Very strange piece of “journalism.” I’m glad no one is writing about what I was drinking during my first few years out of college or postulating about my relationship with my parents in my early adulthood. Even coupled with a couple of blurry snapshots dug out of a shoe box on the top of someone’s closet, it would make for dull reading, just like this piece on Beto.
If the NYT has an axe to grind with Beto (get over it, that’s his name, no italics needed), take him to task on policy issues and experience. Measure him against other democratic candidates. There’s plenty to write about that would be worth reading. This, unfortunately, is not.
35
If Democrats want to beat Trump they will dust off old Biden (or someone like him) and pair him with Beto for VP. I know, two white guys... But retiring the current occupant will be sweet. "Biden and Beto" kind of has a ring to it!
18
Who cares? All of this highly publicized, angst filled "searching" is the antithesis of what viable candidates for 2020 should be offering. Beto can be the President of the Navel Gazing Club of America. At the inaugural he can take his supporters on a digital tour of his first colonoscopy. The country, on the other hand, desperately needs an adult President with pertinent experience who understands that the last thing we need is another entitled white dude who thinks it's all about him. NEXT.
16
How about Stacey for President and Beto for Veep?
11
An entitled spoiled punk. We already have one of those in office. Enough.
15
Beto is a moron, all that Ivy league schooling and this is the best he can do? Texas dodged a bullet...
19
This was a boring article!!!!!
14
As someone from Texas, I followed Beto's race intensely. I grew up in a family that is split between liberals and conservatives, and you need a special skillset to be able to communicate effectively with both while maintaining their respect. It's something that I don't feel can be learned, but must be ingrained from a young age. When a candidate has a major screw-up like Clinton with "deplorables," or Warren's DNA debacle, or John Kerry's inability to shake the flip-flop label, it's evidence to me that those candidates did/do not have that skillset, and it's why some fall into the dreaded "coastal elite" label trap, from which there is no escape.
Seeing how Beto handled communicating with people - his willingness to genuinely listen to anyone, anywhere, any time, of any background - was really something incredible to behold. It reminded me of Obama, and it's really difficult for me to comprehend how so many people are dismissing him out of hand. Never underestimate how much unrelatability can harm a presidential candidate, exhibit A being 2016.
I now live in a purple area on the East Coast that is predominantly populated by Gen Xers and Millennials, and it would blow your mind to see how many Beto for Senate stickers were on people's cars, even though we're a thousand miles away. He raised $80 million and got more votes as a Democrat in a midterm than Hillary did in 2016. A ticket with Beto (Pres or VP) and someone like Harris, Gillum or Abrams would catch fire.
36
This is not a 'news' story . Beto has the worst case of 'candidatitis' I've seen in a long time. He can't stop running - addicted now to the adulation. He needs to go home, chill out, assess where he has been and contemplate his future thoughtfully and carefully. He has all the makings of a very good leader. I hope he doesn't blow it.
7
I’d be about as likely to vote for Beto for President of the United States as I’d be to vote for a Williamsburg hipster for Mayor of New York.
6
Well-written and very insightful!
Can’t say I’ve been a big fan of ‘Beto’, despite the clever nickname.
However, qualities such as honesty, humility, steadfastness and ‘small-town’ charm can transform an ‘unsure, struggling artiste’ into a leader. And that’s certainly more than what can be said about the current lot in the WH and the inseparable cronies!
Grinding it out with the Hasids and the fellow Bohemian types in Brooklyn really gave him the chutzpah to carry on and find his calling in his home state.
Meiricea go brach/ Long Live America!
7
Look at all of the those who find this piece endearing and compare it to the chorus of likely the same people who were skeptical of Obama's "inexperience." This is what privilege looks like.
3
Beto seems like a legitimately nice well-meaning guy. What concerns me is that I don't necessarily require politicians to be nice well-meaning guys. I want them to stand for something, have policy priorities that align with my own.
I'm sure Beto's great to hang out with, and I bet he'd tell you he wants "what's best for America," whatever that means. After the last few decades of politicians trusting focus groups and thinktanks to tell them what America needs, I'll take someone with actual convictions and a consistent moral compass.
Thanks, but no thanks.
7
I’m sorry but the Beto story is so similar to what we hippies in the 60’s and 70’s went through. It isn’t much of an experience that teaches a man or woman that life is a lot more complicated than you believe in your youth. I still don’t see what makes this guy any kind of special so as to run for high political office possibly even the Presidency. He strikes me as a smoozer who will say anything to tickle the ears of anyone who listens. To me Beto has no there there. Just half decent looks and a free everything for everyone message.
7
That must have been a desperate time for Beto. Done with school and facing the prospect of working for living. But he married rich AND is sponging off the taxpayer.
11
New York City can be a brutal place for an idealist in transition with integrity. I'm happy to see he survived and moved on in his journey. I hope Mr. O'Rourke sees that time as character building, perhaps almost necessary, of his personal growth.
9
Great story! Beto is a genuine human being.
8
Well-written and very insightful!
Can’t say I’ve been a big fan of ‘Beto’, despite the clever nickname.
However, qualities such as honesty, humility, steadfastness and ‘small-town’ charm can yet transform an ‘unsure, struggling artiste’ into a leader. And that’s certainly more than what can be said of the current occupant of the WH and the inseparable cronies.
Grinding it out with the Hasids and fellow musician ‘hopefuls’ in Brooklyn really gave him the chutzpah to carry on and find his calling in his home state.
Meiricea go Brách/ Long Live America!
2
Beto -
Understand the search for purpose and meaning. Went through it myself after the Marines. You’re welcome to stop by and have a quiet place to ruminate for as long as you like. Small town, everybody minds their own business. Respond here.
11
Please, Democratic Party, do not nominate him. Too much baggage, not stable enough, plenty of better choices.
5
Sounds like Beto is a listener and what an important quality that is!! I wish him all the luck and if he chooses to run for President, I'd like to help. My husband, the late Jim Hall, would have been delighted too for he believed that listening was the key in music and in life.
Americans need to be listened to with respect by their leaders - and if that happens, they might listen to each other so that dialogue can replace diatribe.
7
JUST what we need in national government - another person with mental health issues/history.
7
You never know what it takes to get "unstuck."
I remember getting out of college and selling sporting goods in a department store and feeling stuck and unable to get unstuck.
A woman walked through the sporting goods department that I had dated in college. She looked at me and, with a tone of disapproval, said..."is this what you're doing." My response..."not any longer."
Next stop law school.
3
A long article on such short ideas. The dude lost big to Ted Cruz an easily defeat able candidate. Outside of being a hipster he has little going for him. He has zero gravitas, is a poor public speaker and is has no depth on the issues. He seems to campaign in a lazy uncommitted mode. We Democrats need give up on this boy band personality. AOC has passion and energy, Harris knows the issues, Warren is smart and knows the issues etc.
6
Just run him for president.
Him and Ocasio-Cortez and VP.
It's a sure loss.
But at least we'll stop hearing about them.
10
Not sure what the author’s intention was here- he did seem to be more sympathetic than not- but there is nothing here to suggest Beto should be allowed anywhere near the White House. Are there no adults interested in the position?
3
We need someone like Beto, someone who brings a breath of fresh air to our Presidency.
2
Depression, or the tendency toward depression, even the tendency to make decisions only with difficulty because of "caring" too much, immediately eliminates any one from being considered eligible for the presidency.
Beto O'Rourke has obviously been lost since he resigned from Congress (another dead end) and lost his hard fought battle to defeat Ted Cruise for the Senate in Texas. A loss at that level is a Big Loss.
Beto has been trying to decide what to do with himself most of his adult life. He seems like a good guy, an attractive guy, but he is not very reliable. He has three school age kids. His wife is running the business they founded, and raising the kids. What are his family responsibilities? He sounds like a spoiled bratt.
I am beginning to think he is about as self-centered as Donald Trump - only to show how concerned he is for folks. I sent Beto money for his Senate run. I will not give money to him again for any office. Texas, and the US, needs someone more focused and clear on his goals.
Any one who has put a video of his own teeth being cleaned on national TV can not expect to be elected to public office again. That was just stupid - the kind of clueless mistake only a person with extreme narcissism would make.
8
Beto is a dreamer. I am disappointed. He seems to be a ‘simple good humor’ man, not a political tour de force. Whimsical certainly. At 46, he is lacking solid direction.
5
he sounds like a regular guy. trying to find your place in the world as a young (and not-so-young) person is an almost universal desire. it makes him relatable but definitely doesn't give me confidence that he'd make a great president.
1
I went to Columbia and graduated in the early 90's with an English major and couldn't get a good job in NYC as the economy was pretty terrible. I wanted to be a photographer and tried to tough it out working odd jobs. Times were different then, I also lived in Williamsburg around the time Beto did, it was pretty gritty and dangerous, not for the faint of heart. Looking back on him with this lens of spoiled adolescent seems to be inaccurate. Most of my friends who made it in the city at that time had family money or a place to stay. Comparing a similarly aged millennial who works in tech and lives in today's Williamsburg is not the same thing at all. It's fairly easy to "tough it out" in New York if you have a decent income. I also don't understand why the ability to self-reflect is seen as weak and indulgent, and the interest in "the Greeks" as suspect. We need more people in public life who are thoughtful, self-reflective, and able to chart their own course. After all, the idea that there is one type of politician following a prescribed set of steps to success is mostly a result of hype and spin than anything else. Beto may be digging himself in a hole by being so transparent about his "journey," but who knows, maybe one of the reasons he is so popular is that many more people can relate to not knowing how best to make a life after college and taking some twists and turns than the Brett Kavanaugh formula.
195
a burglar, DUI escapee, and gentrifier of traditional Hispanic neighbornoods. No thanks.
5
Not All Who Wander Aren't Lost
1
While I was not an early supporter (not my state) of Beto's, I was still intrigued and wanted to hear more. I started donating to his campaign monthly. No problems in donating to Beto because he was not accepting PAC, Super PAC, 501(c)(3) or corporate donations (beyond allowed amounts). I have since started making it my mantra - no donations from me if you have mega-donors behind you. Beto fought hard and was competitive in a very large state. But when someone only accepts donations from individuals, they are beholden to those individuals/voters. He is not as progressive as some (so what). He is not as flashy (but more fun) as others. But he can talk to all people in a way that engages others. He is the one of only a few candidates so far that show any sense of humor and his excitement level when he at town halls and meetings is a breath of fresh air. I really hope he runs.
