat when he declares; now THAT is a team that has gravitas, and Biden can be a role model for foreign affairs for Mayor Pete.
34
Beto’s heart seems to be in the right place, but his hands are everywhere. Somebody’s going to get hurt if he’s asked a question that really animates him. But my discomfort with this nice, accommodating and ingratiating fellow is that he’s trying to convince us of his readiness for the presidency when he doesn't seem at all sure that he really wants the job.
When he came out earlier as not being interested in the job, he essentially said that he wanted to spend more time with his family. That’s something politicians say when they’re being forced out of office, not when they’re turning down the opportunity to get into office.
I get his enthusiasm, and he provides all the right platitudes, but he’s not giving hard, straight answers. Sanders, Warren and a few others have real policy positions, and when they speak they’re arms flail to emphasize the truth of their convictions, and not just because of a nervous tic.
His coming-out speech struck a few awkward notes. He could just tell us that he’s running, and not "sharing" his and his wife’s happiness to announce that he will be our server. He sounded a bit more like a waiter in a family restaurant than a contender for the highest office in the land.
I’m not sure Beto’s mild, insecure and animated delivery is going to have the force necessary to rally the troops. And we really can’t afford to lose this one.
527
@gemliI desperately want to win this next election and I'm not sure this guy is the one to do it. Is there some "there" there? Early times yet.
8
@gemli, one has to wonder who is pushing Beto to run. He is an unknown in these parts here in the north east. And just as we got into trouble with a business who has no experience running the government, we don’t want a young white guy running on his Trudeau style charm, at least Trudeau comes from a family immersed in politics.
14
I'm voting for Elizabeth Warren, just admire her fearlessness. And if elected she'll tear into the banks and corporate America with a vengeance.
704
@cherrylog754 She seems to be ready with a vision and policies. I think she like Biden is one Donny fears running against.
26
If elected without having control of Congress, eliminating corporate money and sidelining lobbyists, she’ll be ineffective.
6
@Sandra Higgins
Yes, that's another reason not to vote for Mr. O'Rourke. He endorsed a Republican friend who votes with Trump on almost every issue over a progressive Democratic Iraq war veteran, Gins Ortiz Jones.
I do not believe Mr. O'Rourke is who we all would like him to be.
32
If the guy can't win a statewide contest in his own home state, why on Earth would he be able to pull off a Presidential win? The Democrats are doing everything possible to guarantee a Trump victory.
235
@TLibby
In 1858 Lincoln lost a bid for US senate to Douglas. Fared pretty well after that. How is that for precedent?
36
@steve
Much different time and circumstances. State legislators, not voters, chose US Senators back then.
11
@TLibby
We are a long way from November, 2020.
The Democrats are just getting started. I, for one, am very happy to see so many excellent candidates lining up for the Democrats.
17
I think of him as the Milky Bar Kid fully grown. Hard not to like, but also hard to characterize exactly. What are his policies? What does he actually stand for apart from ambiguities like "making things better"?
Further, he's been a three-term Congressman, and that's great. However, that's also it.
Pass.
96
@Lex You obviously didn't follow his Texas campaign closely. He talked a lot about his policy positions --- a lot about universal healthcare, racial injustice, a fair immigration policy, and other issues.
3
@Lex
What is a "Milky Bar"?
I loved his announcement video
His has passion and is so articulate
And his wife’s smile!
7
@Chicago Paul Right, and he has so much to say! Almost as much as W. did when ran...
3
@Chicago Paul Perhaps she is smiling because her father is a real estate mogul worth $500 million.
2
@Chicago Paul
Trillion dollar smile!!!!!!
1
Would support Beto or anybody else who can beat Trump. Nevertheless, I'm always suspicious (having conducted many job interviews during my career) of people whose first response to a question is, "What a great question!" There's one part flattery in that comment, and another part of stalling for time while thinking of a good answer. Right now, Beto seems a little light on policy specifics, even though being a "centrist" isn't a dirty word in the middle of the country.
210
George Carlin told us the seven words comedians were forbidden to say on TV.
PR professionals tell clients the four words they are forbidden to say on TV (radio, internet, anywhere): “That’s a great question.”
Wonderful, he’s “unscripted.” Like a Broadway actor who forgets his lines, or hasn’t bothered to learn them in the first place.
7
Let's see, his father-in-law is a real estate developer. Anyone currently in the oval office with ties to real estate development?
He won't make it past NH.
81
If Democrats are going to let a candidate’s father-in-law’s business or profession determine whether to vote for them, we’re in even bigger trouble than I thought.
59
@Andy
Well, that is just some stellar logic there. Trump is also a male, and a mammal - should we avoid those too?
9
@Jay Ashman
Well this is what a resident of El Paso had to say about him when he voted in favor of his father in law's plan to displace the people of Barrio: “Mr. O’Rourke was basically the pretty face of this very ugly plan against our most vulnerable neighborhoods,” said David Dorado Romo, a local historian who added that the episode had resurrected longstanding race and class divisions in the city.
He's really not a champion of the little guy which is fine if you're honest about it instead of pretending to be some savior who was born to so this.
8
Unfortunately, we already know a lot about Mr. O'Rourke and much of it is negative. His voting record while in Congress was centrist at best, moderate Republican at worst - including support for means testing Social Security and raising the retirement age. And his tenure as a City Councilman in El Paso was characterized by his support for displacing poor and working class Latinos in order to facilitate an ambitious gentrification project spearheaded by … his father in law. Bottom line: If O'Rourke is the candidate to lead the Democrats to victory in 2020, great. But should he win and hold to his prior record both in Texas and DC, we can expect him to do little but maintain the status quo.
366
With big rallies that say nothing! Sounds familiar.
17
@thebigmancat
Ah, but maintaining the status quo will make him the favorite of the media and the establishment Dems. He doesn't scare them.
4
@thebigmancat Yep! Maintain the status Quo. He lost my vote at raise the age for SS. He backed down from Medicare for all. And took dark money from the oil company executives. Me think his tongue is at least slightly forked.
17
He named his oldest after the Greek hero. Did he name the girl after Molly Bloom? Ulysses all the way.
42
@DocM Southerners will link the name Ulysses with Grant and that will be that.
1
@DocM
Mel Brooks named Gene Wilder's character Leo Bloom in The Producers. I always wondered if that was a Ulysses reference. Elsewhere, he has Zero Mostel, while looking for the worst play ever written, read the first sentence of a play: "Gregor Samsa awoke one morning and found himself transformed into a gigantic cockroach" before scrunching up his nose and flinging it aside with the complaint, "It's too good!" Mel was evidently a literary guy.
5
First impressions: a little too messianic for my tastes, maybe even a little bit weird - or is it too much coffee?
Didn't like the silent wife video either.
It's good he's in the race, but I'm not in love.
240
It’s not his time yet, but it will come. He needs more seasoning and experience. He needs more articulate depth. But he’s got charisma up the ying yang, and looks more like a Kennedy than some of the Kennedys. People meet him and they want to line up behind him. He will have a senior political role at some point in the future. It’s not his time yet.
9
@Jordan F.
"Charisma"? Vote for "charisma"? Do you think voters are that stupid?
2