Mimi Swartz's method of winning by losing elections is well suited for the Democrats. I approve this message!
9
Considering that Cruz underperformed Abbot by 6 points, it's safe to say that his behavior in 2016 hurt him with Republican voters who support Trump. Throw in the massive amount of money the Democrats wasted on O'Rourke, and you have the reason for the closeness of the result. And Cruz still won, and will have six more years to mend fences.
4
There’s an awful lot of vitriol coming from the supposed winners. Thank y’all for giving me hope, you must really be worried!
I’m from Beto’s neck of the woods (just across the other border inNM) and the guy just spoke to me as a homeboy, the kind of people I come from. Smart, brave, independent, and compassionate. Zeros who say he was a liberal darling with no regional authenticity wouldn’t last a minute at a tailgate kegger on the Rio Grande.
15
Wendy Davis.
Like her?
1
Just like John Kerry runs his imaginary US State Department from home, Beto can run his imaginary White House from his home in Texas...
5
“The Success in Beto’s Failure [?]”—MiMi Swartz
To quote William F. Buckley: “Har. Har. Har.”
6
Ms. Swarz, thanks for reminding me why I don’t subscribe to Texas Monthly. Robert O’Rourke lost because Texans don’t like “far-left-wing nuts” who don’t share their values and who pander shamelessly for votes while not proposing any actual solutions to the problems plaguing the state (and the nation). As for the “no-PAC-money” line, O’Rourke had ActBlue (a registered PAC) fundraising for him. So yeah, the money didn’t come FROM them, but it sure as heck came THROUGH them, but I doubt you’re into nuance... See you in 2020.
9
Beto deserved to win against the unpalatable Cruz for many reasons, primarily his probity not to say his personality, it was simply the deeply entrenched mindset that prevailed. Now that he's shown Texans his mettle, he'll be the victor next time round. The Democratic win, rkeeing in mind the huge effort by all involved, was testament to the peoples' distaste of tRump and his egregious, divisive behaviour and noticing his bubbling anger taking it out on the two journalists, it's clearly found it's mark hitting him where he's most vulnerable...his pride and promptly took it out on poor Sessions of whom he's made a doormat.
8
Thank you Mimi... your perspective, optimism, and clear thinking are greatly appreciated.
13
The article missed the point, Beto almost won because there are many Republican Trump voters that still hold Cruz's antics at the RNC against him. This is proven by the fact that Abbott won by over 1 million votes.
3
The champion of "working people and immigrants" raised and spent $70 million in a losing campaign? Sorry, but the political math doesn't add up.
6
If Beto had picked up another 24 votes or so, in each of the 7949 precincts, he'd have defeated Cruz.
2020: Beto & Biden or Biden & Beto...either is a winning ticket, I do believe.
5
@Rw
Biden has no chance in 2020. He will get #METOOed.
6
He had neither the character nor the values of Texans. It was obvious all along that Cruz would eat his lunch. Let him go find Wendy Davis and have a nice chat about "successful ways to turn Texas blue."
4
Here is what I see. I see the democrat's party "poster child" all ready to usher in socialism. I see seventy million dollars invested in him, producing absolutely NOTHING, NADA, ZIP, ZERO, but at least the money is spent !
6
A great charismatic Presidential candidate.
10
I believe if the democrats do not pick Beto as a VP candidate in 2020 they have lost the plot.
10
The success in the O'Rourke loss was getting outside billionaires & special interests to throw away great gobs of cash on a loser bet.
4
I am deeply disappointed by Beto's loss. I will continue to wear my Beto t-shirts. But I am very lucky, because I live in what is now Colin Allred's district. I think that Beto's candidacy may have helped Allred win. Dallas needed to send Pete Sessions home. He has not paid much attention to the needs of his district for years.
18
O'Rourke spent an astronomical $20 per vote he earned, and he was only able to close the margin against Cruz compared to his 2012 opponent by about 220,000 votes. This is despite being a more photogenic candidate with considerably better press coverage.
Money buys votes is the new (old) Democratic philosophy? Insanity lies down this path. What's the plan for the next election? $50 per vote? $100?
7
Beto was a like a breath of fresh air in politically stagnant Texas. I doubt that he is going away. Would have been great if he had won, but how he did was amazing. My guess is that more GOPers will get fed up with Herr Trump and Cruz's antics. They will come over eventually. Trump won't change and will only become nastier and more demeaning as the pressure on him increases due to his abuse of the Constitution and government policies and laws.
76
We haven't seen the last of Beto. Good for him. There might be hope for Texas yet to pull out of the 1950's. The Dems need to use him. Cruz is such miserable coward that he slobbers all over Trump to keep his job after Trump dumped all over Cruz in the primaries spreading slanderous lies about his family. He is disgusting and does nothing for the people.
20
Think of it this way, Beto, your White privilege did not carry you to the win. And, the Senate diversity is maintained, with your loss.
Just goes to show, Texas likes diversity.
4
Beto was a terrific candidate and Cruz was not. Abbott won the Governorship by 13.4% and Cruz won the Senate by 2.6% a difference of almost 11%. Their policies are nearly identical. The difference was the quality of the candidates. Abbott was also helped by the quality of his opposition. Valdez was very weak. If Abbott ran for the Senate against Beto he would win by 10 points plus.
6
Can't the media understand anything?
Cruz's performance has nothing to do with the incredible lightness of Beto.
Rather, Ted Cruz is not generally attractive--including his laughing tic (not to get personal, but politics is tv, after all) and was even an outsider when he won.
Even beyond that, however, Cruz was still campaigning as the wounded, "Lyin' Ted" Trump defeated him with. Cruz's performance was thus a combination of his being Ted and Trump injuring him, not Beto.
Greg Abbott "cruzed" to victory by 13+ points, so it wasn't their usual ideology with which Texans were having a problem.
Beto for President? What are the chances the Democrats will nominate a 40 something white male? Zero.
2
Great characterization of O'Rourke's campaign, the good and the bad. As a Democrat here in Texas, I am ready for the next fight. Bring it on.
7
One mistake, and a big one in my estimation, Beto made was to eschew TV ads on small-town stations along the Red River. Not a peep of response to Cruz's dozen or so per day for weeks on end, maliciously misleading ads did we see or hear. The only ad that arrived from his campaign was a mailed flyer late last week. Too little --way too little-- and late in the bargain. As well, the local community papers, where column-inches are dirt cheap by comparison, made not a dime in Beto advertising.
Beto's vote percentage in counties bordering Oklahoma, from Louisiana to New Mexico, rarely topped 25% and fell shy of 10% in some. Granted, many of these places are sparsely populated, but apart from a ground game, which can hardly match the reach and presence of TV advertising in rural areas. Social media ads are useless where a significant slice of the population still carry dumb phones.
As for running for Cornyn's chair in 2020, if Beto can maintain his national exposure, a run against Trump himself might be even more successful.
3
O'Rourke was the darling of national media, which mostly ignored his privileged background, previous lack of achievement in political office, the apparent corruption of his inside dealing to benefit his family's business interests, the outside of the state money that poured in and his criminal record that was mostly hidden by his powerful Daddy's political connections. In spite of double the money that Cruz had, and the cover-up of his many short comings , O'Rourke lost.
6
His father passed away in the early 2000s
1
I contributed to Beto's campaign as I did to Democratic underdogs around the country. Moreso than I've ever done in my life. Some won, some lost, but it felt great to support them and I hope they will take a rest and regroup for the next election. We need them.
What stuns me about Texas is that anybody thinks Ted Cruz is "Right for Texas." I feel the same way about Steve King in Iowa, Brian Kemp in the newly proclaimed banana republic of Georgia and Rick Scott in Florida. Racists and crooks. And people are proud to have them as representatives. I'll never wrap my head around it.
7
Orwellian doublespeak, an unusual phenomenon in Texas.
How embarassing.
Robert Francis O'Rourke was defeated.
A win.
In 1984.
1
In 2020, if nothing changes in the interim, Beto O'Rourke will be a strong candidate for the other Texas Senate seat, BUT:
1. If the Republicans field a strong candidate, the open seat will probably stay red, regardless of Beto's star power, AND
2. A lot can change in two years, and politicians un/underemployed after a loss have found many ways to ruin their future chances. Also,
3. There will be presidential campaigns competing for money and talent in 2020, so Team Beto will have it a lot harder in that aspect.
Given Beto's popularity in Texas, I think he ought to run for president. As a native son, he might be able to flip Texas blue in 2020. He would be able to at least force the GOP to spend an ENORMOUS amount of money holding on to the state. He only lost by 3.5% - IN TEXAS! Difficult to imagine. He could pick that up in 2020. He's loved everywhere else too.
8
@Jon
"As a native son, he might be able to flip Texas blue in 2020"
Texas has not elected a Democrat to a national Senate seat in 25 years and has not elected a Democrat to a state level position in 22 years. When the Democrats start wining any state level or national senate election, I will be concerned with Texas turning Blue.
Beto O'Rourke stated that he has not and will not take any money from PACs (Political Action Committees) or foundations.
I voted for him for this reason mainnly!
This means that he is not intending to become a MAINSTREAM member of the alligators in the Congressional Swamp that needs to be drained!
Almost all of our “MAINSTREAM REPUBLICAN” and our “MAINSTREAM DEMOCRATIC” elected US officials and Presidents have also participated in “PAY TO PLAY” Agreements do divert US Treasury Funds VIA NO-BID contract awards to their campaign contributors at highly inflated prices!
If FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS and H.1.b. VISA INCREASES were known to destroy US industry, increase the US foreign trade deficit, relocate US manufacturing jobs to foreign nations, reduce US wages, and create mass unemployment in the USA, then why did our elected Mainstream Democrat and Republican congressmen, congresswomen, senators, presidents create all of this legislation?
4
Failure? There was no failure here! I have Beto stickers on both my cars and signs in my yard. My brother-in-law used to be the GOP Chairman of a nearby county, and he voted for Beto. The Houston Chronicle said Ted Cruz had a "repellent personality". Too bad that wasn't enough to bring Cruz down but, loss notwithstanding, Beto brought everyone else up with his charm, charisma, ethic, and above all, HOPE. Trump and darkness kept Cruz alive. But Texans can finally see BLUE in our future. God Bless Beto.
7
So many people already have said much of this, but... Beto O'rourke is now perfectly poised to start his run for the Presidency. Some facts for people who want to support his bid but find themselves defending his experience and/or lack of national exposure: He's been serving in the US House of Representatives since 2013. Before that he served on the El Paso City Council for 6 years. So he has more national experience than Obama did (US Senate 2005-2008) and more political experience overall. And remember this: that is a very close parallel to another US politician; Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln served eight years in state level politics in Illinois, served only two years in the US House of Representatives, ran for the US Senate in 1858, lost, and won the Presidency two years later in 1860.
4
Isn't the point that Beto gave the Democrats a face in Texas, encouragement to structure a permanent viable presence...And when have liberals and Democrats come so close? This isn't about just one race....
5
Robert O'rourke had an almost infinite amount of money. He had the hyper support of the MSM. He had everything going for him and he still lost. Seems to me he is just this cycle's Wendy Davis
7
Most folks would grudgingly, at least, admire the GOP's political long game. For years they absorbed losses and setbacks to get to where they are today: dominance of the Senate and the courts. And they did it by sticking with a well-defined strategy, vile though we may think it to be.
It's time Democrats used the same approach and Beto O'Rourke, Stacey Abrams, and Andrew Gillum exemplify the leading edge of that strategy. The Democrats need to be clear in their message and field candidates who will unequivocally communicate that message. In the long run, it will win because progress always wins.
5
Bloomberg-Beto for 2020. Bloomberg can beat Trump, and Beto is a star in the making, who will reduce concerns about Bloomberg's age, and will be ready to step in as President at anytime. This could end up being 16 years of Democrat rule to fix the mess that Trump is going to leave behind.
5
I am too old to indulge in the licking of wounds business, and if you are 20 or older, I think you are too.
The Dems need to stop this baloney of "we played clean and lost" and aim solely for "we played clean and won", because there is no second place in an election. Everybody DOES NOT get a medal. So please stop handing them out. Please.
Beto did a great job in demonstrating that there is an audience for the Democratic message. Where he did not make it was in getting enough people to actually vote. This is a failure of the Democratic party leadership, at ALL LEVELS.