28
Excellent piece. Writing like this is why I subscribe to the NYT. I am looking forward to the next installment. Thank you!
10
For what it's worth... he's the most charismatic politician since JFK. And compared to some of the aging, vituperative, dullards running... he looks even better. But like JFK he needs seasoning. Brown/O'Rourke. Both liberal. Both for working people. Both can appeal to states Dems lost in '16. But neither will be nominated. The advocacy groups that run the Dem party won't allow it. And they will lose in '20 because they didn't expand their base.
12
As I read through the article and comments, I was reminded of another relatively recent newcomer to the national political stage. One who was heralded as a real, down-to-earth person - exactly the type the country needs. This is exactly what conservatives were saying to justify their support of Sarah Palin. And while I know that Beto's heart is in the right place (and his intelligence is off the charts higher than Palin), I think we need more than genuineness and good thoughts for the next election.
6
@Jeff: Being a "genuine" idiot is not the same thing as being a "genuine" thinker. A poorly educated, egotistical, showy, narrow-minded person like Palin wasted her "authenticity" denigrating people who weren't like her and didn't share her views. She was unpopular because she made herself unpopular with everyone who didn't agree with her demeaning, insulting attitudes. Beto is her complete opposite in nearly every regard.
4
The Oval Office is no place for a ditherer, which, despite The Times’s infatuation, is what Mr. O’Rourke has always been. But I’d take him over trump.
10
Times have changed so much that it seems possible Beto could run, even with the all the unconventional - and interesting - "baggage". That is a great thing. The problem is, while he can run, and millennials and educated baby-boomers might support him, the kind of people who elected Trump probably won't support him. And if Elizabeth Warren is getting beaten up for saying she was Native American, what are they going to do to this guy? He might have to drop out after a couple of months. He seems to be tremendously empathetic, but at the same time, self-obsessed and adolescent-like. He did marry the daughter of a billionaire - which is why, I suppose, he can take a month off to leisurely reflect on life - and he had a scandal or two related to financial wrongdoing. There is a lot there, that a very nasty conservative GOP and media can chip away at. It might be better for him to run for Senate again - he would probably win this time - to gain in experience, ( and wisdom,) and figure out if he actually has the discipline to be President. The last thing the U.S. needs now is another under-prepared man sitting in the oval office.
117
@JCam You do know that Julian Castro has been unemployed since the end of 2016. In Texas we had hoped he would run statewide in 2018 but he lost his nerve. He has instead been travelling the country for the past 2 years trying to build up support to run for President. His wife is not a billionairess (neither is Beto's). So apparently some people with modest incomes also travel around.
14
Interesting, but reads more like an Opinion piece than a column in the Politics section.
8
Next we’ll be revisiting the subject of his teeth, his acne, and the lint in his navel.
5
Uh, sit this one out, watch and learn?
8
I believe in Beto. He is young, smart, hard working, good-looking and "real". So many people under 50 can relate to him. I admire his soul searching desire for true authenticity in a world of fake consumers and political pundits without conscience. Men and women in our government have molded themselves to be politicians since they were young, and in the process they lost their souls, like Mitch McConnel. My Texas friends sent me Beto stickers that I gleefully posted at Utah playgrounds, skateparks and on road signs. When he decides to do this he will be great and I will campaign for him!
110
@Gigi Love: Wow, Gigi, you made my day with your sentiments...so uplifting, something in such short supply these days.
8
@Gigi Love I'm in SLC too! Hope to see you at some events for Beto if he campaigns!
6
@Gigi Love um, young and good-looking? Are we looking for a viable candidate, or casting a movie?!
8
If this is Beto, then this guy has no business being President. Wandering thru life doing self exploration and contemplating the meaning of life - sounds like he should become a philosophy professor. He’d probably be a good one. Bottom line, he is the Seinfeld candidate - there is no substance
16
@Rich Oh Rich, but you have always been a serious, know what you want to do since birth kind of guy? Okaaay then!
3
This description of Beto's background reinforces my original position that he is not old enough to even consider the presidency. Experience has given me the insight that people are usually not ready for the kind of responsibility that comes with being the commander-in-chief in today's world until they have passed fifty years of age. The presidency is bigger than just one person and one of the abilities needed is to be able to rely on well-chosen people to share the burdens.
I hope he will continue to hone his skills and gain the needed experience so he will be ready to run for the presidency in the next decade.
8
Several comments express resentment at white-male privilege. 72% of all voters in the 2018 mid-terms were white. In the mid-west/east (Penn. & Ohio) I would bet that percentage was even higher. Among uneducated white voters in states that voted for Trump, I would also bet that husbands and wives vote the same way - so that doubles the effect. A Dem candidate must be able to get a significant percentage of votes from that group of white people. Obama did that. Even my conservative brother voted for Obama in 2008. Of the Dem candidates who ran for the Senate in 2018 in a Republican state only Sherrod Brown did better than Beto. But Brown was an incumbent. Beto as a new candidate showed that he had the broadest appeal across all groups of voters by age and race/ethnicity. So, yes, white men are privileged in elections but that because by far the biggest voting block in the country by race is white. Do we want the "perfect" candidate in 2020 so we can make a point, or do we want to win? Beto's positions on immigration, abortion, education, healthcare are rock solid. He may not be the most liberal candidate, or achieved as much as Warren, or others, but he's done enough. Lyndon Johnson had tons of experience and achievements that did not stop him from making a disastrous blunder in Vietnam. Beto is about the future just as Trump, the dinosaur, is about past. The U.S. needs to be about the future. Beto can get elected. The other Dem candidates probably not.
9
I can see how Beto went adrift after college but ... now he's a 46 year old man with three kids, and he's driving around the country alone? If he can't take responsibility for his children and his wife, how can we as voters expect him to take responsibility for running the U.S.?
17
@Michael Please, he's the CEO of a successful tech company in El Paso and he's done well for himself. He campaigned for 2 years on the road and has been road-tripping for a week and a half. You think people who go on business trips and leave their families to hold down the fort can't take responsibility for running a company or holding elected office?
24
What I want to know is when he changed his name to the phony sounding Beto. On second thought I don’t.
3
@Edward That's been his nickname since he was a toddler - there are family photos of him wearing a sweater that says "Beto" on the front before he could walk. Lots of people in Bi-lingual communities named Robert are called "Beto".
19
@Edward Did you read the article?
2
Great read, I love Beto and his story as it mirrors a lot of my own experiences so far. He was a terrific candidate with an inspiring message.
I'm glad he is taking the time to make a decision on running in the best way he knows how.
Everyone complaining that he loses points somehow because of his fathers position/money or his lack of experience - to me are just Bernie bros looking at O'Rourkes potential candidacy as a threat. Stop nitpicking and do some digging, he's talked A LOT about where he stands on policy over the last couple years. Just because you don't see a Tax Plan deal outlined in a 2 minute Youtube clip doesn't mean he's short on ideas. I hope he runs and I'll support him all the way. BETO 2020
10
@Oz - Is it nitpicking to be concerned about his hit and run? His DUI?
1
Sometimes it takes longer to find yourself. Donald probably knew exactly who he was by the age of 4.
I care almost not at all about policy this time. Anyone will have better policy than the current resident of the White House. I want someone who can make me feel good about my country again, and I believe Beto may be the best candidate for that reason.
Beto needs to run. I believe if he does not it will be held against him if he ever decides later he'd like to try. 2020 has to be all hands on deck. No worrying about long term ambitions.
8
If Mr. O'Rourke doesn't know who he is, or was, or will be, how is that supposed to help those of us who are looking for a leader? The branding of the man - at this point - is hokey, regardless of the money or the privilege. For me, a Texan, he was the not-Cruz on the ballot. For a president, we need a person with a plan. Get back in touch in ten years, Mr. O'Rourke, then we'll see. Lose the middle-aged angst (it's unappealing to the middle aged who work for a living). Try your hand at genuinely helping people, then you'll find yourself and/or the leader you say you wish to become.
8
I thought he might be the one until I read this article. The substance coming out of his ears is easily identifiable.
3
Beto, if he runs, will be in the "searching for the next Obama" wing of candidates. Not necessarily a bad spot in which to run.
5
Will Beto ever cease the slumming? And what is this thing with rich kids from Texas & the non-stop media promotion? i like the fact that he can't be bought, but then again, maybe nobody's interested.
4
He married a billionaire's daughter. He also entered the race too early.
2
I think it is absolutely awesome that this person, or type of person, is in public service at all. It’s frustrating reading that authenticity and not enslaving oneself to a predetermined political ideology is actually a problem for some people. We don’t want this?
Fugazi is one of the best bands, ever.
Politics is going to get especially weird when some people have been online since grade school. I don’t mean digging up this tweet with a racial epithet, or that ex-partner from high school. Are there lines with this? I think it is weird getting into the living room of a 20-something searching for direction. What happens when being a sixth grader with depression follows that person forever in the public sphere? What are the boundaries we should settle on? I think it’s a tip of the iceberg sort of thing that we are experiencing today. The internet is a threat to the private sphere. Maybe whether you’ll be open or not about being human, maybe that’s just been decided already.
Someone point this fella towards the BLM land surrounding Quartzsite, AZ, or southeast California. I think he’d have a real time with the permanent vagabond class. Campfire and stars free of light pollution is a wonderful environment for discovering common ground and even purpose.
What’s the rush? Spend some more time rewriting the rules; we are in desperate need of that.
7
I cannot agree more.
Seems like Beto is the Gen-X everyman.
As our politicians show cracks because of their age, I wonder if we should toss everyone over 50 out of government and go back to the time of mere statesmen and commoners taking their turn with leadership.
We need more “Of, By, and For the People”. Less of “Us vs. Them”
3
@Ryan Swanzey Amen Ryan!
1
Has anyone checked his yearbook photos?
5
I had the honor of meeting Beto this week while he was in NY (our office served as a sort of green room for him before he gave a Q&A style talk.) His clear hunger for knowledge, his willingness to admit he doesn't know everything or have all the answers, and his desire to genuinely connect with people, find out what they need, and help his community, were so refreshing. What I saw was not someone who thinks he alone has all the answers, but someone who wants to gather as many around him who can help and contribute. Someone who wants to lead, not control.
Additionally, many high profile people come through my office, but he was one of the few who actually took the time to introduce himself and learn my name. Small gestures like this, I think, can often indicate what kind of person one really is.
I look forward to seeing what the next chapter brings for Beto!
23
This guy is a loser, an empty suit. I just don't understand how anyone could vote for him.
8
@Lioness50 I bet you voted for tRump. Talk about an empty suit.
4
I attended an Ivy League school and also moved to New York and then Williamsburg in the early 1990s post graduation. What the writer of this article leaves out is that graduating from college between 1992 and 1996 meant entering a jobless recession.
I too lived in a barely heated flat with 6 other Ivy League educated recent grads. Sure, we were “artsy,” and held a variety of random, thankless jobs, but we had to in order to make ends meet and pay back our staggering student loans.
This was a pre-iPhone, pre-WiFi, pre gig economy time. So ambling about smoking pot, going to shows, and generally being bored and seeking was just what we did.
You have seen the film, Slacker, right?
This article isn’t a story about a singular man’s choices. This is the story of just the way it was.
24
Better to be a searcher and looking for ife in a certain way than to parade through life as a martinet with excuses such as bone spurs, shabby deals gone south, and with time, Beto discovered the business of politics and the business of business. I would put him up against anyone, even if for obvious reasons, everyone can use some seasoning. His close loss to Ted Cruz and his vigorous campaign here in Texas made him many friends and voters who will stand by him. It's far too early for all those Democrats who are running: Harris, Warren, Booker, Klobuchr. How about Amy and Beto? I like it.
14
Great article! I tell my 2 sons this all the time, if you are not sure want you want to do in life and you really didn't purse a professional degree that could get you employment then just run for office. Start slow and local. You won't get paid much in the beginning but of you keep winning elections you can ultimately monetize it very easily. Tell people you are doing it because it is important to be in public service and don't write any dumb tweets or take dumb pictures.
6
@DJ - this comment makes me so sad for the U.S.
5
American politics doesn't do angsty self-doubt very well. President Obama seemed to have a similar period of directionlessness, after graduating from college but before moving to Chicago to be an organizer. But this stage of his life is downplayed in "Dreams from my Father"--it is just a brief stop-over, on the way to finding his purpose and direction. Americans don't generally elect people who seem to still be wondering what the right direction is. Maybe we should--a little humility can be valuable.
16
@RC. Amen. Especially with what we've been forced to swallow now - A self absorbed narcissistic man-child.
8
And now this shallow wastrel wants to become our President? On the basis of what, exactly? Yikes!
12
This has the stomach-turning feel of the media once again fastening on the potential celebrity "reality TV" appeal of a possible candidate at the expense of serious reporting. Does this man have any qualifications at all for the office of president?
6
@SAB -
I'm no fan of the current hype on this guy, but didn't "they" say the same thing about Obama?
6
I certainly liked Beto and wanted to see him run. However, will pass on someone ‘finding himself’ as POTUS, especially now, especially at his age. It wasn’t all that attractive a state to be in back in the hippie dippy 1960s.
3
Beto is cute, smart, white and privileged. Nothing wrong with that.
I don't care if a person is rich or poor and not interested in the color of their skin. Character is what it's about. I take that back. I have developed a prejudice with orange complexioned men.
10
Sounds like a sweet kid.
I watched a number of his campaign appearances and a few television interviews. He, and about 10,000 other bright young women and men, are more genuine and engaging than most politicians.
But president? No thanks. Just because we have a total incompetent in the White House doesn't mean we should fall in love with Beto/Robert.
The Democratic Party will have a range of wonderful qualified candidates. O'Rourke is not ready for this, despite his earnest appeal. The fact that he thinks he can be president may be the most significant sign that he is not ready.
9
What was the point of this? New York City chews and spits out thousands of Beto O'Rourkes on the regular. He's a good guy but why is his New York failure story special?
7
Don’t see the point of this story? What does it really tell us about this guy? Journalism is supposed to show us something. That he would have been good on Seinfeld?
4
He needs to keep searching.......
5
A national spotlight can be overwhelming...at any age...especially for someone who wants to be true to their convictions while being helpful to others.
Two decades ago I tried to juggle a high-profile Wall Street research job and do what I believed was right for investor clients and corporate clients...A wise old analyst told me, "It's not the overwhelming work burden that takes people down in this field, it's the psychological burden."
5
I get the arguments about privilege, but I can hardly see that it matters or benefits us to have life-long political hopefuls and dynasties in power. It would be refreshing if, only for a second, you could trust that a politician gave a care about the common people.
4
I’d bet that everyone who saw Warren Beatty’s fabulously funny but truly revealing 1998 film “Bulworth” — which was, IMHO, the most politically Revolutionary film Americans were ever allowed to briefly see (and which the movie industry tried to quickly bury) — would be entirely willing to vote for a Bernie & Beto ticket in 2020, both as a “Shout (not shot) heard round the world”, for an essential people’s peaceful continuation and completion of our own original American Political/economic and social(ist) “Revolution Against Empire” [du Rivage], and as a “Green New Deal” (whether as a truly independent Green Party, or by totally awakening and revolutionizing the old Democratic Party).
[check out the Bulworth 2/5 video clip]
6
The sweet hit job won't work. Run Beto Run.
8
His politics are fine but do we really need another self absorbed personality in the White House? IQ45 makes Elmer Fudd looks like a viable candidate, but even an adolescent with good intentions is still an adolescent.
2
This whole article just proves this guy was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. First of all, drop the name Beto. How lucky he was to just flounder after college. He went to boarding school and them Columbia. Cost a fortune. No school loans? I would have had more respect for him if he worked for the Salvation Army. He is a poor little rich kid. Seems daddy supported him while he was in NYC. No mention how he got the $1000 for the truck. But I want to know what happened when he got back home. DId daddy finance his campaign to the house? His dad had connections. I mean with no experience, how did this guy get elected and then hv the nerve run for the senate. Then loses and has the nerve to run for President. What is happening to our country. And don’t bring up Trump. We could hv had Hillary, and I can’t even go there.
82
@Lynn
Good lord. How do you know he doesn't have debt? $1000 for a truck is expensive? It was probably a total beater and probably barely made it to El Paso. I'm no Beto fanatic, but your vitriol and judgement is more of a bad portent for this country than Beto's success is.
92
Seriously, Lynn! And thank you for posting this insightful remark. It's genuinely heartening to know people can see through this latest incarnation of a Clintonisto.
We need to keep the "New Democrat" neoliberalism of Mr Robert Francis "Beto" O'Rourke down in TX, where the only reason it looks progressive is that it's standing next to Ted Cruz.
17
Nothing wrong with O'Rourke's story. He's normal. The 20s are a confused decade for many--most I'd say--but he ended up finding a path that's earned a lot of respect. His merits are authentic, not phoney. Is he ready for the highest political office? Maybe not yet, but he has potential.
60
This guy... Robert... not 'Beto'... is a total fraud. He uses his nickname to appeal to the Mexican/hispanic audience in an attempt to gain support. He lies, he is deceptive, etc. Those in Texas who worshiped this guy are tools. You were taken for fools and continue to be. Crimes, hit-and-runs, you name it... we don't need more trash in DC. Especially individuals who are fake and try to be something they are not. A leader.
4
Mr. O'Rourke reminds me of me. I'm older now and wiser, but I respect that he just wants to lead a simple life; while a professor might warn against the difficulty of obtaining a simple life because of the complexity of modern life, I understand this desire to be humble and want more for other people less fortunate. My suggestion for Mr. O'Rourke would be to get more government experience (run for the senate again and be that man) and not run this next election cycle for the Presidency. Then, after he solidifies his political identity and fleshes out his ideas about what it means to be a liberal, then I would consider voting for him.
10
In Canada, we had a leader with the same kind of mixed-up, dreamy directionless in his youth as Beto, Pierre Elliot Trudeau. He too was a reflex social democrat in his early years and he too came late to politics at age 49, taking the country by storm in our 1968 election to become Canada's 15th Prime Minister. Trudeau provoked strong loyalties and bitter dislike but was in power for almost a generation (with an interregnum) and was arguably one of our most intelligent, effective leaders. It would have been difficult for someone watching the young Trudeau tooling around 1940s Montreal on his motorcycle espousing Marxist-Leninist ideas to ever imagine his political success in later life.
11
so..... what is this piece supposed to be? There are no parallels to "Modern Day Beto" and "Angsty Young Beto" because now his father-in-law is a billionaire whereas then his father was just a politician & judge. (I mean, boarding school & Columbia?!)
Let's face it: Beto has never "struggled." Yeah, he's introspective and didn't have a straight forward path to adulthood -- but most young people don't -- absolutely nothing remarkable there.
How about we just listen to his ideas and judge for ourselves whether or not we think he has something to offer the National Conversation.
This "article" is insulting and is just an excuse to keep Beto in the news.
7
He's still a shiftless loser, it's just that all Leftist political hacks are shiftless losers who can't make it in the real world. So you don't really notice it. And hey, all it takes to be a successful Dem these days is uttering the most radical, anti-American statements possible. Apparently Democrats hate America and love hearing that kind of nonsense from losers who haven't accomplished anything of note. An no, getting elected to congress is not a meaningful accomplishment. Getting a good bill passed, defending my liberty and our constitutional order is meaningful. Being a loudmouthed SJW isn't much of an accomplishment.
6
Is this piece designed to produce admiration for a navel gazing brat like "Beto" O'Rourke? Cry me a river, but it doesn't succeed.
4
I didn't like him from the beginning. He just didn't project a good vibe to me. And I am liking him less and the less the more I find out about him. He strikes me as phony at best, unstable at worst. He doesn't really have a chance and I hope he just stays out of the race - not because I fear he'll win, but because even the solicitous smile on his face irritates me and I've seen enough of it.
6
@actualintent. Your comments mirror what millions said and still say, about your President.
5
Beto has great empathy; a key component of any good human being and essential if you are serving 325 million people as President of the U.S. and leader of the free world.
The man who currently holds the highest office is the photo negative of Mr. O'Rourke.
7
I like BETO and all that you say here makes me like him more...He is a creative person, a caring person, and a seeker of meaningful life...Of course those are not values of the author of this piece...
Making it in NYC seems to be a criteria that is MEANINGLESS to the rest of us in other places...
That he was a "nanny" is spectacular
5
He's a great communicator. That's not enough. He's unqualified for office of the presidency. One needs to have a breadth & depth of experience with legislation-making & foreign policy for that position. We've lost valuing expertise in our "social meme" and personality & celebrity focused culture.