Here are some truths:
1. Never assume people being trashed by bullies in the Republican party will vote against them. Remember, the world has always been predominantly autocratic, at every level, and even in 2018 young democracies are regressing to autocracy. MORAL: People biologically are inclined to support bullies and wicked leaders. You have to push them past that instinct to be more rational at that moment when they actually fill the ballot.
2. Getting the vote out is fine, but you need to be able to turn the other guy's voters to your side too. No, Karl Rove's garbage opinion is not what I mean, I am referring to the Dems not having a clear message on immigration.
3. Remember how MacCaskill, Donnolly and Heitkamp lost - Republican Lite always loses to Republican Original. Heitkamp needed a proxy speaking for her courage in every county in ND, but leadership failed her.
2
I am a Texan and I voted for Beto. For the first time as a Texas voter I thought my vote might actually count. I was wrong, but it points to at least a little hope because of the way he ran his campaign and the kind of person he is. It was one hell of a try in a state where most Dems don't even think of trying. He is still relatively young and there is always tomorrow and the next election. He has my vote already, and I am NOT alone. Go Beto!
3
I live in Brooklyn and proudly phone banked for Beto. I knew his chances of winning were slim (but what a wonderful showing he had!) and towards the end of the campaign, I had my eye on the real prize -- if he lost, he would be available to throw his hat in the ring for a run against Trump. I sure hope the DNC sees what I see, what most of America. He is the first candidate I have been excited about since Obama. Beto for President 2020!
3
I don't support Cruz's positions, but they are so far to the Right they have no chance of influencing our laws.
Beto, though, was dangerous. His opinions, if they were to evolve into policies, would have led to many tens of thousands more illegals trying our borders, believing that, if they made it, they would eventually receive "amnesty".
Additionally, his approving NFL players kneeling to the flag and the anthem is an anathema. I am a legal immigrant -- now, for half a century, a proud citizen -- and their actions disrespect the sacrifice made by over a million warriors who died, to build the country, end slavery, then keep us -- and much of the rest of the world -- free.
I wrote a detailed letter to Beto's campaign headquarters detailing my concerns, and suggesting that those issues would defeat him. Indeed, were it not for those positions, I would work for his election.
So, bye bye, Beto, and good riddance. Now, we need to find someone who truly embodies American values to replace Cruz in 6 years.
3
Beto will be back, I'm sure. Watching Cruz toady back to Trump was nauseating and remains so. It absolutely mystifies me what folks see in Cruz. I was cheering on Beto from the Pacific Northwest, wishing I could vote for him. Maybe one day, when he runs for the White House, I'll be able to do just that!
7
Beto is no fool and will not waste his national, and even international, acclaim. Beto will run for president. And he will win. He came within three points in winning Texas, a place where ultra-right Conservatism is part of the culture. He will easily win the country.
2
Beto was a great candidate. I was thrilled with him.
But he lost. I don't know where he can go from here.
The idea Beto can take this loss and use it to run for president in 2020 is a horrible joke that only appears valid to crazy pundits.
He needs to find a place to relaunch himself if he can do that.
He has the talent.
If he'd been in almost any other state, Beto would be a senator elect today.
I hope there's a 2nd act for him.
But don't play this as anything but the loss that it is.
1
He lost. It is not a success! Awards for showing up, 9th place stars or A for effort are not wins. Get over it!
4
But it is Texas and Beto ran a campaign that was pretty liberal by cherry-red TX standards. What the heck did he expect? That everyone would be swayed by his photogenic personality? The 70 million bucks sent by out of state liberals?
The fact that he lost to a despicable Ted Cruz is what I find to be the failure in Beto's failure. He should have won, and before anyone celebrates that this was a close race, they need to figure out how to get that extra couple percent of the Texas voters to turn blue. Not necessarily bright blue, but at least pale blue.
3
@Khal Spencer "how to get that extra couple percent of the Texas voters"
Easy. Don't advocate for "liberal" border policies that award illegal aliens. Mexico offered all those in the latest "caravan" asylum. Most turned it down; Mexico doesn't provide the benefits we do.
Texas has all it can handle.
Need is not grounds for asylum. No first world country (excepting Merkel's fiasco) allows unfettered immigration.
3
As a Republican in the same time zone as (most of) Texas, and a distinctly chillier physical and political climate, I can only wish the Democrats more successes like Beto's!
3
"That Mr. O’Rourke let Mr. Cruz define him, instead of the opposite — and Mr. Cruz did just that, painting Mr. O’Rourke as a far-left-wing nut who would let terrorists cross the Rio Grande and endanger the lives of God-fearing Texans." Indeed, true to form demagoguery from Mr. Cruz. A neighbor here in Texas told me he thought Mr. O'Rourke was crazy. I replied that Mr. Cruz was pretty bad, and he agreed, but I know he bought the lies and voted for Mr. Cruz.
2
There's always cognitive dissonance and next time.
3
It’s ironic that in defeat Beto’s coattails were long enough to help ensure the Democratic takeover of the House. Good on you, Beto, it was not in vain.
5
It will be curious to learn if younger voters and Latinos actually showed up at the polls, or whether they limited their participation to his campaign rallies.
Beto inspired people across the country. Beto for president in 2020? I'm in!
1
Now Cruz will be able to begin campaigning in Iowa again.
1
My neighbors and I are all wearing our Beto t-shirts today and we’ve decided to leave our yard signs up indefinitely. Beto is an atypical politician and a class act.
8
It's like when Rocky Balboa finally landed a punch on the invincible Ivan Drago, and the entire arena was stunned.
2
I don't share Ms. Swartz's enthusiasm.
It's a troubling sign of voter insanity when a repugnant, lifeless character like Ted Cruz can beat a popular, enthusiastic man like O'Rourke.
But jokes about hoping Texas will secede should be put to rest. Beto showed that a pretty large number of Texans do not fit the brain-dead mold of the majority.
2
Like many other Texas progressives, I wish Beto had won. But, I live in the largest traditionally conservative county in the country -- Tarrant County-- and it went to Beto! Just barely, but it went. We must thank all of the young people, people of color, and moderate Republicans who crossed over to vote against hate and in favor of hope. I have lived here five years, and I have seen the change happening in real time. When I moved here, I was afraid to voice my political opinions because I was so outnumbered. Now, I have found a whole lot of people in my neighborhood who feel as strongly as I do that hope, not hate, will move our country forward. Thank you, Beto! Beto for Senate 2020.
9
Excellent point about Beto helping down ballot candidates by inspiring new voters. Democrats need to capitalize on this momentum now and start a massive nationwide voter registration drive.
3
@alexander michael "We win by losing." Jeb?
@alexander michael
I agree. I will now have Colin Allred as my Congressman. And that is definitely a win for me.
1
Stop with the accolades, already! He lost. He outspent his opponent by 2-to-1, and out worked him by at least 10-to-1. He still lost. His opponent was a first term Senator, widely regarded as the biggest jerk in Washington. He lost anyway. There are no moral victories here. Please no more close seconds. Beto needs to move. Or find another line of work.
22
@Marcko
I think you are wrong. This was Texas, not New York. He came very close and engaged a lot of first-time voters. The outcome was closer than the polls predicted. I have Texas relatives who were very excited to vote for him. I don't think we've heard the last from this engaging, talented man.
57
@Marcko Huh? Texas is deep red. Beto came close. The old southern white male guard is gonna take some time to dismantle. Those of us in non power groups know it takes time for change.
37
@Marcko - Disagree. There was an enormous moral victory here: unrelenting goodness, kindness, inclusion, energy, and belief in true American values. I hope I get the chance to vote for Beto as soon as possible in a national election. What an incredible example of real leadership.
46
I believe that Beto could have won. His strategy, of visiting every county, became a signature--but wasn't strategic. It's far more effective to concentrate on those districts where elections are decided; there, the candidate gets to know exactly what the issues are that voters care about. Instead, Beto ran a campaign of forging an identity--Beto for Texas!--that made him the focal point. He had to assume the full mantle of responsibility for just about everything and in the process exhausted himself. In the last weeks, he became manic.
Rachel Maddow pointed out last night that Ted Cruz doesn't much care about whether he's liked. That profound comment goes to the heart of Cruz's appeal: the candidate who can rise above personality has endurance. Like the tree, he is there. I'm a fan of Beto, but he can take a lesson from Cruz, who is the more grounded person. Voters respond to that quality.
2
As far as I'm concerned, Beto won.
Who would have thought that a complete unknown Democrat who refused to take PAC money would even get close to beating Ted Cruz? He inspired Democrats all over the country and showed what a strong, positive campaign looks like.
His future is one of endless possibility. I can't wait to see what he does next.
5
Beto, Beto, Beto profanity in a concession speech does not bode well for the civility this country needs whoever leads us. You may need a touch of Ann Richards style. You had the pendulum and the unlovable Cruz in your favor. At least it was close. God bless that pendulum and our right to vote that keeps this wonderful country a democracy! We are all accountable.
1
Do not despair, for there is tomorrow. And tomorrow is a better day because of Beto. I am so proud of my home state Texas. Texas is so red, but with a right candidate and support from all the new voters, it will change. A step by step, a chisel by chisel. For all those first time voters, don't stop, this is just the beginning. A beginning for you, Beto, Texas and America. God bless y'all.
4
Beto gave us hope in the same way a certain other candidate did in 2008.
5
I'm thankful my county, Hays, voted BLUE! It. Will. Happen. When BETO runs again, he has my vote!
4
As a result of the increased turnout generated by Beto, the Dems flipped 2 state senate seats and 12 state house seats positioning them to take over the legislature in 2020. Fourteen Republicans won state house seats with 55% or less including 6 with 51 or 50% so flipping nine seats is doable. Every year the old white electorate in Texas shrinks and with it the GOP's pool of voters. Of course God forbid they change their antiquated positions on the issues.
4
Yes, it's bitter to see a horrible person like Ted Cruz be successful. He unites everyone who knows him in dislike, he sucks up to a president who called his wife ugly and his father a killer, he's the definition of smarmy. And he still wins. Republicans care only about the big red R and the hatred they stir up.
Nonetheless, I join Mimi in being happy for how well Beto did. He came very close to beating the awful Ted. There's hope for our country as we work to defeat Republican support for fascism, even in Texas.
5
Beto won fans and supporters from around the country. His upbeat and optimistic view of Texans and his belief in a people powered democracy was an inspiration.
While he did not win this cycle, his work ethic, drive and determination showed what can be done when the odds were stacked against him. He has inspired a new generation of voters to participate and engage.
I hope that he chooses to be a candidate in the 2020 cycle.
4
When Donald Trump speaks of "Suppression Polls," we would love to consider the pre-election polls suggesting that Cruz would roll to a large victory in Texas. Beto's full court press until the end was a credit to him and his organization. Watching the returns last night, I realized my own naivete when I saw the small but consistent results showing Cruz winning small rural counties by huge amounts. The cultural gaps between city and rural living in Texas is on an enormous scale. I would hope another run by Beto might find a path to some kind of connection with those outlying counties.
3
This is a time in which many of us struggle with identity, not just who we actually are (and why we are that), but how others can possibly be what they seem to be. The destructive power of divisiveness and tribalism is daunting, and the impressive mobilization that the Democrats aroused for the 2018 mid-terms -- as large, widely distributed, passionate, and fresh-faced as it was -- did not result in the depth of repositioning that had been hoped for. This should decisively clarify the fact that a different way must be found to restore comity and balance to the national fabric. What is that way? The position argued in Ms. Swartz’s insightful commentary feels right. Still, it is dangerous, it seems, to make any larger suppositions or claims about what “the people” think or feel. The evidence shows us that even the most dedicated and inventive prognostications regularly fail. The existence of instantaneous digital media has rendered the more slow-moving and inevitably self-reflective ways of even the recent past obsolete. We need an approach that is fully inclusive and transcends perceived differences in identity. It is hard to see how such a path can be conceived, let alone implemented, but we must continue to hope that it can be.
2
I'm a 4th generation Texan on both sides though I have been away from home a long time.
I fell on the floor crying when I heard Beto on the radio this morning, thanking his supporters. That really took me by surprise. I'm crying again reading Mimi Swartz (who of course I've also read my whole life).
I am still waiting for the actualization of Beto's outspoken, polite, positive, inclusive, relentless Texas vision but, like Mimi, I can certainly see it coming.
6
Ms. Swartz, I couldn't agree with you more. Beto is a rising star with an honest message straight from his heart. He brought out the best in all of us, and for that, we are better Texans.
4
Thanks Mimi. That all makes me feel a little better. Texas is so full of amazing people and amazing possibilities. Beto epitomized all that is good about living here (and I've been here since 1963). I hope he stays active in politics, and I'm going to keep wearing my "Big Bend for Beto" teeshirt.
4
We have not heard the last of Beto.
134
@DK in VT
Yes, he's done. He said to Sky News. "NO" He won't run again...
Beto O'Rourke spent $70 million on the race -- that's 100 times more than Democrats spent the last time the seat was up. Result: Pretty much the same.
And that's not counting the tens of millions of dollars of publicity from fawning press coverage -- and that's too kind to the media sycophants who are still writing heartbroken valentines like this one. (I'm still waiting for the NYT analysis of where all that outside money came from: Proposed headline: Buying Beto)
Bottom line: Texans saw him for what he was, the personification of what Gertrude Stein said about Oakland. (There's no there, there, for you Betomaniancs who don't read much.) Or as Texans would say, Beto is all hat, and no cattle.
4
@Philboyd
Really?
O'Rourke's website list 17 issues he would fight for, all of which would improve the lives of average Texans.
Your description more accurately covers Cruz, who has done nothing for average Texans, and promises to do less.
7
@Philboyd...Beto doesn’t need cattle
1
We need Beto (or someone like him) to run for President in 2020, not for Senate! What still concerns me is the absence of a real credible threat to take Trump DOWN at the big show in two years time. Who is that person? Beto is one I can think of, but who else? Kamala Harris? We need that young blood that can come to the party without any baggage and galvanise the fence-sitters to get out and vote. We need a JFK 2.0!
3
@Mark Crozier
How about Joe Kennedy III?
Beto deserved to win and Texas could have let the light in. But many choose to postpone that great day for all the others in the state.
Beto, keep on with your high standards and energetic qualities.
Cream rises and Ted will sink. The future will be less than kind to Cruz - It's as true as the firmness of the Earth.
6
T,
I want you to be right about Harris County being a start.
I want to write GTT (Gone to Texas) on my door someday soon.
I’m hoping 2020.
Solo
2
register. vote. repeat as often as necessary
5
Let's not get to excited -- Cruz is a dreadful candidate. One look at the governors race tells you all you need to know about Texas.
Beto should move to California.
2
@GT, please, the last thing we need here in California is another swelled head who thinks they're up to saving all of humankind. We already have a Silicon Valley full of those.
1
I hope he runs again in two years to defeat John Cornyn.
2
I believe we'll see him in the Oval Office some day.
1
In the next 12 years, would be interesting to see Texas become a state predominated by "left wing nuts."
1
Too bad Beto didn't win,because Ted Cruz has just been cruzing along for years. Having lived in Austin for 5 years,I saw that even tho Cruz won races,he wasn't well liked. The energy that Beto brought to this race and the state was incredible. Texas is in it's own time warp ( the past) and even tho the state was once Mexican land, the intolerance for immigrants is high. Beto would have moved Texas into the 21st century and shown more openness to minorities. Good luck Texas.Ted Cruz hasn't done much at all to make your state better.
1
You have to time your peak. You don't often get more than one chance. Do Democrats want their peak to have occurred yesterday? Or on Nov. 3, 2020?
2
I'm looking forward to his next run.An amazing amount of votes he received in Red Texas.He embodies the future for the Dems!
2
I don't live in Texas but I sure wish Beto had won. Such a nice person and really appealing. I wouldn't want to have Cruz as my senator.
A win by Beto in Texas could have been a bell wither for much needed change in America and the world. If we are to end the insanity of wars, starvation, and other ills we inflict upon ourselves, the needs to be a paradigm shift in human thought worldwide.
In the near future, we will program the human mind in the computer, which will give us the ability to learn what we do to ourselves with our ridiculous beliefs and manufactured values. The computer mind will be based on a "survival" algorithm and will provide irrefutable proof as to how we trick the mind with our beliefs about just exactly what is supposed to survive - producing a mind programmed de facto for destruction. When we come to understand this, we will begin the long trek back to reason and sanity. See RevolutionOfReason.com
1
You should recall from your childhood that "close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades." If Beto couldn't win with financial backing harvested from all over the country, Texas isn't as close to going Blue as I thought.
2
Let's make lemonade out of lemons. Beto will now be free to travel the country and emerge as major spokesman for the Democratic Party and its values. His leadership qualities and charisma make him an obvious presidential candidate for 2020.
I see the O'Rourke campaign to be a model for the country.
He ran a clean campaign and ran on a clear program. It is important that the Democratic Party stand FOR something: healthcare for all, a fair shake for all in American society, access to higher education, addressing gross inequalities in the new economy.
The Republican campaign of fear and diversion has already had disastrous results:
creating a fiscal crisis by giving a tax giveaway to the richest citizens, enabling a psychopathic monarch in Saudi Arabia, undermining credibility in our institutions through an endless string of nepotism and petty corruption scandals. And then there is the constant lying and cheating by the "commander in chief"
O'Rourke nearly took TEXAS, with a clearly defined, social democratic program, imagine if he was allowed to lead the Democrats across the country with that message. Then the Blue Wave might actually be a thing.
2
How heartbreaking. Beto is a shining star, and I hope this is not his last venture into politics. But as my 20-something son said, "It's Texas, Mom - what do you expect?"
Failed campaign? Au contraire! Beto won Tarrant County, the last big red county in Texas. He came within 3-4 points of defeating an incumbent Republican senator. I'm a political junkie, and I cannot tell you the names of the last five Dem Senate candidates I voted for. They had lost the election before the polls opened.
Beto was in it until the finish. The Texas Democratic Party is stronger than it's been in over 20 years; the voters he mobilized are going to stay mobilized. We will have a competitive Senate race in 2020. The presidential race will be competitive in Texas. Imagine that, Republicans having to spend time and money to carry the state, and being far from certain about the outcome until all the votes are counted.
Texas is not making more angry white men. It is making a lot of hopeful, striving, and determined voters who will bring Texas into the 21st Century. We're going to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and start all over again. I knocked a thousand doors this time. God willing, I'll knock more the next time. I'll have a lot of help.
4
If Hillary Clinton had put in 10% of the effort that Beto did, in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio, she would have won, and we'd have a different Supreme Court.
It shouldn't be this tight, though. When polled about their views on the issues, Americans strongly prefer strong public schools, inexpensive college tuition, care for the environment, health care for all, women making decisions for their own bodies and not the government, etc, etc. Why can't the Democrats get their message through? Because of the Old Guard running the party who insist on sticking to the Third Way, DLC message of capitulation and triangulation when framing the issues.
4
@Marion
Amen.
@Marion
Totally agree with you on this. I am so fervently hoping that the new batch of Democrats in Congress will vote Pelosi and her crew out of leadership, and help rid the DNC of leftover Clinton-ites. It's time to move forward.
2
I volunteered as a voter registrar at the ACL music festival. Over and over, young first time voters cheered for Beto as they completed the paperwork. Thanks Beto O'Rourke for inspiring a generation of new voters.
7
The punditry will probably give the same tired message of how Beto failed because he didn't move to the center.
The same is true for a lot of other nail-biter races where the conventional wisdom was that Democrats had to run to the center while Republicans keep running further to the right.
What they are ignoring is that he had the best numbers of any Texas Democratic candidate for US Senate in decades, and did it by engaging with voters while staying on the left--and that holds true for many of those other candidates as well.
It's still time for liberals and Democrats to organize, and keep doing so from the bottom-up.
10
@Jacob Sommer The future is Beto. And Stacey. And Andrew. The future of our party and America's future.
1
Beto finally gave Democrats a real chance in Texas. I really thought he was going to overthrow Cruz because of all the positive momentum he had gained.
He was so close to doing so, which would have been amazing to see. But Texas is still very much deep red Republican, sadly.
My wife said it best when she said, if it were for work ethic alone, Beto would have won in a landslide. I have never ever seen a candidate work as hard as Beto did for this senate race. Grinding every single day. That work ethic is something I'll never forget about his campaign.
If he decides to run again, he definitely has my vote, no matter how many times he runs.
I think I might eat Whataburger for lunch today in honor of Beto.
287
I was struck by that as well, his voice hoarse, looking like a young fired up statesman supported by real people and working so hard to connect with them and represent their best interests. Consolation in this article, that he helped other candidates get in and also, he will be back and thriving.
16
@Dan Shedd
More money next time?
1
As a Texan in exile, I was hoping to return to Galveston or Weimar for my retirement.
Unfortunately, it looks like it may not be possible until 2020.
I can’t live in a state where Ted Cruz and Dan Patrick (remember his on the air vasectomy in ‘92 or ‘93!) can get away with their hate speech and demonstrated hatred of women.
I’ll be back when a majority of Texans are ready to leave the 1950’s behind.
Mimi, I’ve enjoyed your writing for many years, from Houston Magazine (way back) to Texas Monthly & NYT. Thank you for keeping me informed while in exile.
7
@Solamente Una Voz
You should move back to vote.
1
Good. Better. Beto. Bet Best. Bet Beto....2020
11
An honest man in his pickup truck went door to door telling people we can do better. Such a man cannot be a loser. Thank you, Beto. I am in line for you in 2020!
20
This race perfectly summed up the old adage: Democrats fall in love, Republicans fall in line.
8
Beto for President in 2020! He had a lot of people from all over the country rooting for him, sending him donations and admiring the honest and authentic way he ran his campaign. Our country needs his kind of leadership.
Idaho is similar to Texas -- an entrenched Republican stronghold for decades. I'm sorry to say that held true in this election too. We had high hopes for Paulette Jordan who ran for governor. We hope to see more of her on the national stage too.
When I went to the Democratic gathering last night at the large hotel in downtown Boise, I saw, in addition to a lot of white men and women, Native Americans and LGBTs. Paulette's campaign might have been the first time EVER in Idaho politics that they felt like they mattered. It made ME feel good to know this diversity mattered -- at least for a moment -- in Republican white male Idaho.
Of course, today we're back to bid'ness as usual. Except that, after four years of the Legislature voting down expanded Medicaid (and forfeiting the federal dollars that came with it), good ol' boy Butch Otter finally gave it his blessing and it passed.
Beto, Stacy, Paulette, Andrew: you are our hopes for the future!
6
Gosh, that was encouraging. Thanks, Ms. Swartz.
You speak of Mr. Cruz as "not exactly beloved." My goodness, you pick your words with care, Ms. Swartz.
My impression is, the man is detested. I have been astounded over the years to hear Republicans--REPUBLICANS!--speaking of your distinguished Senator in words I'd hate to quote in a New York Times comment.
I have read conservative columnists--in this newspaper--speak of him in similar terms.
It is--forgive me!--remarkable that a man that commands so little personal loyalty should be elected even once. But I know Texas is sometimes called "a red state"--and Lord knows, Mr. Cruz is red as they come.
But your state, Ms. Swartz, is maybe not all THAT red. Wonderful news! I was heartened by your account of--how to say this?--NON-RED people voting. Asking HOW to vote. Murmuring the name "Beto" like a talisman--and he certainly sounds like a fine person. Made me wish I were a Texan. So I could vote for him.
"It's a new day in America," said Ms. Pelosi. Well, I don't know. A GLAD day, oh yes! A NEW day--we'll have to see.
But I'm thinking back to that glad day in 2008 when Mr. Obama took the White House. Now THAT was indeed a glad day. Whets my appetite for 2020.
And congratulations on those Democrats that won the various House races.
So much to be thankful for!
Thanks for your piece.
10
Mimi Schwartz writes: "...a lengthy critique in Politico that quoted mostly Republican operatives."
I noticed that too when I read it. Could someone explain why that piece was largely written with those sources? If memory serves, one of the points was Cornyn accusing O'Rourke of running for president. Does that description not apply to Ted Cruz in 2012? The article seemed to me like handing the Republicans a megaphone under the guise of even-handed journalism.
6
@batavicus Hi DTC! Odd to find you in NYT comments.