6
He would make a wonderful First Lady. I'm sure he'd be very popular and throw great parties. Seriously- If you think this guy is leader-of-the-free-world material, you don't understand the real world.
7
@Apa
Yeah, we need something like a four-time bankrupt, reality t.v, star with a catch phrase for that job.
5
I voted for Beto, primarily because he wasn't Ted Cruz. His campaign didn't dwell a lot on policy matters so I was left with the Walter Mondale phrase, "Where's the beef?".
Beto seems to be a pleasant person but he lacks the depth of legislative experience and world perspective we need in our President, especially now that we have a President who is lacking in those attributes.
105
I think he should just join a band again.
8
The country and the world need someone who is more ready for action and have less need to spend time self-absorbed in searching and searching for... whatever.
84
@AW perhaps the country and the world need someone more genuine and thoughtful and less self-serving and egotistical. Maybe Beto is taking due time to consider the gravity of -- and motivation behind -- such a decision.
15
@AW
Whatever is the new normal for one's existential trajectory to purity for individuality and liberation to live the American dream 's fortitude...
Keep trucking on ward to the goal keeps us happy for all times and in everywhere ever true......
2
We don't need a striver, someone who checked off career boxes on their way to bigger things. Those people have ego's and agenda's, Beto seems like someone who is genuine and would actually listen to other people.
15
ho hum, another product of an elite Virginia boarding school, Dad fixed his DUI's, Ivy League and Married to a billionaire's daughter. Must be nice to be a 46 year old man with three kids and get to wander around for a few months thinking about yourself.
14
Just what America needs, another unqualified, socialist nobody running the country. Francis needs to dry up and blow away!
5
In 2008, like many of you, I was pulling for Hillary Clinton to become the first female American President, but then I saw and listened for the first time in a town hall meeting to a young Senator from Illinois, and in 30 minutes I knew who I would be voting for. I remember thinking "He gets it".
it has recently happened again, twice. When I heard Amy Klobuchar at Kavanaugh's Supreme Court hearings, and Beto at a town hall meeting answering a question about athletes protesting during the anthem at NFL games.
These two get it, and I would love to see them become the Democrat Party ticket in the 2020 Presidential election, with no preference as to the order, for now...
9
This rich kid needs to just find a hobby and stay home.
Why do the De3ms gravitate to the rich so much? And they blame the GOP for being the party of the rich. Check it out - both parties ah ton of rich folks and most billionaires lean left.
Note on those left leaning billionaires - they money and words go to the left but their actions ae self serving in all cases. This is call hypocracy.
8
@John Holladay Isn't that a good thing when billionaires lean to the left, which it means that they care for the overwhelming majority of us?
2
This piece sounds like the narrative of a GenX-er and I mean that in the best, most positive of ways.
6
The democrat party cookie is crumbling and it looks like lots of mice are scurrying around for crumbs. Folks, let's face facts, we need stalwart, experienced and fully developed individuals like Nancy Pelosi if we're going to turn this circus back into the original country fair.
3
I wish I could just up and drive around the country without a worry in the world. But like most Americans, I have bills to pay and a family to help take care of. Must be nice.
7
@Gregg
I can't really roam around the country searching for philosophical truths either, but I wish that I could and not mad at a man who can. Introspection is a good thing. Maybe you, sir, should reflect at your loom on these great questions.
3
"with an Ivy League degree that could not pay rent "
You mean "would not" pay rent.
"Mr. O’Rourke subsisted as a live-in nanny on the Upper West Side,...for a wealthy family’s two preschoolers"
That's good, since he must have related to his charges- as he too was from a "wealthy family".
"He worked for an uncle’s tech business because it was a job."
Yeah, that's a thing! One does work at a "job".
Oh to be a Columbia grad "destined for greatness" "drifting" from futon to wealthy family to hand-out jobs from family connections. Bleck.
7
The democrats must be really desperate for a candidate.
5
Not desperate. We have several candidates who are competent, experienced, and extraordinarily intelligent. Beto does not impress me. I don’t even think he is a good communicator. I watched his concession speech. He seemed nuts.
3
This profile seems to make him an ideal candidate for Mayor of Austin, Texas not President of the United States. He comes off here as an “American dilettante” adrift in his Ivy League crew haze with a garage band and Williamsburg loft. In fact, that’s pretty much how I viewed him in ‘18. While I voted against Ted Cruz (and that mean’t Beto) I could tell that he was fairly thin on deep thoughts. While I admired his bipartisanship (he voted with Republicans on a number of issues during his time in House) I knew that would be a disqualifier for a real run for President in 2020 (since he is, by most D accounts, an apostate for supporting Republican ideas). And, yes, he came close to winning (and, actually, his effect on down ballot races has gone generally unremarked upon...all Harris County Republican office holders were defeated ostensibly because he was on the ballot). But, still...
All I could think about reading this was the great Robert Zimmerman’s lyrics, “come gather round children, wherever you roam...” as Beto tidied up after his Manhattan “charge”. (And, why not find that kid to see what he thinks now? Or the parents. Was he any good at that job?)
4
“He liked to drink beer,” Mr. Wieder said, “not in the Brett Kavanaugh sense”. Interesting - to my knowledge, Brett Kavanaugh does not have a DWI on his record, unlike Beto. A fact conveniently left out by The NY Times to paint the picture they want you to see.
7
Driving drunk is an extremely selfish act. If that’s true, he is dumb.
1
Not for anything but how do you get "Beto" from being Robert Francis O'Rourke?
1
@Margo Channing Did you read the whole article? from his El Paso bilingualism, Beto short for "Roberto" in Spanish..
2
@Margo Channing
From "Roberto" - "Beto" leaving out the "r" to say it quicker.
The same way you get "Beppe" from Giuseppe
"Tommy" from Thomas
and "Franky" from Francis
Nicknames - it's how they work.
3
He is an empty suit who does not own a suit.
9
Beto O'Rourke sounds like the breath of fresh West Texas air that just might blow this troubled country in a much needed new direction. And know that West Texas wind contains sand that can scour things clean as well. Love it. I wish him well.
6
And he’s qualified to be president because...?
5
@Greenfish The "qualified" would have to be demonstrated while campaigning. You're asking this because Trump never did demonstrate he's qualified during the campaign or his first two years, I get it...
2
Sounds like the kind of biography hard working Americans can really get behind. You know, entitled ivy leaguer hangs out in NYC for a few years, works as, ahem, a nanny. Plays music for fun, smokes pot. Has a Dad that can set him up for a political career. I mean, who can't relate? Let's get him in the WH pronto!
5
Is anyone else already exhausted by this guy?
10
Beto or Biden for Potus.
1
Smart, cute, slacker, not ready for prime time .
6
we need some one who can win in 2020. he is a proven loser in TX. Yes, TX is a hard test but so is the complete nation. Being a nice guy is not enough. Have him go back and do something important.
come back when he is seasoned and competent.
3
A fine piece of work, Matt.
Beto and I are around the same age. I have a son that's about to embark on what I hope will be a soul-searching voyage (college, gap year, work?) when he finishes high school in a few months. I'm frightened for him but incredibly excited for him to get out there and figure it out on his own.
Reading this brought me back to those years of sparsely furnished apartments, unfulfilling gigs, being robbed (there goes my bike!) and trying to scrape up enough money to buy a six-pack.
I had the same 'lack' of ambition. I also found NYers too cutthroat, particularly in publishing. I once watched a fellow intern take the credit for my work, said nothing to my boss and only later threatened to throttle the dude for his transgressions. What good would that have done?
Fortunately, I never suffered from the mental anguish described here; perhaps I did but channeled it into cycling, or reading or whatever I was doing at the time. My hopes are that my child finds what makes him jump out of bed every morning with the excitement that I feel as I type this and ponder his future.
6
I really loved Beto. His answers to the questions if people have the right to kneel and child separation melted my heart. Unlike so many other politicians who's only desire is power and money he seemed refreshingly genuine to me. This article kinda confirms what a easy going and good hearted person he is. However, I cannot but wonder if he didn't have a powerful father will he ever be successful? He has the privilege to explore however he wants, then get to pack his bag and go back to his home town to inherit his father's legacy. His wife's family might not be billionaires but are sure wealth and they have the connection to connection and opportunities that majority of people don't have. As much as I love him as a person, after reading this article I don't think I want him to be our next president. Time for a change.
90
Beto may not be presidential material -- at least not yet -- but his idealism, penchant for introspection and belief in gratification of a non-material nature already elevate him above the defective specimen currently in the job.
12
Beto is the real deal. As a fellow Gen Xer, I understand his search for meaning and hunger for real experiences in a world that seems increasingly artificial. As a fellow Texan, I know he tapped into something important during his two years criss crossing the state while running for the Senate. I still haven't taken my BETO sign down yet, and there are many more still dotting the neighborhoods near my home. Just say the word, Beto ... we're ready and waiting.
99
I like Beto. I donated to his campaign. But President? No. Not yet.
He strikes me as the type of guy who agrees with the last person he spoke to. Now, that would be an improvement over the current occupier of the White House, but the presidency is a job where one needs to be decisive. The difference between Beto and say, Obama, is Obama listened to all opinions, but he also had a vision of what he wanted to accomplish.
Maybe Beto has to grow up some more. Maybe he'll never be President. That's fine, too.
7
Experience matters. It seems clear from recent experience that a President who knows nothing about the presidency or the Constitution cannot tweet himself to a successful presidency. On the other hand, a politically experienced woman of a certain age can bring the people of her own party together and having coped with 5 children and 9 grandchildren can deal with the tantrums of a toddler-in-chief.
3
A man whose chief aspiration in early adulthood was to be a simple man, and whose life choices seemed to back up that aspiration, is a man worth noting. That aspiration denotes humility, empathy, and perspective.
Hubris is the thing that wrecks the lives of more people than anything else. 'The last shall be first'.
I've seen this in the Army, in sports, in work. The best leaders are always those people genuinely less concerned with self.
170
@Chris Those things are true. This article is about a young man primarily absorbed in himself, though.
12
Give me a break. Many educated men and women of a certain background (white/middle or affluent class, just like Beto) took a few years in their 20s to "find themselves", taking odd jobs and Prozac, moving to the coast, struggling to pay the rent, backpacking through Europe - you should read the terrible poetry in my journal from my three days in Prague! - before heading to grad school or entering some career track. It was a way to indulge ourselves and made for great stories to tell at the cocktail parties and fundraisers we now all attend. Maybe it even made us better parents and better colleagues. What it didn't do was make us presidential material or help us really understand how others live. We need to learn more about Beto than what a great job he's done examining his already-comfortable life before we anoint him.