I may live on the east coast, but my heart and home will always be back in my native Texas, and political disappointment is something I can practically mark on my calendar. That said, just like the seeds were planted for Trump many years ago, the blossoming of a new Texas wasn't going to happen in the first two years of Trump's presidency. I would have lapsed into a weeklong euphoria had Beto won (I smartly didn't get my expectations too high), but let's not forget some of the more local victories worth celebrating.
These are headlined, of course, by the two House flips, with corrupt Trump stooge Pete Sessions and do-nothing windbag John Culberson getting tossed to the curb in favor of a black civil rights attorney, Colin Allred, and a young woman, Lizzie Pannill Fletcher.
But also look at Harris County, home of Houston, where the Democrats blasted the GOP by going 59-for-59 in small, local judicial races. You read that right: a perfect 59-0, including ousting incumbent County Judge Ed Emmett, a local Harris County legend, in favor of a 27-year-old Latina immigrant who graduated from Stanford. Harris County Democrats now control all countywide elected posts, after recently dumping the Republican District Attorney and County Sheriff.
It might not have been a nationwide blue wave, but the currents are shifting.
Oh...and, of course, Beto for President in 2020!
12
“You play to win the game!”
Herm Edwards
Biden and Beto, 2020
4
@John Lusk
I like Biden very much, but Trump would defeat this ticket. We need someone other than Biden at the top of the ticket. The right has too much venomous hatred for anything Obama, so I believe Biden would have too much "baggage", so to speak.
1
Can we just say President Beto?
3
Beto for president 2020.
5
Trump has established the precedent that anyone above a grocery store bagger can run and act out the role of president. Abe Lincoln had only one term in the US House before becoming president, so maybe the old idea that a realistic candidate has to climb the political ladder step by step is out of date. We will need someone younger in 2020 and preferably a fresh face, with new ideas, as well. Should we bet on Beto? He would probably prefer running for a open Senate seat in Texas but he will be at the top of the lists of speculation for president anyway.
The 2020 campaign for the White House starts...today.
5
Actually, I saw irony this morning. Beto ran to represent all Texans. Only after he had won did Cruz declare that he wanted to represent all Texans.
Insofar as taking a knee, I thought his response was spot on and my guess it won as many votes as it lost. That stance brought a lot of people to the polls in my opinion.
And I guarantee you this veteran got patriotic chills when Beto addressed this issue like a clear headed adult.
15
@Silence Dogood I should add that the video of his answer got 67.4 million views worldwide and an invitation to be on national television with Ellen DeGeneres.
1
I can't stand Ted Cruz. He is smart and if he wants to appeal to others on a wider stage he will note that Beto gave him all he could handle this time around. It shows nearly half of Texas doesn't want him and shows he is beatable. Cruz should now move to distance himself from Trump and collaborate more with the moderate GOPers and reach across the aisle to help move good legislation that benefits Americans as well as Texans. Time will tell how smart he is.
3
This editorial seeks to dress up a loss as something else. Give Beto kudos for mobilizing; give him credit for (perhaps) helping down-ballot races elsewhere. But fundamentally, his unwillingness to court moderate or even conservative Texans has consigned all of us to listening to Ted Cruz for the next 6 years. Don't label this a big improvement, though it was. It was a loss of an imminently winnable race. To have been as close as Beto was, despite so many long-evident campaign flaws makes that crystal clear.
3
@Jim R.
Beto's platform was nowhere near "far left."
The issues he campaigned on would have benefited all average Texans, including moderates and even some conservatives.
I'm sure a sizable number of Beto's votes came from moderates.
"Courting" Ted Cruz supporters means catering to their prejudices.
2
From a distant vantage point it seems very clear that Mr. Beto recognized that the Democratic Party's future depends on inclusion of people who have been left out. This will, hopefully, continue step by step to build a Democratic Party for every American. The increasingly white only Republican Party seems poised to rely on the difficulty Democrats will face in embracing the labyrinth of what is social justice and in dealing with the relentless collusion and corruption of Trumpism. Let us all hope the Republican's are very wrong.
6
Beto is the most appealing Democrat in America. He lives Christian values but does not abuse them for political gain. There was always the idea out there that winning this election would eliminate him from presidential contention. He promised to serve his full term. I know, and I think Beto does too, that his values are the antidote to Trump--and that he is now positioned to lead an American moral renaissance.
6
I was disappointed in the moment. However, upon reflection, I'm actually happy Beto lost. I'll agree Democrats could have used the Senate seat. Giving Ted Cruz a swift kick would feel wonderful too. Beto has more important things to do with his time though. We don't need him tied down to a six year term in Texas just yet. His path follows a different way. We should all help him follow it.
6
So close... but Texas chose the guy who groveled to Trump after Trump called him a liar, his wife ugly and his daddy a killer. Not exactly the Texas of their own mythology.
10
Beto 2020!!!
4
Ms.Swartz,
Many many thanks for this validating article about Beto. I cried at his loss but the nation prays that this is not the last of of what we see of him - a decent, honest man who did not march to the tunes of political pundits across the US.
Elsewhere in a NYT article, under a photo of Ted and Heidi Cruz was a caption that read something like “Cruz overwhelms O’Rourke’. I would say that 51-48 percent margin can hardly be considered overwhelming especially in Texas and especially where Cruz’s win was determined by votes in rural areas where fear is the key to win.
What Beto has unlocked is hope for Texas and the rest of the nation while all his opponent Cruz has done is instill more fear, the only card he had left against Beto.
9
I look at Beto (for whom my wife worked, walked, organized, and gave her political soul) as a national as well as a state figure, just as I do Cruz. Not that I (quite!) believe in a simple black/white, good/evil model -- but Beto ran as clean a campaign as seems possible these days, representing his character. Cruz ran on cruise control, as he's done, with little goodness in his heart, I believe. Both display the bright and dark sides of America.
With Trump doing his best to suck both the air and the positive spirit out of the U.S., Beto, whether he runs for President or not, displays what we hope can correct our course: integrity, directness, honesty, hard work, appeal to all folks, and spirit.
So while he "lost" this campaign, he won a whole lot more, as the article and the Readers note: he stirred up a lot of people ill at ease with the defeatism, partisanship, and downright sadness of too many of us. We now have to look at a Senate vs House clash for some time, with a lunatic blowing his trump-et over it all. But Beto ideally will not go quietly into the good night -- but rage on with a voice that will inspire the rest of us to rage with him.
9
I love this man! Beto O'Rourke is a mover and a shaker and he woke people up. No corporate contributions and still ran a close race. Get back on the horse O'Rourke!
5
It is still a loss, especially to a man (Cruz) who has negative people skills.
1
I like the last line of your piece. When you fall off a horse, the best thing is just to climb back on again. I say, Go, Beto! We need you, we need your enthusiasm, your politics, and your energy as well as, most of all, your good will, your can do attitude. After all, regarding the latter, the can do attitude, we are Americans, we can do it, we can take back the Senate and we can take back the Presidency. Yes, I, a progressive, am a nationalist of the little n variety, not a nationalist of the blood and soil variety. A nationalist of the American variety, a variety that has flourished by making the many of us who came from all over the world one. E PLURIBUS UNUM
4
Sad in NYS that he lost. A wonderful antidote to the daily barrage of insults, lies and selfishness coming from the GOP. I was just looking forward to having someone who seemed like a pleasant human being in Congress!
I hope he sticks around.
4
Dems need to put Beto in charge of candidate recruitment and training for 2020. Depending on the outcome of her race, you could add Stacey Abrams as co-chair. P.S. Let's also start the effort to get Amy McGrath, MJ Hegar, Joseph Kopser, and all the other great veterans who ran as Democrats ready to run in 2020.
217
@No Trace I love this idea- to simply keep these great candidates alive, and to continue to use the organizational structure and momentum going.
9
@No Trace yes!!! I’m with you!
3
Thanks Beto for changing my congressional representative to someone I can live with, Colin Allred...not sure that Beto's next move should be towards the White House, there are strong candidates ahead of him in that race, but I would love to see him seek Cornyn's seat in 2020. Beto fits in the senate and we will need him even more in 2020 to counter the nonsense that Cruz will bring to that body.
3
Harris county in Houston did an awesome job bringing in most of the votes for Beto.
That republicans still control the Senate tells me that we are still in Dumnassistan, not the United States.
3
We are Californians who were cheering for Beto. We hope he continues to energize Texans and the democratic party and hope he enters the presidential race in 2020.....you have our votes!
4
Can anyone who lives in Texas explain to me how people keep voting for Ted Cruz?! His politics aside, NOBODY likes the guy, not even members of his own party.
6
@bklynfemme
Cruz supporters voted against O'Rourke's humanitarian policies.
They embraced racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and misogyny — all of which O'Rourke opposes.
3
Energetic, with a visible moral core, Beto shone brightly across the nation, like a newly discover star. This man cares about people and their problems. We look forward to seeing him back up on that campaign horse in 2020!
2
Agreed. People who worked hard for Beto should be encouraged and remain engaged.
You very probably affected how things will be done and how things will be run by coming so close. So it’s important that you did it right, and important that you remain engaged and remain determined to continue to do it right.
The difference is the extent to which your voice is heard, win or lose. When you come close you just might win next time. So what you say matters more. People can’t be quite so confident that, so long as they can persuade or control a majority of a majority (do the math ...), then they can do what they want without bothering to look over their shoulder all that often. And that matters.
Welcome to democratic self-government. You’ve got more responsibility now, just in you role as a citizen, because you’ve increased the extent to which your voice must be taken into account.
1
Beto is the best thing that ever happened to the state of Texas. And hopefully one day soon, it’s voting public will realize that.
3
Defeat is only a learning process.
Go Beto!
4
O’Rourke gave Texans who have long felt disenfranchised a glimpse of what will never be.
1
Sorry to deflate your well prepared 'beto is great' nonsense, but O'Rourke spent $70 million . . . and lost....his future is more of foul mouthed carnival barker than a meaningful politician. . .
3
@Hannah Abbott
His $70 million was raised from grass-roots donors. That says a lot about his values.
If you consider the issues on which he campaigned to be those of a carnival barker I question your values.
1
Shocker of the night: Beto won Tarrant, reddest urban county in America.
6
Yes, and in Georgia, we saw an African American woman in virtually a dead heat with a white man. I'm sad that Beto lost, and I'll be sad if Abrams loses, but I know at last that half of Georgians -- and Texans -- believe in what these Democrats offered and reject the politics of hate. The South was always going to be a hard nut to crack. We have centuries of propaganda to overcome here. But we can't stop fighting. And we will prevail.
7
He lost because Cruz is "Texas Tough." Yeah, right.
Cruz' abject capitulation to Trump ... after Trump's trashing of Cruz and his family in the primaries ... was absolutely nauseating to watch.
But, then, Tough Ted is joining the Republican chorus, whose members, at what must be unfathomable cost to personal values and senses of self, are supporting a serial liar, racist, and sower of discord and hate.
Get back on the horse, Beto, and run for the Senate in 2020. More contributions (modest though they will be) will be coming to you from this North Carolina source.
5
I was heartbroken that Beto lost, but I do hope he runs again and perhaps for Governor. I would be more than thrilled to move back home and campaign for him. This shows that we are all not a monolith in Texas. (Which I have to defend regularly)
3
guess he can change his name back to Robert now, and maybe work on getting the burglary charge dropped from his permanent record. Not sure what he can do about the gentrification campaign he led against Hispanic people in El Paso.
3
@bx
The burglary charge was dropped. That means that he was innocent.
He also not only admitted to his two arrests (the other was a DWI that was also dropped), but put them up front.
You have no ammunition against him there.
2
O'Rourke 2020
1
Democrats should make electoral reform -- revising the Electoral College and eliminating voter suppression and gerrymandering -- major issues at both the state and federal levels. Flipping seven governorships last night provides more opportunities to work on these issues, since the rules of federal elections are mainly set at the state level.
Electoral reform is essential in revitalizing American democracy. Democrats should resist the temptation to reverse gerrymander when they win majorities in state legislatures. Impartial electoral maps will do just fine. The fairer the electoral system becomes at all levels, the better an urban-and-suburban based party will do against a rural-small town party and that geopolitical divide has been deepened in the 2018 midterms.
2
I was all-in for Beto, as a Texas Dem. Dallas and Houston are truly blue these days, and it is edging toward the suburbs, though there are still plenty of the suburban school voucher folks. Beto was everywhere, and there were few people who would have not heard about his campaign efforts: every county!
It was not enough to elect Beto, but his super-human campaign effort shows clearly that a good candidate and grass-roots barnstorming can count for a lot.
My other reflection on the Allred vs Sessions race is that the House races more closely traced much of the populace's feelings about the lousy situation many face for insurance and health care right now. Sessions thought he could phone it in.
109
Beto needs to move to New Mexico. (The states are neighbors; moreover, we're not all that far from El Paso!) Sen. Udall is 70, and we'd welcome Beto as his successor in the Senate.
Congratulations to Beto on an incredibly hard-fought campaign, fueled by his unstinting energy and effort. May he succeed next time!
Trump won these Senate seats by playing into the fear of the uneducated and/or already prejudiced middle class.
When you do that, you bring out the lack of character in people.
The smarter, fact-based voters aren't going to fall for that.
1
Two days before this election, I saw a TV campaign ad and looked up to see an attack ad against Beto O'Rourke. Critical tidbit is that I do not live in Texas, I live in Michigan! It was an attack ad accusing Beto of lying about his drunk driving arrest.
Clearly, the Republicans are worried. Beto better be aware because once these seeds are planted, they are difficult to correct.
1
Thanks Mimi.
Go Beto !
I certainly hope he will run for Senate again in 2020 whether Cornyn retires or not.
With the millions of extra voters that will participate in Texas in a Presidential election year, the second time could be the charm.
1
you know what ... he's like Lincoln ... he's going to be President in two years. I want to someone to show a national politician who has more going for them. Right now I would vote for him in a heartbeat.
But he can't start swearing about nothing at rallies on the campaign trail. Although about health care and our war machine, maybe a few expletives wouldn't be so bad. Yes, show me someone stronger for President.
2
If Beto had run for the Senate ten or even fifteen years ago, he would have been slaughtered by huge double digits.
Instead, he made what years ago would have been a laughable loss a very close and competitive race, and at the same time gain a national exposure that could lead to bigger and better things.
Like the White House.
199
Condolences from Georgia. Many similarities here but the most notable being that a massive surge (I'd heard some crazy number like a 500% increase) of young voters in both states created real horseraces rather than just proforma exercises to "make a statement" (how I hate that phrase). The Old White Men who ruled without question forever are now looking over their shoulders. Demographics, youth, and women are coming for them, they will be replaced. We're still in recount here for the Governor's race but either way, as we like to say here in the South: "that's gonna leave a mark".
174
@George"massive surge (I'd heard some crazy number like a 500% increase) of young voters" Good luck with that next time. When a Millennial loses, even when it's close, they give up. Beto won't do next time; he LOST! They will need a new Messiah.
Beto didn't fail us, his courage in opposing a most arrogant and divisive (rigid ideologically) republican Ted Cruz was superb...and will serve as a springboard, a launching pad for other democrats, and himself, to eventually restore legitimacy to politicians in power, as opposed to the current self-serving republicans, completely indebted to their rich donors...and perpetuating the deep inequality that keeps this country in a ditch. What we have failed to do was educate our communities in what's going on, based on the truth and the facts, given that the so-called 'base' has been deluded by constant lies and innuendos by a profesional demagogue (Donald J. Trump), credulous in their ignorance, and compromised by subconscious biases against 'the other' (our neighbors, no matter the color of their skin). We must insist that 'civics 101' be taught in schools, so we know our rights and obligations attendant to any democracy worth it's name. Only by being responsible citizens can a democracy not only survive but thrive. The opposite is what we have done to ourselves, electing a perverse thug whose only interest is his self-enrichment...at our expense. Beto's example shall endure, a gentleman and a humble truth-telling hope for the foreseeable future.
5
Hope for the future may be more powerful than current success.
3
Moral victory is usually but not always a hollow term. O'Rourke won a very real moral victory, one that will hopefully translate into an electoral one in 2020.
7
Beto and other new-age Democrat showed us a new way of campaigning that I, for one, hope will catch on in the rest of the party. Instead of talking about what Beto did wrong, we need to focus on what he did right. Beto was never expected to overtake Cruz… not because of anything he did wrong, but because of red-state tribalism in Texas.
The real story should be how close he came and what he did right. Beto is an incredibly talented, charismatic campaigner. Instead of delivering the same canned, focus-grouped stump speech again and again, he campaigned from the heart. He did not run after every negative allegation, but instead stayed positive and got his message out there… with passion.
His youth didn’t hurt him with young voters, but I believe his authenticity was more important than his youth. Just look at how young people react to Bernie. If there’s a story to take from the successes of new-age Democrats, it’s not about identity politics… it’s about authenticity. Democrats need as much of it as we can get.
9
Beto wanted to offer the undocumented a path to citizenship.
Last month, the Texas Politics Project, at the University of Teas at Austin, asked Texans to what extent they agreed or disagreed with the statement that undocumented immigrants should be deported immediately. 32% strongly agreed, and another 22% somewhat agreed. When the Politics Project looked at just how Hispanics polled, it found that 23% of Hispanics strongly agreed that undocumented immigrants should be immediately deported and that another 14% somewhat agreed.
Beto was out-of touch with Texas voters on illegal immigration.
1
@ann Right, let's see how well those farmers and construction companies and hotels do when 'undocumented' immigrants are immediately deported.
1
There is a 2020 message in what Beto did in Texas or Stacey Abrams did in Georgia or Kyrsten Sinema did in AZ. These are big states, that as Ms. Swartz points out, have for very long being branded “red” and the political system has not reached out to energize people in these states who have been disenfranchised. And, as Ms. Swartz again points out, the way to energize these people is not through negative messages about other people but through positive messages about them. Actually, the significant majority of us will react positive to messages that want to advance all in tandem rather than advance some against others. Enough with the polarization messages and running campaigns against individuals or types of people. We all know that the person who is willing to go the lowest will win polarization battles. The significant majority of people in the US are looking to go high and don’t want to have to be of a “particular type” or have homogeneous liberal or conservative ideas in order to be allowed into the conversation. The greatest asset of this country is that, through fits and starts, it was able to gradually embrace the concept that a melting pot of different perspectives brings progress for all. A candidate of hope that strengthens this message, especially in these times of polarization, will carry the 2020 election including potentially Texas and AZ and Georgia that are not red states; there are simply states full of people looking for a positive message.
8
@TRThis is a time in which many of us struggle with identity, not just who we actually are (and why we are that), but how others can possibly be what they seem to be. The destructive power of divisiveness and tribalism is daunting, and the impressive mobilization that the Democrats aroused for the 2018 mid-terms -- as large, widely distributed, passionate, and fresh-faced as it was -- did not result in the depth of repositioning that had been hoped for. This should decisively clarify the fact that a different way must be found to restore comity and balance to the national fabric. What is that way? The position Mr. Rikakis argues in relation to Ms. Swartz’s insightful commentary feels right. Still, it is dangerous, it seems, to make any larger suppositions or claims about what “the people” think or feel. The evidence shows us that even the most dedicated and inventive prognostications regularly fail. The existence of instantaneous digital media has rendered the more slow-moving and inevitably self-reflective ways of even the recent past obsolete. We need an approach that is fully inclusive and transcends perceived differences in identity. It is hard to see how such a path can be conceived, let alone implemented, but we must continue to hope that it can be.
2
I would suggest he did everything right, but in Texas as nationwide, we are in a divided, entrenched country. He was, is, a refreshing, real person who’s also a dedicated public servant, a skilled politician living in the real America, not Trump’s nostalgic-fearful fever dream that grips 50% of the country. Like Obama was. How few of these so we have?
10
About 25 years ago my grandmother gave me a dollar that had the head of the treasury signature on it . It was the proud and honorable Lloyd Bentsen of Texas. I supported Beto because he had a quality about him that’s been missing from Texas politics for decades. Cruz is a carpetbagger . Bring back the Richards , the Connelly’s , the Bentsen, the LBJs . Not perfect people but Texans never less that supported making Texas what it can be. And I still own that dollar . It’s in my safety deposit box.
11
John Connally (note the A) campaigned for Nixon in 1972, switched parties the next year, and sought the Republican presidential nomination in 1980.
Absolutely. This is a battle in a larger war. Beto acknowledged and reached millions in the USA and abroad to enable a more realistic picture of the country now, and to engender hope. Both for him and these voters this is just the beginning.
7
Ted Cruz did not expect to have any competition at all. He expected to cruise (pardon the pun) to victory without much of a challenge, but O'Rourke gave a considerable one.
The fact that he had to appeal to Trump shows how desperate he was.
O'Rourke may have lost, but he made the race competitive and showed that change is coming slowly to Texas.
This race had much more upside for Beto O'Rourke than for Ted Cruz. O'Rourke got great national exposure and has an incredible war chest. He could run for his current seat again, run for the Senate again in 2020, or even president.
There is definitely more of an upside for O'Rourke. Politically, I think this about as far as Cruz can go. No one wants him for president, not even Republicans. He will not be running against Trump who will be the incumbent. His best bet is to go back to a career in the private sector, then Heidi can finally have that second house she so covets.
7
@cl
Cruz has rehabilitated his image with a lot of those who were not inclined to support him before. His willingness to work with and support the President who defeated him in the Primary shows a maturity and grace not seen in Democrats and many other Republicans. I will consider him carefully in 2024 if he chooses to run against Mike Pence. He may get my vote, or it may go to Pence. Will have to wait and see I would be comfortable with either Gentlemen taking the reins of power in 2024.
@GregP
Cruz's willingness to crawl back to Trump shows not maturity, but cowardice.
Cruz knew that keeping his base meant not alienating the part of it that he would have lost in being out of favor with Big Blondie.
However, I'm sure that there were voters for Cruz who saw him from your perspective.
"Courage" is a word long associated with Texas — falsely, as it turns out.
Beto validated the strategy of bringing in new voters, rather than trying to sell out to the least committed opposition voters.
While it was not quite enough in Texas, this time, it made a lot of progress. Combined with Sanders last time, it proved fundraising is possible, and a real race is possible.
Losing a tight race is not the last word in politics. There is far more meaning there.
12
My heart broke when the race was called for Cruz after two percent of the returns were in. I like Beto, his campaign and his sorely-needed message of unity. I hope to see him again on the campaign trail in 2020 for Senator or president. It was tough watching candidates steeped in hate and divisive messages win across the nation. I am glad the Dems took the House but I fear it will not stem the horrors of Trump, his Senate and his Supreme Court.
12
Beto O’Rourke running for president in 2020 would be a mistake, premature admiration. He is brilliant, yes, compassionate, yes, capable of mobilizing millions, yes, a truth sayer, yes, politically ready, no, not yet.
Many excellent, experienced politicians could grab the top spot on the Democratic ticket in 2020: Bloomberg, if he moved from Independent to Democrat, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Deval Patrick.
Whoever heads the 2020 Democratic ticket knows this: Beto O’Rourke would make a GREAT vice president. It would give Beto the political clout he needs to lift America from a flawed democracy to a true one in this century's third decade.
15
While this defeat is painful, I remain hopeful. Progress is always slow, but we have moved the needle in Texas. Look at what we accomplished in 2 years . . . nearly doubling voter turnout and creating a network of tireless, passionate resistors. I will proudly wear my Beto tee shirt, continue to register voters, knock on doors, donate and get behind progressive candidates. Beto was right . . . . Texas is not a red state but a non-voting state. We will continue to work towards changing that so that all Texans have a voice.
505
@MB keep up the good work, it’s peopel like you that keep our democracy alive.
52
@MB You and me both. I'm retiring next year and I intend to go out and register voters in Texas, in English and in Spanish.
25
Plainly Beto gave Cruz a good run for his money. That said, I deeply hope that all those 1st time voters are not discouraged by the loss. It is too easy for folks who do not have a habit of voting, who register and vote because of excitement about an individual candidate to feel that it was 'no use to bother' when their candidate loses. Voter encouragement and education are important going forward. A battle was lost (barely), but the war is always many battles.
453
@Anne-Marie Hislop The numbers about HOW CLOSE the race was, need to be widely publicized.....I certainly want first time Beto voters to take comfort in a strong showing, and "stay tuned".