5
Good article that shows exactly why Beto is a terrible choice to lead anything. His whole like is about searching and he has no roots or convictions. We don’t need a teenager in government. I still don’t understand the fascination with this guy. The lemon has been squeezed dry. let’s move on.
5
Beto seems like a good dude.
The reason I'm not voting for him (or Harris, Booker, Biden etc.) is because of the money he's taken from large corporate entities that value profit over people (in his case fossil fuel executives) and because he's unwilling to fully endorse Medicare for All and move away from a system that involves private insurance companies (who will forever place profit over human well being).
3
It is hard to deny that Trump is at best a major disappointment and at worst a complete and total disaster. If Beto were to somehow manage to get the presidency you are looking at the complete disaster scenario just delivered differently. There is zero substance to this guy and there is nothing in his background that points to anything indicating leadership qualities. If the Dems were to put him up you are handing the next election to Trump.
3
I contributed to his Senate campaign. No chance I would do the same if he runs for president. He shouldn't be president, he is ill-equipped, un-prepared and way out of his league for that office.
He is a pleasant inch-deep populist who ran a clever campaign that nearly pried away a Senate seat in Texas. One more try and he might pop that can and capture that seat and we need the seat to get to 51.
But the White House? No, not Mr. O'Rourke. He'd be lost and after this mess we will need a president who knows what she is about.
168
@Carl Zeitz I absolutely agree and have had a tough time from the beginning figuring out what people see in him.
5
Life is long. One can search for their place in New York and, years later, decide that they bring something valuable to the search for a president (and I agree). It should not be a mark against Beto that he has been a bit of a wanderer, trying to find his place. The attempt to understand and connect with himself and others is a valuable skill and one that has been missing in recent years. Obama had a bit of this spirit and it was what made him so special and such a standout, particularly during his '08 campaign.
2
Beto doesn't come across to me as a serious contender...but in the US anything is possible. Also the name bothers me and I imagine for some they think that it makes him more "down to earth" however it sounds as if he has had a charmed life, and that he has not had a real direction/purpose that he has discovered independently.
1
What a weak candidate, a loser. He doesn't begin to show the drive and success essential for a president/leader. Again, the Democrats seem to have a barn full of nobodies that they can't stop adoring. (Stacey Adams fits that group also.)
5
Mr O'Rourke seems very likable. But I am not sure why I should think about him running for president. I could say the same about most of the other people that have announced their candidacy, or who are considering it.
My standards are high. Higher, it seems, than a plurality of voters. Higher than merely building a brand on social media. Higher than promising "to fight"for progressive talking points. Higher than checking the correct gender/ethnicity boxes.
I am not sure where this leaves me. I have this deeply imbedded idea that the President ought to be someone who is truly learned; educated, not just job-trained.
A polymath, philosopher, strategist; a capable warrior who loves peace; a curious person who comprehends the lessons of history.
11
Is this the new NYT attack on a perceived threat to whom they feel should not run as a Democratic presidential candidate? Showing, on the front page no less, a picture of what seems to be a young man looking confused, unsure and quick to shoe-gaze is only going to get fence sitters to think, "I don't want that guy running my country".
Listen, if it's news it's news, but is this news or something similar to what we saw when Bernie ran? When the NYT seemed to have push a concerted effort to paint Bernie as a tad crazy, wishful and not ready for primetime. I still think Bernie would have beat Trump. He would have taken Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin for sure.
Anyway, this article, with it's lead picture seems all too familiar.
10
Does Beto support a federal single-payer health plan?
That is more important to me than anything written about him here.
7
@Har*** yes and has stated that in front of millions on Bill Maher as well as other times
3
Beto O'Rourke sounds like a post-prep Holden Caulfield.
8
Ehhh, I’m thinking a female senator is more experienced.
3
Maybe he is the one.
Let him run and we'll see.
2
He sure would make an awesome candidate for VP to Joe Biden!
4
All I can say is if Beto is someone that Americans see as an individual that could someday be president.... well frankly, the. USA in serious trouble. The results on these bohemian touchy-feely types have long been in. Carter, Clinton, Obama were all disasters. Although Clinton was more of a centrist and had a tenacious appetite for the ladies, he understood how free markets work. Beto clearly has shown he is merely a party hack by his statements on illegal immigration with Oprah. He’s just another uneducated millennial with a complete misunderstanding of socialism. If people are banking on his toothy smile to deal with the likes of Xi and Putin and the ayatollahs, .... we will be in serious trouble. He will get crushed and the USA will lose in the coming wars.
2
Beto will be VP to the older, but the media appointed “most popular political figure in America”, Bernie Sanders — and Beto will step-up if/when Bernie’s age becomes a concern — as FDR’s socialist VP, Henry Wallace would have, if the Democrat Party, or now the ‘D’ Vichy Party of this Empire, had not, like Hillary, torpedoed any chance for perfection of our “political experiment” to grow and progress from FDR’s social democracy three quarters of a century ago to finally completing our original “Revolution Against Empire” now in the fist quarter of the 21st century, while that “New World” is still possible for ‘we the people’ of America and all citizens of our world.
[As Berkeley’s George Lakoff said of an Elephant — “Don’t Think of Sentence Structure”, nor Empire!]
1
@Alan MacDonald
If Bernie is seriously pondering another run he should do so as an Indie. Not a Democrat, for which he is nor ever was one.
1
While Beto may not make a great POTUS because of his political experience, he is EXACTLY the kick in the pants the Democrats need and we need more voices like him.
Prior to Trump, the Dems held the White House for 16 out of 24 years and look at what happened. Look where the middle class ended up. Look at the racial divisions. Look at the economic inequalities. Look at what passes for acceptable behavior and speech from our elected officials.
Real change in a party occurs when new voices show up and inspires that parties base to speak up and apply outside pressure to their elected reps for REAL CHANGE. Not lip service followed by a knife in their backs.
With that being said...
GO BETO!!!
3
“He liked to drink beer,” Mr. Wieder said, “not in the Brett Kavanaugh sense”. Interesting quote to include with this article, as Mr. Kavanaugh does not have a DWI on his record, unlike Beto. This is not mentioned in the article.
4
@Kevin, no Kavanaugh just has credible accusations against him of sexual impropriety. And Kavanaugh was from a wealthy family. Who knows how much trouble they kept him out of.
10
@Clearwater
Don't forget O'Rourke's 57k (current price) all-male boarding school.
5
You are mixing up two different things. My comment goes toward facts that are not reported in the article. Your comment includes innuendo not supported by facts.
4
well the one has sold herself as an "american indian" the other as an "african american"...these are lies, they are liars and self-serving careerists, you could look it up.
booker, a self admitted molester will likely be dragged down by the weight of his own brand of moral certainty, like ophelia as her skirts became soaked with water.
if we want to get trump out of the house and get our party back from the clinton hijack and the faux dems it spawned, we have to do better...maybe we should check our trump phobia and get on with the issues (for starters, push him infrastructure action and get a new WPA going) and rather encourage than bash emerging voices...even those of billionaires some of whom, btw, employ and provide medical, retirement and educational benefits to thousands.
1
"Stuck in and out of a funk" after losing senate bid with "a gift for gab"... "aimless', not having ambition...oh yeah, quality presidential candidate...NOT...
4
The right-wing media will have a field day with Beto.
@BL. Good. Bring it on. We'll have a field day with he right wing media.
1
“He didn’t really have the kind of ambition that a lot of people have in New York,” said Brooks Williams. Not cool Uncle Brooks, your nephew is evolving into greatness, the old saying, " if you don't have something nice to say, say nothing at all " could apply here. "Brooks"
5
Being adrift at this time in his life, again, is he mature enough to hold office? I mean when the 3 am call to arms comes will he be out on sabbatical or what??? Who would hire him for a normal job with his flightiness?
2
Why is this newsworthy? And what is impressive about a man who, instead of spending time with his wife and young children, takes off on a road trip after losing an election? And writes a boring and bad blog to boot. Imagine if a woman made those choices. And Democrats please please please let’s not pick a white man wallowing in self pity who couldn’t beat the most despised Republican senator as our candidate.
7
Men stay out of the race. Let see what a woman can do.
5
Please not another clown to add to the already overflowing car of candidates. I wish you well Beto but please earn your wings first before you decide to go after the top job. Run again for public office in 202 only not as POTUS.
4
another post suggests Beto focus on Texas and that’s not a bad idea. Texas is soon to be the new face of this country, vibrant economically and racially it’s growing fast. Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, El Paso, and yes Marfa :)
Make a difference in that important slice of America. Lead that state towards a more inclusive politic and one would be well placed for a presidential run in 2024, 2028?
3
This lighter-than-air young man had better be a good talker, because he doesn't know anything.
7
If you haven't tried to search for a genuine way to live at some time in your life, you're not a trustworthy person. I would just hope that if voters decide to run Beto as their candidate, he won't fall into a funk.
@Me - please explain what you mean by "a genuine way to live"?
3
Here's the problem as I see it:
Before he was elected President, Mr. Trump claimed to be the smartest person in the world.
At the next series of presidential debates in 2020, Mr. Trump's chutzpah quotient will have grown exponentially, and his grasp of the issues will indeed be impressive.
He will chew this kid up and spit him out.
1
@Frank J Haydn - the amount of press this guy is getting makes me curious as to the roots of his appeal in that area.
“He liked to drink beer,” Mr. Wieder said, “not in the Brett Kavanaugh sense”. This is an interesting quote to include. In all fairness, it should be pointed out that Kavanaugh was never arrested for a DUI, unlike O’Rourke. There is no mention of this in the article.
5
No one has accused Beto of sexually abusing women while drunk. There are credible witnesses who attest to Kavanaugh as having done so.
1
@Meuphys
No credible witnesses to any sexual assaults, just made up stories to smear a man who is conservative
3
What I like about this profile is that it shows that depression and mental illness can take many forms and that with work and support one can rise out of the mire that is your “bullying mind” and become something way more than you thought. I hope he embraces his depression and speaks about it openly to others so that the millions with “issues” can have confidence and believe in themselves, as he did.