12
Beto had two important obstacles to surmount that prevented his election. First is that Texas allows straight party voting, pull one lever and all the candidates from your party of choice receive your vote, and when you have 100 races to vote in, its easy to just indicate one party. This means Republicans who dislike Cruz, took the easy way out. (This was the last election Texans can vote straight party with the pull of one lever). The second obstacle was the lack of excitement for the Democratic choice for governor. Ms. Valdez was unknown in the state (I did not see a single advertisement for her) and the lack of a competitive contender against a sitting popular governor did not garner votes for Mr. O’Rourke. The important thing for the Texas Democratic Party is the excitement generated by Mr. O’Rourke’s campaign and the need to sustain and build upon this enthusiasm.
11
@Michael Tiscornia We have a problem when voters don't know that you can still change individual votes after voting straight party....works great if there are just a few of the opposite party you want to vote for. But for the sake of the judges' races, getting rid of straight party voting is a good thing. Just hope people don't stop voting altogether.
Somewhat the same situation in our Congressional district here, a loss, but some hope. In 2014 65% (R) to 35% (D), in 2016, (R) 58.6% to (D) 41.4%; this time out 52% to 48%.
We've had non-competitive races in this district for decades, probably for a century. Competition, participation, interest is what democracy is all about. I hope the youngest stay involved. It is their future, after all.
11
Really . Beto sucked 70 Million away from other winnable races nationwide since a majority of his money can from well heeled left wingers outside Texas . Medicare for all and a $15.00 minimum wage would kill many working and middle class jobs in Texas. Beto is an under qualified fellow who needs to think long and hard about his economic ideas. No doubt his billionaire father in law could help with his tutelage.
5
@FDB I would like an explanation of how Medicare for all would kill jobs. It would probably create a lot of healthcare jobs.
5
@FDB. Not true. Most of Beto’s money came from Texans. He and Cruz received almost the same percentage of money from out of state.
4
@FDB Suggest you read Democracy in Chains unless you work for the Koch bothers.
2
Beto is the White Obama- He should run for President-
Beto- 2020
10
@apple nut
I think he's the party's only hope. We're all behind him and ready to mobilize!
1
Take heart. Cortez won. LOL
3
Beto will be back.
He's actually got a really bully pulpit now, and we all hope he uses it.
17
beto fought for the disenfranchised. i hope that he doesn't give up. sad that he, ms. abrams in ga., and mr. gillum sic in fla. lost. don't lose hope for a better tomorrow.
19
Voted for Beto. Will vote for him again in the future!
29
All that counts is winning. Cruz won. Robert O'Rourke got an enormous amount of financial support and publicity from the likes of the NYT. He still lost. End of Story.
4
I hope that bc you were deliberately keeping your comment short, you didn’t actually MEAN “all that counts is winning”. That’s a phrase we teach kids in elementary school is incorrect. If someone cheats to win, uses shortcuts, doesn’t mean and/or care abt promises made in order to win, then actually “winning” isn’t all that counts. At least if you have any integrity of which to speak.
Trump & Cruz, who actually dislike each other quite a lot, made some sort of Devil’s deal wherein Cruz allowed the man who insulted his wife & insisted his father was part of a conspiracy plot in the mrdr of Pres. Kennedy, to come to a rally and endorse him. They shook hands & pretended all was well in Oz. Cruz went from “Lyin’ Cruz” to “Beautiful Cruz” for no other reason than to keep a majority in the Senate.
To easily see the dif. bet. the 2 candidates & how they ran their campaigns, when Obama came to stump for Beta, he spoke of knowing Beta 4 only a short while, altho their values lined up together, & that he was proud to speak for a man who stood for such ideals & hoped to see more of him in the future. They didn’t lie about their past or make up stories to hide difficulties or pretend to know each other more than they did. They spoke the truth.
If you truly believe that winning is all that counts, & it doesn’t matter how one gets from point A to point B, you are not leaving a better country for your kids. You are actually teaching them values that will hurt them (& others) later in life.
2
Terrific and thanks for this endorsement for Beto and with it the corollaries of the reach and depth of his campaign. Two new Democrats in the House, and before we know it, Beto'll get up on that horse again. Yes, it's the rural areas and those who fear the border regardless of any evidence to the contrary, those mostly white who circle the wagons as in days of y ore. Indians were in Texas not so long ago as evidence in the old places in Fredricksburg where you had a hole in the limestone where your rifle went to shoot, if you were lucky enough to have said home. GO BETO GO! Thank you, Beto.
14
I am from California but contributed more to O'Rourke's campaign than anyone else's. Senators make decisions that impact Americans in every state.
30
Beto O'Rourke didn't fail! He showed Texas and the whole of America that the integrity which drove Barack Obama wasn't a once-off. He took the high road and the massive response he got proved to us all that it's a legitimate way of leading. And anybody who thinks that this election is the end of the road, and that Texas will go back to what it was, is sniffing glue. Beto is in it for the long haul.
38
@Jennifer Stewart...bottom line....he lost!...Hollywood and $70 million...and Beto still lost!
1
@JON PROCELL: my kids asked me last night: what happens if the Republicans win everything? My answer: they have to govern. I go to work tomorrow. Nothing is "over." we have another election in 2 years, and thank God. they don't get to redraw the maps or rewrite the constitution to stop the voting. (Please tell Kris Kobach and Brian Kemp). This isn't a children's game. It isn't about winning or a popularity contest: It's about the work of governing afterward. I'd still like to see an effective, honest, compassionate government in place. At this point I'd take W.
3
I saw the Berlin Wall come down and Barack Obama elected President. Maybe someday I'll see Texas send a Democrat to the Senate.
34
It is important to put Beto in the context of a texas that is Cruzy. You must understand that texas created a myth of revolution against Mexico that had abolished slavery. Settlers came to texas to grow cotton and needed slaves. They engaged in rebellion. After the Alamo and Goliad, the new "republic" of texas put slavery as the core of its new constitution. Read it and you will get sick.
Then American started another concocted war with Mexico and texas became a slave state in America. Texas fought in the confederacy for slavery. There are statues of confederate generals on the capital grounds who engaged in rebellion against America.
After the war the KKK, lynchings and separate but equal terrorized minorities in texas.
The texas prison system was filled with Black citizens who were arrested and convicted under the "Black Laws" and who then were sold to the sugar growers for their labor. Nazi concentration camps are appropriate comparisons.
Lyndon Baines Johnson was a democrat who helped bring Texas into the 20th century when he was a senator and president. He passed the Civil Rights Act and Medicare.
Texas then slid back into its evil ways with racist justice, segregation in new forms and voter suppression. It rejected medicade expansion.
The white fundamentalists think they are christians. They are devoid of love and perpetrate the myth of texas in the culture of the confederate deep south.
Vietnam Veteran and Retired Army Officer.
41
@Michael Thanks for this Michael. I am researching the history of Texas/MX/USA and there are so many fundamental issues embodied - from colonialism to slavery to power in the 21st century.
3
So sorry Beto lost but, he gave Cruz a run for his money. People of Texas we were all watching. Cruz sold out to a man who trashed him and his family in front of the whole world. This is what they voted for. Beto is not gone.
We desparately need his fresh YOUNG voice and clean campaigning. Hopefully, those that didn't get out to vote this time, will make the effort in 2020. Urban AMERICA needs you to wake up Suburbia. I have no doubt that middle America will feel the pinch of the Trump tax cuts by 2020, as will all of us. The middle class cannot sustain the tremendous debt this White House is creating. Thank God there will be some accountability in D.C. now.
265
We need young and OLD and the MIDDLE AGE voices who espouse the like-minded principles of Mr. Beto. Age has no barriers in dedication, commitment, and principles, and ageism no place in politics.
45
"We desparately need his fresh YOUNG voice..."
This will blow your mind: Beto is only 1 year younger than Ted Cruz. Cruz in only 47. I couldn't believe it either.
23
@Geri Tortosa I like your point about the tax cuts and changes..... I am dreading the new forms and the new rules , which I expect to knock out MANY self employed deductions it has taken me years to learn are legitimate. I think that there is no way for Trump to avoid a backlash as the impacts of the "tax reform" come into clear personalized view.
3
I have absolutely no regrets about sending money to the O'Rourke campaign. He represents the future, Cruz and Trump represent the rapidly aging past.
We're going to see and hear much more from Beto.
45
Former Congressman Abraham Lincoln lost an Illinois seat in the US Senate to Steven Douglas in 1858, but because the Lincoln/Douglas debates had elevated him to national prominence won the Presidency in 1860. Such a course is not unimaginable for Beto in 2020.
41
O'Rourke is one of the most disingenuous politicians in recent history. He reminds me most of Robert Redford in the candidate. It's a great story, but as Walter Mondale would say, where's the beef?
6
@Mike Livingston
Please.
Do you know anything about the campaign in Texas? There was substance there aplenty, perhaps a bit too much, which might be the reason that Beto was not able to win.
5
Seems silly to make all of this hinge on elections. Is there anything else that might help Texans move into the light? Thinking of a sort of tent revival, but for the liberals arts. My grandfather had little formal education, but a library that filled up a 26-foot house trailer on his ranch.
11
Ted Cruz is an abomination. Trump is an abomination, so Cruz's re-election makes sense in the Age of Trump's Deranged Politics.
Beto O'Rourke should not be deterred. He is speaking the language of America's future. We need young leaders who will navigate the terrain of an America in which there will be a minority majority. Cruz's victory is the last gasp of the America of the not-too-distant-past, into which those in red states will go kicking and screaming.
Three words: Beto for President.
32
OMG, I needed this article this morning!
Regret that Beto didn't win this time, but the fact that his campaign did even more important work creating opportunities for down-ballot candidates is heartening.
Soooo glad Mimi Swartz provided a broader perspective on the hard-won successes for the previously overlooked or disenfranchised citizens in the great state of Texas. Keep those voter registration cards handy!
14
Not just Latino and African Americans, the Asian American community also supports Beto. 80-20 PAC, a nation-wide Asian American organization, sent email with recommendation list of candidates in which Beto was listed as a preferred choice to its Texas members. It is grass root and wide spread campaign. I see hope and future Texas senate in Beto.
16
Beto at least has shown the whole world that Texas is changing - for the better. His near win is monumentally impressive. The only tactic I question was his not wanting the endorsement of Obama. I don't get that but he is still a very refreshing breath of fresh air in a very sour political world. Many people are telling him to run for president in 2020. I wish him the best of luck in whatever direction he goes!!!
23
The only issue I have with this article is that while Beto engaged with these new voters, who is to say they will remain engaged with the system? Some folks suggest he should run for Pres in 2020; while he is certainly free to do so, I think his lack of experience wont help him, or his supporters.
3
He's been a Congressman. What lack of experience? he's had as much experience as Ted Cruz.
8
@LesISmore
Trump had experience??????!
3
Despite the loss and the inevitable criticism from the political class in Washington, Beto deserves huge credit for running a great campaign, being authentic about what he believes in, using his charisma and energy to bring people together, and refusing to stoke toxic fear and hatred of our fellow human beings. Some have noted he may run for senate in Texas in 2020. I say: please Beto, please consider running for PRESIDENT in 2020! Our country would truly benefit from your honesty, your decency and your positive energy!
200
Woohoo!!! Pete Sessions defeated?! I lived in Dallas in the district he won somewhat narrowly against a Latina woman (in my mind, only possible due to some very creative gerrymandering - urban, liberal, LGBTQ friendly parts of Dallas with a deep dive into rural areas to the south), I still remember my frustration. I’ve watched his political rise from in and outside of Texas for many years with a sense of mild horror. It’s such a relief to see his reign end, Cornyn was also elected that year to replace Kay Bailey Hutchison, I would love to see Beto take that spot!
20
I’m planning to relocate to Houston from Ohio in the next year. I can’t wait to support Beto with my vote. I hope whoever the Democratic presidential hopeful is in 2020 takes a page from Beto’s book. I’d rather we lose from the higher ground than sink to Trump’s level of divisiveness, hate and fear. Eventually the positive, honest messages will win the day.
39
I care less about "higher ground" than about the ground game. Beto's was superb, best I'd seen since Obama's ten years earlier.
5
I don't like Ted Cruz and from what i hear, I have plenty of company.