4
Beto at the bottom ... of the ticket. The Democrats should eschew the usual campaign by the (polling) numbers and put forward a team from the start: Harris/O'Rourke. Harris has the gravitas and is more centrist, and O'Rourke can speak for the middle of the country and youth.
3
Well, poor judgment on his part to sit for this interview.
6
I grew up in Georgia in the '60s...went through the carnage of Jimmy Carter. I now live in Texas in the Dallas area, and have since 1979. Own a couple of businesses here. We have a saying here in Texas about people who look like they're something and act like something that they are not. The saying is "he's all hat and no cattle". Beto fits the description to a tee...his biggest claim to fame is when he was on the City Council in El Paso, when he and his father-in-law, a real estate developer, and some of "dad's" cronies convinced young beto to eminent domain some real estate. At the time, many low income people lived in these properties. "Out" was the cry. The result was liberal democrats in El Paso turning on their fellow liberal democrat and almost lynched him. Beto's $9mil net worth stemmed from kickbacks from these real estate deals. Check it out. The boy has never actually "done" anything. Likes it when people compare him to JFK. He's handsome, charming, articulate, presents well in front of a camera- and is crooked as a dog's hind leg, and is most likely a golden boy of George Soros'. Someone should keep an eye on this fox in the hen house.
10
@Fred Bailey George Soros, really? He must control the universe for all the blame he gets for everything conservatives dislike.
1
So Beto starred in his version of Sullivan's Travels, it is now time for him to drill down and answer whether he is running for President, what he has to offer the American people and why anyone should vote for him.
Seems like a good guy, but maybe we should elect a politician this time - someone who's worked their way up through the public service trenches, someone with a good track record on the issues, someone experienced and not necessarily in their 30s.
Obama was a blessed exception; not a rule.
O'Rourke sounds a bit of a throwback to the "I want a president to have a beer/joint with" routine.
8
@James Hi James. Beto is a politician, among other posts he has been in Congress for three terms.
3
Running a country is serious business, and should be left to serious people with experience and unwavering focus and commitment....Beto does not belong in the White House anymore than the present occupant does. There are many others much more qualified to lead. Beto should use his current popularity to support them rather than driving around looking for purpose.
9
As a member of a family deeply involved in the music business, I say to Beto that talent has no connection to "hitting it big" in music. The big-dollar earners in music are not the most talented musicians or songwriters. I'm sorry the brutal and unappreciative business of music led him to question however much talent he has in that art.
3
@Tam Thank you for your comment and knowledgable perspective. Yes "and" the talent i.e. set of skills (etc etc) to make it (and all that entails, which may have less to do with musical talent) are also a factor.
1
I like the guy. I like people who have search for truth in life before "making a billion dollars" ripping others off. Or creeps like Stone who just rip people off for fun. Too soon for him, but I hope he gets more experience and tries at some point.
8
A choice for President should be about "heart" and this man appears to have it.
4
Will someone please just write the definitive physcography on this adolescent so we can get back to finding grown ups that can win elections and help solve problems. If anyone seriously thinks this man at this stage of his life is a seriously good candidate for POTUS they are deluded.
6
@Bill Wilson He has won elections. Do you know he was in congress for three terms (among other posts)?
4
Channeling Bobby Kennedy is not going to serve Beto well, he needs to be something more original. And, maybe, be known for something other than losing a Senate race? Just a thought....
3
@TransitDave Well what about his three terms in Congress for starters...
3
C’mon back to Texas! Yo howdy, we need some leader of national stature standing for our true values! Restore, revitalize our heritage and history; be a character of high quality with distinctive voice.
In the face of lies, distortions and delusions from our President, Texas Republican leaders have all submitted in abdication.
What did our Senators stand for as they silently bowed their heads last month to the President standing along our border shared with Mexico and it’s peoples? Did they stand for Texas? No! Did they stand for the United States? No!
Well, in real life you may not yet be a US Senator, but you can act like Senator Cornyn from Texas should act - with your strong, true voice representing Texas by speaking up for Texans, ever woven together by the Rio Grande to the peoples South (and also East, West and North - depending where along the border you’re standing).
If you had won more than our hearts, what would Senator O’Rourke say about the shared families and enterprises, faiths, trades, histories, wildlife, habitats, sanctuaries and cultures? About our shared futures? You grew up on the border! In El Paso! What does that mean? The Pass! The path we all can most beneficially travel.
How we treat each other is how border security is ensured; how we treat children at the border, on our doorstep, is how we become people deserving of a safe and secure future.
Give Texas - and America - a great Senator, sir (you’re bumper stickers are still all over Texas).
8
When it comes to politics, it's time to get over our infatuation with the "cult of personality".
We made that mistake in our last go-around. We elected a supposed "business genius" with "staggering amounts of intellect"...more than the world has ever seen before.
What we ended up with was a lazy, psychopathic-narcissist. One who is doing his best to spread internal chaos, and dismantle the world order in the process.
So, do we really want to replace our last mistake by electing someone who is still "trying to find himself".
In the words of Joseph Campbell, you need to "follow your bliss". But how do you find it? The search is supposed to happen in your adolescence. But Beto O'Rourke, seems to be suffering a later-mid-life relapse.
Just replace a 1960's VW Minivan with a modern day pickup-truck and take it on a walkabout around the US. Only, in this case...our protagonist is not short of cash. He has oodles of travel funds from his campaign...stuffed into his knapsack.
Beto should follow in the footsteps of another graduate of Columbia...Jack Kerouac. But Beto's book would be entitled "On the Road...Reloaded". We need more good books about the downtrodden in the forgotten heartland.
4
Great reporting.
2
Sounds like a presidential candidate to me.
1
@Jim Maybe in 2028.
1
only one question. CAN HE BEAT TRUMP?
2
This article reminded me of myself in NYC so many years ago (2003). I, too, was searching and felt that isolation that was referred to. Hats off to him for staying as long as he did. I really like how honest he is in the interview about his doubt at this stage of his life and the echoes to his former self. That takes coruage to admit that you don't have a plan. I'm confident he will figure it out. We absolutely need people like Beto in public service. He cares and is an artist with his words. His effect on crowds reminds me of Obama's.
7
I like Beto, I think he's a decent human being. I'm going to go without chasing horses at this point. I'll wake up tomorrow and 20 more will have joined the race. I will tell you what, I will consider human being before a politician. That person and I will live the consequences and hopefully be better for it. Thanks.
3
He’s a decent human being with charisma to boot! Democrats need some charisma... that is what generally wins elections!
4
He needs more experience, but seems to be a decent person. Kids evolve
1
Exactly what we need... another Ivy League white guy who was groomed for politics.
---
Much prefer the grassroots impassioned candidates like Abrams and AOC.
I'd rather get a feeling from a candidate that they "have" to be there... not that they "want" to be there.
Because if you want a position of power over other people, you're intrinsically malevolent just for wanting it. You may not know it and you might think you have your heart in the right place... but at some point, you will abuse that power and never fully respect it.
It should be a sacrifice, not a privilege.
6
Seems like a nice guy with some growing yet to do.
1
It's amazing that there is such a low bar of qualifications to becoming the president of the United States. I have been a "drifter" in 47 different countries in the world and have talked to many different people of all cultures. Perhaps that should qualify me for the presidency! Lol....absolutely amazing.
7
@R. Alvarez Do you realize he was in Congress for three terms among other local elected posts?
5
@Barb He could be in Congress his whole life, if he didn't accomplish anything there then his time serving is hollow and meaningless.
1
Whatever this Beto-mania is about, I just don't get it.
He seems like someone who runs a small craft furniture company in New Hampshire.
I hope he doesn't run, because I would not be looking forward to months of probing articles about him, and about his soul.
4
We dislike Trump so much that we are willing to vote anybody for the next President. But whoever will become the next President he/she cannot be somebody like Beto O‘Rourke. We can’t fall this low!
3
I have the perfect campaign slogan for him: "Ennui-it's a thing."
6
Beto should not run. His driving issues are a big problem, and he seems too privileged. Amy Klobuchar on the other hand has the brains, temperment, and mental fortitude to successfully be president. Democrats need to support someone who can unite the party and win, not just appeal to a fraction of voters.
3
Facts missing from this article: What year did he graduate? and what was the economy like? The lack of opportunities for college graduates in the early nineties had a lot to do with the prevalence of (and need for) creative drifting.
2
This voter hopes he keeps searching and stays out of the race
3
This guy sounds a little bit like a typical rich kid looking for meaning in life and having the financial backup (from his parents) that allows him to drive across the country deciding what's important. Where's his paycheck coming from? It's like the kids I knew when I was 20. When they weren't sure what to do in life, they'd say "I'm going to bum around Europe." All I ever wondered was, "how can you afford such a luxury??" When you can do what Beto's doing, you're a 1%-er.
10
I remember the last „likable“ American president. How many trillions of dollars and American lives did it cost to elect a „likable“ person in 2000? Mr O‘Rourke seems like a mensch, but his politics and policies are hardly the right thing for ordinary Americans, who need healthcare, housing, and food security - not smiles and more neo-liberal austerity for the poor juxtaposed with socialism for the wealthy. Those policies have brought the US to the brink of catastrophe. I pray that a clear-sighted politician who is actually focused on the plight of the poor and on the unfolding climate disaster will help steer America into a better place for all humanity‘s sake.
5
I keep wondering what is the point of this article. Would they write this about any of the other candidates? What was Harris doing 20 years ago. Having an affair with Willie Brown .. Biden ,.. well he was in the Senate voting for the Iraq war. And running for President and losing very early.... Gillibrand, fighting for RJ Renolds cigs right to kill you ... I read these comments that make O'Rourke out to be a bad person cause he married into money. What a superficial attitude that is. Our current President was stiffing contractors out of money, declaring bankruptcy, groping contestants at the Miss Universe contest. Quite a resume there. Other comments are mad cause O'Rourke's white and male. Yea can't be that anymore... Nothing like being young, charismatic, having good ideas about bringing this broken country back from the wilderness. By all means lets just keep rolling down the road to oblivion.
19
I love this story but Beto for president? Sounds a little too funky for me.
1
Another BILLIONAIRE, Trump in a disguise.
Wake up. He is married to Oil.
A phoney.