I only heard Cruz at length when he was arguing against the affordable care act. He was saying how not everybody needs a Cadillac when it comes to medical insurance. He did a fancy verbal dance which fooled few - basically he was a true winner take all kind of guy.
So I am hoping that there is someone out there on the Democratic side - who can understand its not an us against them situation.
Time to acknowledge that most successful people have because they work hard and are blessed with ability, its fine to talk about shared rewards but not to lay all ones failings on an unjust society.
Give us a Dem. who is opposed to a winner take all but accepts individual responsibility and you have a winning ticket.
6
Thank you, Ms. Swarts, for writing this piece. Here's hoping Beto O'Rourke prepares to run again for Senate in 2020. He is an anomaly and an inspiration in a political landscape long sullied by big (and dark) money, negative campaigning and lies stoking fear. He chose to run his campaign in an admirable way and against the odds. To have come within 3 percentage points of a powerful incumbent, supported by Trump, who won this deep red State in a landslide, is an astonishing accomplishment. Mr. O'Rourke, if he chooses, is a force to be reckoned with in the future.
22
Thank you, Mimi Swartz, for your consoling words for us in Texas. The state is still blistering red but hope is not completely doused. I was energized by the way people in my town came together over Beto. Unfortunately with gerrymandering, it is still a fact that Austin has only one Democrat in the US House and none in the Senate. That does not represent our town and who we are. I'm hopeful for young people who pay attention to issues and want something different. They are disappointed today but may rev up for the future.
31
I am voting for Democrats for all this time - and this is the first time I thought we have a chance to win in a state wide election. Why it did not happen can best be explained - Beto could not win the Collin and Fort Worth. The out lying suburbs of Dallas and Houston are still not voting like Austin - Why. The Democratic Party has to break this Mistry - the population of these suburbs are educated and middle class and expected to be progressive. Beto should run again - he can win in Texas as he represents Texas spirit of openness and hard work.
14
Ahem, Beto did win the Fort Worth.
http://access.tarrantcounty.com/content/dam/main/elections/2018/1118/cumulative.pdf
2
I left Texas last year because it felt like living in a hostile nation. In my grandparents' time, it had been a Democratic stronghold but the arrogance and hatefulness towards opposing viewpoints and clannishness in the small town I which I lived made it unbearable. There were dozens upon dozens of churches but no bookstores. High school football eclipsed academics. I was always an outsider and my few friendships often came to an abrupt end when I didn't bite my tongue as I had trained myself to do and offered my opinion. Even among the older generation of Democrats, there was a certain hostility to Mr Obama's candidacy for reasons that were obvious if not given a voice, but I'm certain they eventually voted for him. I volunteered for one heartbreaking Democratic campaign after another in which Democratic voters simply failed to show up. It was too much for me. Still, I wish I could have been there to vote for Beto.
I hope first-time voters in Texas won't be discouraged from continuing to participate in the process because what happened yesterday was earth-shattering. Texas is a state with islands of blue in a sea of red but the older generation of rural voters is dying off and many young people are moving to cities where they'll discover a more diverse and enlightened population. Groups like Indivisible have been mobilizing to hold their local representatives accountable and to get their communities to vote. Change is coming.
82
@Judith thank you for your comments that ring true to me & I’m certain many others. I’m 77. I proudly cast my first vote for John Fitzgerald Kennedy when I was a Senior Nursing student in Upstate N.Y. I have voted often since. I felt as proud & happy to vote for Beto O’Rourke as I did all those many years ago. Texas & our nation needs Beto O’Rourke & while my mind & my heart cracked last night, I’m heartened by the great campaign he ran & I know he’ll make great choices for us all in the future.
43
Yes change is coming, not as fast as some wish. Not that it applies to your grandparents, but the Dem stronghold in Tx of yesteryear was not exactly the bastion of inclusiveness and compassion that some believe.
6
@Judith: "Dozens of churches and no bookstores." Kind of says it all - give us fantasies, not facts.
Your comment also adds a reality-check to those who say dems need to move TO the red states to change them from within. It's NOT that simple - red areas really are different. Having to be careful about everything you say is not the way most people want to live.
21
Don`t cry for Beto America, he will be back, Beto O`Rourke is not done at all. We will allow him to catch up with his sleep and then back again.
But what is wrong with Texas ?
Ted Cruz ?
Senator Bob Dole not long ago said that no one ever likes him, yet Cruz came back to haunt us.
35
Beto for president in 2020.
19
Predictable we-lost-but-we-won spin.
Expect to see more spins like this from both sides.
6
I didn’t realize until this morning that, contrary 2 the polls & my expectations & what experts predicted, I actually DID want 2 win the Senate & somehow hoped that enuf ppl would come out & prove all the experts wrong. Most especially, I wanted O’Rourke 2 beat Cruz 4 SO many reasons, but cutting down 2 the essentials, bc he stayed positive, he DIDNT move 2 the center, he spoke honestly & bravely about what he believed.
He was, IS such a good man, a good person, the type we need on the Senate floor, & his loss will be felt by many.
However (& this is key) I believe he is the start of a mvmt that could bring more ppl like himself, more ppl unwilling 2 compromise their principles in order 2 ensure a win, the start 2 a better & brighter America. The discourse in the country has gone so low that I literally cried while listening to Obama at a recent rally. He was literate, kind, uplifting, & asked a heckler not 2 curse in front of a child. Politely.
It is truly appalling where the country now stands - an upside down version of Michelle’s idea that when they go low, we go high.
Perhaps Beta can run 4 Pres. against Trump in 2020. Or maybe just someone similar 2 him, w ideals & upbeat beliefs & the ability 2 debate Trump while not dropping 2 his level. If Beta achieved just that one thing, he can be seen as a major figure in politics whatever he does next. Bc that’s what (I believe) America needs most.
I am proud of the race Beta ran. I hope 2 see him again soon in the future.
14
Who said he fell off the horse? Stay on it and never give up because Beto is relevant, he is the change. Be BEST and that is BETO
28
@That's what she said
I didn’t realize 70 million was raised without PACs and hadn’t followed so closely to know that heteiedto avoid negative campaigning! I know a lot came from outside TX, but that is a spectacular and noteable accomplishment. When they go low, we go high!
9
Beto was not a one-off. He showed class, energy and the extraordinary abilities to confront hard questions and think on his feet without waffling.
You knew where he stood. And it's a place worth standing.
Looking forward to making more investments of time and money supporting his political future.
57
Beto is only just gettiug warmed up!
30
Florida, Georgia, and Texas, guess we will just have to make lemonade for two more years. Yes We Can, Yes We Will.
33
I hope Beto runs again. Texas is changing and even though Cruz prevailed, it was a nail biter for him and his party in Texas for the first time in a generation. Texas deserved better than what it gets from the GOP. Rome wasn't built in a day and the GOP there won't be defeated in one race, but it was dealt a body blow by someone with the audacity to on a positive message. Also, as you noted, turn out for Beto helped some down ballot Democrats who became part of the Democratic take-over of the House. That is definitely something to be proud of. Many of us will breathe easier because of that. Thank you, Beto.
42
Mimi nd Commentators,
An outstanding article and comments thus far that serve as a template to be used and replicated across the country over the next two years. Hard work and a positive, but strong message with results that benefit all Americans will yield Democratic success in 2020.
31
Thanks Ms. Swartz for an excellent column of hope. I went to college in Texas in the 80's, and I happily gave money to Beto. It's sad that he lost, but it's also great that he didn't leave anything on the field. He gave it his all, and for that, he has my gratitude and hope that he'll run again in 2020.
63
Sorry, Ms.Swartz. Elections are about winning. They are not feel good self-congratulatory exercises about what might have been. I too read the Politico piece you trash. They made some good points.
The Democrat made this about process and personality, and keeping his cred with national activist groups of the left. Did he really want to win against the most unlikable man in the U.S. Senate? But Beto must have larger national dreams, and they didn't allow him to engage persuadable independents or suburban Republicans whose votes might have made the difference. Run left in Texas and win? Not with today's demographics in off-year elections.
3
@Unworthy Servant I was going to dismiss your comment out of hand but am glad I didn't. Maybe you're right. Beto might be far more successful at a national level than just in Texas. I am tired of the same old politicians jockeying to become the 2020 Democratic nominee.
Dear Hillary, you blew your chance to be president twice. The first time worked out ok but the second time was a disaster for all of us. Please stay away this time. You too Bernie. Sit down.
27
@Unworthy Servant The cognitive dissonance among hardcore Texas Republicans is impenetrable and it's a fool's errand to believe anyone can penetrate their certainty of their righteousness. Most of them don't know anything about politics or civics and rely on a few slogans from their leaders or the typical catchwords. Even an attractive candidate like Beto will never get their vote. Ever. Ever.
However, there are enough Democrats eligible to vote in Texas who could make a difference in these races but they don't vote. Decades of Republicans in Congress who do a poor job of representing their constituency have led to apathy and distrust in the system. It's a form of learned helplessness and it's very effective. When I volunteered for Wendy Davis's campaign for governor, all we focused on was getting Democrats to the polls. It was an abysmal failure.
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@Unworthy Servant Yes and no. It's true that elections are about winning, but you can still read the tea leaves from the losses. Also Ted was not that disliked in Texas. He had a higher approval rating there than Trump for instance. He is disliked nationally, that's different. Texas has not elected a Democrat since 1993, haven't had two democrats since 1961. So it was always a tall order. Ted won his last election by 16%! An unabashed unrepentant liberal came less than 3%. Yes, he didn't pull it off but you can't really fault his strategy. I don't think he would have come so close if he hadn't run the way he did. The only problem with his strategy as far as I can tell is that he let Cruz define him and didn't fight back until it was too late.
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I've never enjoyed visiting Texas for work. Too hot. Too humid. Too flat. Never felt comfortable around all those defiant R's in cowboy attire. Never imagined that I might want a Texan for president.
I can't understand how any reasonable thinker, any person with a heart and soul, could choose the sleazy, slimy Ted Cruz over the refreshing Beto O'Rourke.
As a New Yorker with Ohio roots, I watched the O'Rourke campaign closely. Simply because he inspired me. As far as I'm concerned, he did everything right, including defending the NFL knees. He was AUTHENTIC, yes, with all caps.
Beto O'Rourke is a political star. I will continue to pray that he will be elected president one day. His Texas campaign showed me that he deserves the job.
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Beto had a strong positive message that supports all people. He projects helping the common people and uniting us as a country. That's why I sent him $.
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Beto O'Rourke should stay in the game; he came very close to unseating Cruz. This loss was not a beat down; it left a young man still on his feet. He can do a lot of good if he continues to meet with people at town meetings etc. He is young; he is attractive; he is very smart. He needs to rest; he does not need to quit. Cruz needs to be taken down eventually. He must never feel safe again.
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Cruz must know a life career as politician is more fragile than he expected. Beto was Democrats’ first shot over his bow. This right winger who almost lost his senate seat, may be a precursor to trump deciding against running again in 2020. trump may see it as a good time to bow out while at the top of the precarious garbage heap he created for himself and the rest of the republican party.
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I look forward to being able to vote for Beto in 2020. Nothing would make me happier than to see him take over hypocrite John Cornyn's seat. As much as I despise Ted Cruz, I have come to loathe Cornyn even more.
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I caught Beto on 60 Minutes, and he is the most appealing candidate I have ever seen, and the most genuine. Still, in a race against Ted Cruz, you NEED to go at least a little negative, using the treasure trove of loathing out there from his GOP "colleagues". McCain despised him, and the Lindsey Graham quote about the Trump-Cruz choice in 2016 ("like asking someone if they'd rather be shot or poisoned") should have been the campaign slogan. In order to get in the door of the building where you are going to bring about improvements in the lives of Texans, you first need to shoot the rattlesnake on the steps...
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@dave
Maybe, yes, but it’s still a refreshing change...
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@dave But that wouldn't be Beto. Beto needs to stay the same, all the way to the White House.
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Sometimes finishing second is the best thing that can happen to someone. I will bet that you will be writing much more about Beto.
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Hopefully, we'll be seeing a lot more of Beto!
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Beto is going places. I sent him some money, as I did Abrams and others -- from Illinois. People like Beto, he didn't cave to corporate democrats. Beto will rise again.