4
This article is basically proving he doesn't have the mental fortitude for being President. It's apparent from recent interviews as well. The more he talks, the less coherent he becomes. Cortez is another that just says stuff, and gets called on it all the time. The party with be offering a primary when she is up again because she leaning TOO hard left into socialism. The problem is, Socialism does not, and cannot work without Capitalism. Nor do Progressive ideas work alone. Capitalism works by itself, BUT inherent flaw is corruption, which is endemic of all three ideals. All three work, it's just been TOO long since we're had that happen. 1900 's and prior. Corporations (Capitalists) need to be nudged with Socialism ideals to take the profits and distribute them from bottom to top. It's not "spreading" the wealth, it's more even equitable investment in your work force.
2
so...a changed man...a journey from depression to high energy function...maybe a little lucky that he had secure back-up (family concern and means) but still...there needs to be more cogent consideration of anyone who slips of falls or who has, in youth, made the kind of errors that are now dug up and weaponized.
in this state we have the example of a senator who made false claims about his military service, especially troubling to veterans, (including this one) no matter his politics, he has gone on to sponsor pro-veteran legislation and services...anyone reading this likely has a nominee for recovery or redirection from views or actions from those years when self-doubt is at its keenest.
We shall continue to rebel against high achievers, successful executives, intellects and entrepreneurs and instead delude ourselves that a drifter, with a charm personality, is the right person and the KEY to solving our disintegrated politics!
It is rather stunning that the MEDIA is able to re-shape the image of our next promising savior.
Romanticizing that the weak shall triumph over the strong, the poor over the rich, the drifter over the visionary.
Cut through that silver screen's red tape, weave a telltale of ordinary up and down and you will be voted in... Fairy Tail.
1
A candidate going on a “soul-searching road trip” is so 20th century. We need to fix a lot of stuff in this country quickly. I’ll vote for him if necessary but my ideal candidate is a policy wonk with personality, emphasis on policy. Beto is long on vision but short on experience. He’s not ready to be president.
1
Intelligent, thoughtful, decent, compassionate, considerate, not completely sure of himself, not obsessively driven with acquiring money or power.
Sounds like a good person.
Beto - I'm in.
4
@fast/furious
A man searching for himself with the means to do so, married to a rich wife hasn't accomplished much of anything in life other than lose his last election BUT, he was on Oprah so that makes him nice and electable.
Actually no it doesn't.
Please spare us another lightweight politician, we have more than our fair share. Not remotely qualified to be POTUS.
3
I heard stories about his waywardness, then I heard he is known for not paying his Democrat Committee dues. That hints of dishonesty and I can't support that.
1
Beto is a sight for sore eyes--and Trumps (an eyesore) ugliness (inside and out) is only amplified by the juxtaposition of the two. So, yes, we Democrats can be just as enamored with our own candidate and it would be nice to have a President who is good-looking and young and nice, vs. an ugly old mean grandpa ranting and raving like the sun just went down.
2
After what Trump has done to greatly improve our economy, the employment situation for blacks and Hispanics, and standing up to China...
God Bless Donald J. Trump. MAGA
1
Nope. Not the one.
8
I find this obnoxious and entitled. Driving around the country alone because he’s in a funk? I guess his wife can pick up all the slack at home to parent their three kids. I can just imagine the opposite spin of this story line if Beto was a woman: “long shot potential candidate abandons family for selfish soul-searching”
10
Who’s taking care of Beto’s kids while he is traveling and ‘in a funk’? Oh yeah, his wife. Another entitled man leaving the day to day ‘boring’ work or raising decent humans to others.
11
Get out of that funk young man,
This world needs a boat load of work that the GOP is too inept to accomplish.
1
He’s a seeker. He hasn’t followed a typical striving politician kind of path. He exhibited a deeper yet more frustrating kind of ambition that I prefer. I think he might be the perfect fit for a nation that has so fundamentally lost its way. I don’t know that those who’ve trod the worn paths match how deep into the abyss we are.
3
He has so much potential, but he wants to rush it by shooting too high too fast. I want to see a few years of solid work running things at the state level before I could think of him as presidential material.
He is darn cute, though. I would have fallen hard for him while he was a nanny had our paths crossed.
2
There are so many things I like about Beto. Still it does really surprise me when people neglect the great power and wealth of his (and his wife's) family in Texas. I wish I could feel he was connected to a non privileged reality;the idea that he can be at sea after such a loss is so disconnected from what most people are able to do.
1
Beto reminds me so much of my own kids when they were younger. Inquisitive, hard working, smart and searching for their true calling. (Which they found by the way and are successful business men, but more importantly kind and compassionate).
But they are NOT qualified to run for POTUS... and neither is Beto.
Trump has us scrambling for everything he’s not; intelligent, kind, compassionate, honest and relatable.
But a few of the front runners have that now and... oh yeah... political experience in how to run a country.
I wish Beto the best. But he’s just not qualified ... yet anyway.
6
What is the left's fascination with this guy? You have a flavor of the month, only he's been on the shelf a bit longer, and I don't know why. Sounds like another anointed media creation destined for a hard crash if he runs agains Trump, or anyone else for that matter.
6
He had me till the dental-chair selfie video. Grow up.
And even if you are in a funk, fake it. Don’t broadcast your weaknesses and lack of focus this close to the next election, for god’s sake. Show a little strategic thinking.
6
Funny that the Democrats are so bankrupt after Hillary they have no idea what to do, any fresh face any awkward idea gets consideration.
Good luck with these untested youngsters .
4
Oh, please. C’mon Democrats. Get your act together and stop running like lemmings after the latest navel-gazing, self-serving, shiny Instagram or YouTube object. Focus! Our lives and our democracy are at stake.
6
A lot of people, young and old, could identify with his life. Because it is so American! That is one of the reasons why many authors of diverse genres like Hemingway and Vonnegut are considered great writers, because they ferret out the Nick Adams and Mr Rose Water out of the American psyche. Beto is no difference from anyone characterized in the Beat Generation
2
My goodness. Having read through a few comments, I shudder to think what people would say of where I've wound up in life, because my-- and many friends-- life took basically the same trajectory as O'Rourke's. We did the stint in NYC, with some never leaving, and others having that same subway moment after a few years.
That was long ago and we aren't the same people, though we are the sum total of those experiences. To say O'Rourke is not qualified to be president because of this? I beg to differ. Living in NYC, particularly when struggling financially, teaches you more about life, respect, and the beautiful variety of culture in our nation than any college "back home" can. I have often said that living in NYC should be a requirement for all Americans-- I've been all over the world since my 20s in NYC, but that was where I first met the World.
13
The building of an image. Straight out of the budding politician's playbook. The "seeker" finds his way. With that said he is a talented speaker and a huggable person. But, he needs a little more seasoning.
2
he seems to be a genuinely nice guy, but he has done NOTHING to earn a place on the democratic ticket. If you want younger: Kamala, Corey, etc. they at least have some government experience. They have actually WORKED. Has everyone gone mad?
6
Beto sounds like a great guy and a wonderful human being. Trump would eat him alive. He needs some additional life experiences and “seasoning” before attempting to run for the top spot. My own opinion, too nice to be a politician.
1
It seems to me that Beto is adrift not because he’s searching for a national pulse rather he’s searching for his soul. He seems lost, distracted, lonely and since losing the race, the day to day connection with others and being away from the spotlight makes him lonelier perhaps?
And we, Democrats, are so thirsty for change and so repulsed by the current president, that we will take someone and anoint him because we crave a new direction.
We needn’t be looking for a polished politician in 2020, but we need to keep our eyes wide open about the person’s intentions and psyche. Let’s not get lost ourselves in a romantic story.
“Listening” is a job requirement, not a job title.
5
This is a piece about his early 20s. Not his life now!
1
No executive experience. No significant professional accomplishments. No military experience. Undistinguished record as a congressman.
Other than creating You Tube videos of his losing campaign and giving good speeches what in the world makes anyone think he should be commander in chief?
5
Thanks to Trump, anyone thinks they can be elected president, never mind do the job. America does not need a young, inexperienced person who’s “searching for direction.” or even one who’s only just found it.
There is great charisma in experience and solid dependability to stand by the principles of America’s founding heritage.
Forget the Betos, Castros, and Gillibrands, who are too young and/or inexperienced and also, with Gillibrand, mercurial; the Hillaries, who are too party establishment; Harris and Booker, who, unfortunately, on the basis of race alone would incite Republican obstructionism, just as Obama did, not bipartisanship; the Bernies and Bidens, who are too old; and the Warrens, who are too abrasive and controversial.
Look, instead, to someone who has demonstrated understanding democracy and the threats it faces; supports, not walks on or ignores the Constitution. Someone unassuming, modest, who knows that he/she works for the Constitution and the people regardless of his office, who has high integrity and is respected, even by many Republicans; someone who would hit the ground running, particularly with respect to America’s security, because, like with, say, Adam Schiff, of his position on the intelligence committee.
Why not look at Schiff? He meets the attributes mentioned and is objectionable to no one’s sensibilities, except extremists—a vast minority.
He’s just what we need after Trump and the destructive inclination to throw away ability for sparkle.
5
A very compelling story. Kamala Harris and Corey Booker could never afford this life of indulgence and self discovery. Is not his fault, of course, but Beto is not as driven as Harris or Booker to be president. If he’s not feeling it, don’t do it.
5
People ignore the fact that in the statewide races, the candidate mattered. Gov Abbott won handily. Cruz AND Dan Patrick (Lt Gov, arguably the most powerful statewide official) and the indicted AG struggled because they are considered odious. So let's not read too much into Beto's "miraculous" run against Cruz.
He is the incarnation of white, middle aged privilege. Yes, he struggled, but not in a way that many do - can I pay my bills? Are my kids safe? He struggled with self identity, but had a BIG safety net in his parents. And then married a billionaire's daughter. And is now naval gazing because...he can!
He is being compared to Lincoln and George HW Bush. Lincoln was a one term congressman, but considered a titan intellectually and became nationally known through the Lincoln-Douglas debates, which proffered differing positions on slavery, the seminal issue of the time. Not to mention growing up in poverty and reading voraciously before becoming one of the most accomplished lawyers in the Midwest. Bush was a two term Rep, but then served as ambassador to China and the UN and Chairman of the Republican Party and ran second to Reagan and then served as VP. The difference is accomplishments is staggering.
He is great at connecting, which, I guess, is our current metric for President. If you are great at reality TV, then you are presidential timber. And thus, we get the leadership we deserve.....
3
It’s hard not to see the parallels between him and Jack Kerouac. I wonder if he’s read, and how he feels about his work.