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We are so disappointed. Cruz is a moral monster. The change from Cruz to O'Rourke would have been so big a policy change that it would have said to the world Texas has re-joined civilization, and no longer takes pride in being anti-science, anti-progress, and racist.
So this is a major loss.
But yes, he will win next time. That hope can make me feel a little better about the state.
Mimi, what you need to talk more about is the extremely widespread error nationwide of thinking Houston is backwards, anti-science, anti-progress, and racist. It is a joke people believe that Austin in the one decent, liberal city. Austin is considerably more segregated, for example, while Houston claims to be the most diverse city in America.
In this election Houston finished the job they started 2 years ago, becoming solidly blue, deep blue, including the Sheriff, all elected judges, and even the commissioners in many areas in the county that are not in the city proper.
How about a story on the smart, educated, and photogenic Lena Hidalgo? Now she can share power with Mayor Turner, rather than the Republican she replaced.
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@priceofcivilization
Thank you for enlightening me about the election results in Houston. I doubt I would have learned it otherwise. I have real hopes for your state, and Beto was the one who gave it to me.
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@priceofcivilization This conversation is important price. We need to review our stereotypes of cities and regions. Texas is huge and diverse and Houston has a great emerging voice.
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@priceofcivilization Not only did Harris County go blue, Hays County came close. An incumbent Republican County Judge and the incumbent Republican County Clerk were ousted. That was huge! Countywide the Dems are now the majority party.
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Yes, Mimi, there are a lot of broken hearts in Texas this morning but we will go on...Beto has given a voice to our ideals and will continue to speak out in Congress and (hopefully) in his next Senate run in 2020. Several key Republican districts in Dallas and Houston flipped blue in no small part because of the enthusiasm and energy he brought to the state. This is just the beginning for newly engaged Democrats and Independents in Texas who have discovered the political process and how democracy works. We are in it for the long haul...
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The GOP congressmen and woman who are supposed to represent me have not voted my way on a single issue for at least the last four years. I voted for Beto and will do so again. It felt good to be able to vote for someone rather than just voting against whoever was in office. A few more like Beto and we'll be on our way to truly making America great again.
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"Let us realize that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice."
Beto's electoral defeat by the creepy Mr. Cruz is testimony to the vast energy required to move the Ship of State to a course toward Justice. Beto's challenge to the stubborn status quo of Texas politics is a moral victory in itself. Beto will be back.
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@Reed Erskine.. It bends because good people are working their hearts out to pull it.
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What a great guy! Beto has all the makings for a bright future as a national leader. Thank you Beto!
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He made it closer than it should have been given the blind obedience of the typical Texas voter to the southern GOP. I am not disappointed since he had little real chance to win. I think the lesson in the senate for the democrats should be that when you run a true liberal they do better than when you run a fake liberal such as in Indiana, Missouri and North Dakota. You can point to Manchin in WV and say look, fake democrat works, but WV is unusual place unlike any other where the history of Byrd still remains. No, Democrats shoul stop running like GOP-lite at all and focus on what they really believe in. If they truly believe in the false liberalism of middle of the road politicians then they should be ashamed of themselves and just join the republican party. You won't attract new and young voters by giving them a choice that is not really a choice.
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Cruz seemed genuinely admiring of the grit, energy, and good humor with which O'Rourke threw himself into the maelstrom of a senate race against a mighty incumbent. Beto was as hard not to like as Cruz is...well, we all know about Ted.
Fear of dark-skinned immigrant invaders has turned out to be a reliable scare tactic and was just enough to tip things Cruz's way in Texas (where they really do know better).
What O'Rourke has unleashed is a refreshing wave of decency that seems to have affected all sides. The Texans I've met in my professional life...and they are many...were boisterous, affable, funny, hospitable, and always up for a good time.
Beto reminded me of them. Cruz never did.
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Forget the Politico article ... what Beto did was hold true to his principles no matter where he was and who he was talking to. He wasn't cynical, he didn't lie, he didn't mislead anyone, he was and did exactly what he said and I would rather have that and lose this one, close election, than see a pandering, dissembling politician cleverly finding a way to win. Fair play to Beto, he has made a big difference and long may he run.
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I'm a Beto volunteer in Texas. You have one thing a little bit wrong. Many of us think that Beto will NOT make another Senate run. No, if he can get a stalemate against a corrupt, entrenched opponent against overwhelming odds in Texas, he showed the nation that he can win the War against lies and corruption in 2020. Beto will go for the Presidency.
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@Brannon Perkison
Will Beto really make a run at the presidency in 2020? I keep thinking about a historical parallel with Lincoln, who suffered through repeated defeats before he latched onto the whirlwind in 1860. The country would benefit immensely if Beto were to make a similar effort and succeed. And Beto is very telegenic, with a sincerity that is wonderful to observe. I would support Beto in such an effort in a heartbeat.
The campaign for 2020 is already starting, and I think we collectively will be stunned several times by incredible events in a wild run to election night on 03 November, 2020. We are indeed living in incredible times.
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Right on!
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If he will run for Cornyn's seat, that would help. How about Governor!! We could certainly stand to have someone who gives a hoot in that spot!!
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Thank you, Mimi. Heartbroken last night, I fell asleep before I heard Lizzie had won. So grateful for her victory. Beto O’Rourke set a tone for this state that we have been missing for a very long time. I very much hope he runs again. Next time, he will win. Until then, I finally have a representative of whom I can be proud.
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Ms. Swartz, I'm with you. It was so disappointing to see Beto lose because, as an underrepresented Texan, I understand Texas's need to become a two-party state, for everyone's sake. To my fellow Democrats here in Texas: keep fighting. I recently watched Ken Burns's "The Vietnam War," and I urge all who haven't yet seen it to watch it carefully. It took a decade for the voices against the war to finally gain purchase--even when thousands of Americans were losing their sons and daughters in what experts were calling an unwinnable war. Certainly the current costs in our culture war are nowhere near the devastation of Vietnam, but the lessons in human nature are pertinent. Sometimes people are so entrenched they can't see the whole picture, and they cling tightly to their limited perceptions even at great costs. But the counter-voices must continue, grow louder, become more insistent and, yes, more compassionate. We must keep the faith that we can build a better society than the one we had before, than the one we're in now--one that rejects fear and hate and authoritarianism and instead channels the best powers of human nature toward a world in which people take care of one another, despite our differences and failings. I'm going to keep imagining that better world. I refuse to accept the dark and fatalistic view of our current administration. We're going to overcome this.
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@A sad but resolute Texan
San Marcos Texan - very well said, Brother/Sister. I am also with you.
I came of age during Vietnam, and I still vividly recall the bitter divisiveness that lasted for well over a decade, after the inevitable fall of the Saigon regime in April, 1975. I was lucky - my draft number was high enough to avoid taking my senior trip to Vietnam. I still feel some guilt over being lucky. Those Vietnam War wounds to the U.S. have largely healed, in my opinion, and it is a good outcome to what was a tragic waste of blood and treasure, sadly with the greatest devastation being endured by the Vietnamese.
We may be about to enter into a new divisiveness that will be even more terrible than the '60's and '70's. I am really afraid that this is going to happen. And we are living in a time where urgent action is needed globally to try and reduce the coming rise in global temperatures. Your call to build a better society is a clarion call to all who do want to rise above the hate and fear that is embroiling our country now. We are indeed each other's keeper, and we must work together to overcome these onrushing events. Our children and their children deserve a chance to a better future.
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Depends how you define costs and culture wars.
More Americans are dying in a single year from opiate overdoses than died during the entire Vietnam War.
Not to mention climate change and one political party's refusal to address such, which will make every other problem on the plate seem trivial.
Texan's who supported Beto O'Rourke are not alone in feeling the sting of his defeat. Friends and family members throughout the country supported him because his presence in the Senate would have been an asset we all would share. Please don't give up, you give us hope.
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@rhdelp
This New Yorker hopes to hear a lot about Beto in the future. Disappointed about his loss but still enthused.
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@Doris Ditto, from this Utahn. I'm happy and proud to be one of the many people who gave a small but for me very meaningful financial contribution to Beto's campaign.
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@Doris
Likewise from this current South Carolinian (living in a House district with a surprise upset yesterday by another bright and personable young Democrat).
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Beto did himself good, Mimi.
It hurt him that Greg Abbott was atop the R's ticket. It hurt him that so many more R's are registered in the state than D's, and are used to pulling the R lever, which they won't be able to do in 2020. The Kavanaugh hearings - and Cruz's free publicity - changed the momentum, just as R's intended. Not to mention the demagogueing of His Weaselness 45* over 'The Caravan'.
The thing about the NFL knee hurt Beto with lots of veterans and in rural areas, where he needed more votes to go with his overwhelming urban vote - but he was authentic in his answer, instead of posturing.
All these incrementals together added up to the 225,000 vote difference - but with such a turnout, it was a very good exercising of Texans' political muscle.
Gotta be glad about that, and that Beto is still on the stage to represent Texas to the nation - who knows what's next ?
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I strongly agree with your statement that this is a beginning for Beto. He and people like him are the future of Democracy in this country.
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Having lived and voted in Texas for 27 years, I did not expect Beto to win. I am completely satisfied with the campaign he ran. He represented my values, he stayed positive (against one of the creepiest creatures in the political environment), and he enfranchised large numbers of my fellow Texans who had never participated in the democratic process. I am just as proud of my yard sign today as I was yesterday, and I am grateful to Beto and to all of the passionate volunteers who ran his historic campaign. In 2014, 4.6 million Texas voters participated in the mid-term election. In 2018, turnout (so far) is measured at 8.3 million. How can that be anything but a victory for Texas government?
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Amen, Mimi! We need to redouble on resilience and resolve to build on the momentum of Beto’s race, to push onwards and upwards.
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Agreed. So many of us discovered we were not alone. We built deep and abiding friendships through the campaign. We organized and became Democrat precinct chairs in areas that hadn't have one in decades or ever. We will fight on.
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@Kate..
We'll come back to you in a few months, Kate, and find how just how deep and lasting the friendships really are.
When your blank stare greets us in reply to our questions, we'll just confirm what we all know...Your words are naught but salve to your wounded pride.
@Kate
Do not listen to people full of sour grapes. They can't help their own pessimism, but you don't need to be infected by it. Yes, you have discovered that Texas is not the monolith that people believe it to be, me included. That is a victory in its own right. As a song from the sixties said, "We are not helpless, we are many. What stands between us can be set aside and ended."
Keep organizing for the long term. It is the key element of change.
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@The Owl
Nasty words from a nasty person, who feels they must tear away at people not like them. Disgusting.
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Thanks Mimi--always a pleasure to read your op-eds. Beto gives us hope, not just in Texas, but for the country as a whole. I suspect this isn't his last stop. Hopefully, there will be more to come from Beto O'Rouke. We're counting on it.
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Oh my. Now we have Beto as the next can't miss, young Democrat. I voted for John F. Kennedy and O'Rourke is no JFK. Democrats have been looking for him for almost 60 years. Obama didn't do it, Cuomo is too old, the rest of the serious Democrat hopefuls for POTUS in 2020 are getting Medicare. And then there are the dwarfs at the kiddie table. Stop looking for Jesus to walk on water or Moses to lead you out of the wilderness. SHE is coming and her 23andme profile is unlike anything you have seen. You want to transform America? It's coming, so get ready to pay for it. And learn Mandarin. Now.
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@Birdygirl...
Wit Beto and Alexandria as your standard bearers, I would think a casual understanding of how the liberal and progressive agendas play on the national stage would lead you to be about as scared for the future as you can be.
Take a look at the "national ambitions" of, say, Hubert Humphrey, Eugene McCarthy, George McGovern, Fritz Mondale, Mike Dukakis, Al Gore, and John Kerry and how they made out on the biggest stage in our on-going domestic political world.
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@Jonathan
I'm laughing so hard right now. Those last lines of yours are absolutely hilarious. I hope I live long enough to see Her appear on the American political scene in the next decade or so. Perhaps like a modern day Kublai Khan, in the vanguard of a vast horde of Chinese warriors, landing across the Santa Monica beaches? I'm too old to learn Mandarin, but I hope there will be a simultaneous language software app by then that will make this event a bit more bearable. Thanks for the humor, it was really a great post.
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