1
I really like Beto but I don't want him as president, not yet at least.
We must be political realists. A melancholy king such as Beto would be eaten alive by Republicans. He'd accomplish nothing and a president can't just go on a road trip to find himself when things get tough.
Maybe in ten years but not now.
7
This article explains exactly what I saw in Beto's Texas campaign. The two Americas were there too with Beto and Ted, both of whom have contrasting views of our country's soul. Beto came very close to having his view prevail in a deep red state. America is starved for inspiration, not rigid ideology. The Republican party has been overcome by rigid ideology. Will the Democrats sacrifice inspiration for their own rigid ideology? The adulation in the Texas race showed him, I think, that being himself so authentically is itself a political strategy. And his social media explosions catapaulted him into the hearts and minds of Democrats everywhere--and many dedicated Republicans who liked him in spite of the views he never diluted to gain their votes.
8
Wow. This is like a dream. You mean we could have a president who is a musician, who dreamed of being a simple man, who drifts, who thinks, who connects? Who isn't consumed by ambition and dreams of power and/or money? Who has a midlife crisis and drives around solo?
I like it. It's true, as one commenter points out, that there are a number of outstanding candidates with more focus and more experience. Yet I'm sure O'Rourke can focus when he needs to. His thoughtfulness and humility are refreshing.
13
Let him become a senator,or governor. I have had enough with inexperience. What’s his decision making process, what important decisions has he ever made. I do not need another smile for 4 or 8 years. What can he say about anything important. Can he go two rounds in his wieght class.
11
A very compelling account that provokes wistful reflection among all of us who navigated NYC in our youth. But Mr. O'Rourke needs a few more years in office--as senator, governor, congressman, anything--before we can take all this fevered speculation of presidential ambitions seriously. Does anyone right now really have confidence in him dealing with the sharks of Wall Street of in the GOP, let alone Putin or other vipers in international affairs?
10
Interesting article. A large part of American voters and an even larger part of abstinent voters are looking for a hero. Beto needs his « hero » moment. Until that arrives he will not gather muster with the general populace. When and if it does arrive we may be on to something.
1
In Thomas Moire's book, The Dark Night of the Soul, he describes a life phase that outwardly resembles depression, but inwardly is very different. It may be triggered by a crisis of some sort, the path forward unclear or nonexistant. Inwardly a lot is happening, and this is why it is unlike depression. The person is like a chrysalis, undergoing a profound change, and when s/he comes out the other side, s/he will be a different person.
Beto wasn't interested in following some clearly plotted, well-trodded career path. He found life post college hard, but this experience may give him empathy toward those who struggle with low wage work. Hardship, even a period of aimlessness, should still be okay in a presidential candidate.
A candidate who unifies the country, who has deprh of character and empathy, that is exactly what is needed.
3
I live in the most Republican district in Texas. As a progressive, it is not easy. Teen aged neighbors I'd known since they were born trashed my Obama yard signs within 24 hours of being staked, and admitted to it! Imagine my surprise this past summer when BETO yard signs popped up all over the neighborhood , all over the city, and so far as I know not one was trashed. He made a last minute stop here with not much notice in late October. Hundreds of people showed up. That has not happened since the Ann Richards days. Many of us were in tears of shock and joy because of this man and what said and how passionately he spoke. I see many of you in these comments discounting him as a flake. Please don't, whether now or later. This man has a powerful charisma, a solid intellect and vision, and an incredible ability to connect with people on all sides. He's genuine.
I love you, Beto, for the hope you gave us.
70
The trouble with those who want to come across as "authentic"? Lying. For someone who professes not to know all the answers, Mr. O'Rourke is smart enough to keep looking. And frankly, that's more than good enough for me. I'd vote for him in a heartbeat.
13
I've said it before and I'll say it again - Harris/O'Rourke - announce this duo early and step back...
11
Warren is less qualified and less electable than Harris how?
@Christopher - I, too, am blown away by this presumption.
If he needs to find himself, then he’s not ready.
The Democrats need experienced pragmatic individuals. If they don’t get behind one, they will lose again. Stop already about taxing the wealthy, free health and education. We can’t afford it and it’s not the answer. The lack of depth coming out from these New Democrats is unbelievable.
7
@PM Don't suppose you'd care to elaborate on this point 'stop talking about taxing the wealthy...we can't afford it' (?!)
Looking forward to seeing more of Beto, including his interview with Oprah. Maybe he will ignite the Democratic Party in a way other candidates cannot. Dream ticket would be Kamala & Beto. So looking forward to getting excited about the Dems winning it all in 2020, the Senate, House, & WH - and making real changes in our lives.
3
I am a Columbia College grad and Columbia rower.
This is thus my second rather more emotional Obama moment.
Beto can put in more meaning into one sentence than anyone. He does inspire no doubt about it.
He has the ability to be a truly national leader but he needs a bit more seasoning: the US Senate or an executive position in government.
Obama would have been a truly great president had he had four more years in the Senate.
Bohdan A. Oryshkevich
2
May his search journey be successful and may he live happily ever after. The Democrats have about 100 people more qualified than this guy. Allow him to fade into the sunset, where he belongs.
4
Beto represents the new kind of values system that is emerging. He is not the guy who went to New York to conquer Wall Street and turn himself into a power-monger or a big-time dealmaker. He's the guy who's living the examined life, seeking connection with others, helping to promote the points of view of many ordinary Americans, and working to create community. He's trying to be a good person, a task that is harder than most people care to admit. Maybe it's time for more Americans to stop the empty pursuit of wealth and power and start learning how to become better versions of ourselves. That means working hard at at not being greedy, selfish, dishonest, and callous. This country could certainly use a lot more leaders like Beto, and far fewer like the big business types who think that money is the only thing worth pursuing on this earth, and bullying, cheating, and lying comprise the only way to get it. I am sickened by the way that politics and big business operate in cahoots with each other, and would love to see more politicians and leaders in the vein of Beto.
32
Beto reminds me of Chance the Gardener in the movie Being There. “As long as the roots are not severed, all is well. And all will be well in the garden.”
I just don’t get the whole Beto thing.
10
Comments that people write here are so naive (He's so authentic.). The U.S. presidency is a job. You need to learn about the U.S. history with numerous governments, then present a coherent policy to each of those governments. What is the U.S. military posture in the world? There are experts on these topics, but the president has to learn enough to make an expert decision. What is the evidence that Beto is prepared to do the work of the U.S. president.
8
Beto. I would back him, although I have a couple of other favorites. Genuine-always my first reaction when he speaks. I think he could be President. Give him a chance if he decides to run. Not sure I like the article. Or that it represents the person who is Robert Francis O’Rourke. And, why the Times chose to run such a bad picture of him? In the old days, messages were transmitted in the news by if there was a good picture of the person or a bad picture of a person; good pictures were favorable and bad unfavorable. Surely, while he was in New York, there is a better picture?
1
So, what qualifies this guy for the highest office? How will he joust with a person like Schultz, Bloomberg - even TrUmP!
The Democrats’ worst mistake is that they fall for this cult of personality over and over again.
The Republicans do too, but not nearly as often; no one could argue that a cult of personality elected Mitch McConnell...
6
Any twenty three year old who thinks he already knows it all is never going to be much use to anyone. Mr O'Rourke's character shows in how he handled his NYC disappointments and moved on to make a difference in Texas politics - many who came out to vote for him helped crucially in electing down ballot Democrats. Mr O'Rourke at twenty three or eighty three will never feel he's doing enough with his gifts - luckily for Texans, luckily for America.
9
Dude, if making the decision is this much trouble, perhaps it might be best to let it go.
7
He is an interesting guy but leader of the free world? I don’t think so.
6
The article was uplifting—and about a politician!
Mostly, it resonates. The grungy, spirited, intellectual meandering of an over-educated latch key kid set loose in NYC. “Everyone should live in NYC once but leave before it makes you hard. Everyone should live in California once but leave before it makes you soft. (Baz Lurman; ‘Don’t Forget the Sunscreen’)
Beto seems seeped in the experience of finding one’s way in our complicated and wildly diverse country. He brings a humanism to it—as displayed in the article he actually likes hanging out with people. He doesn’t seem to have gotten hardened yet.
I’m a bit of hard-nosed realist when it comes to what we need to defeat Trump but this kid just got my attention
4
does anyone but me think that legislative skills just might come in handy?
9
Anyone who is smart enough to get out
New York City while they are still young
is someone I can vote for.
7
What a privilege to have the mobility to drive around the country sulking, deciding what to make of your famous self.
6
While he's on the road could he come to Santa Fe NM. We already love him
5
How strange that there is no mention of his mother pleading guilty to federal money laundering charges, the day after she transferred $millions in assets to Beto, which he refused to return.
7
@Jay It's unforgivable that this article made no mention of this.
I really like Beto. I wish him well and I hope he continues to work in public life. I can see him as a Senate candidate in 2020. He doesn't, however, belong in the next presidential race. I can't imagine him facing off with Trump, nor should we have to - there are a number of outstanding candidates like Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker. I also can't imagine someone who wasn't a white male being courted in this fashion when they're so untested and unfocused. There are so many other up-and-comers. Stacy Abrams just gave the SOTU rebuttal after losing her election - she didn't miss a day. Andrew Gillum's looking forward. They're looking at the Senate in 2020, not the presidential race. Can you imagine if one of them were on a road trip, mulling about whether they were going to grace us with their presence in 2020?
319
@Kristine I agree that there are candidates that offer more experience. I am underwhelmed by him but hope he does run for Congress and get some credibility.
10
@Kristine
“I also can’t imagine someone who wasn’t a white male..”
Memory is short. Obama began to be courted 4 years before he was elected. Beto isn’t being courted because of his skin color; he’s being courted because many Democrats fear we’ll lose Ohio, Pennsylvania and the election to President Chaos if we don’t have a candidate able to unite progressives AND centrists.
22
@Kristine
Bernie Sanders / Michael Avenatti
The Lion and The Lamb
We need both.
3
He has good political skills and he speaks well. He's not been in charge of anything big and has not made big money. He's not really ready to run for President. He is ready to run for vice-president or to serve in the Cabinet.
Let him be appointed head of a large bureaucracy, for profit or even non profit, and have great success there. Five years as chancellor of the University of Texas system, or of another big state's university system. In the corporate world, 3+ years as CEO of a Fortune 100 company, though I don't see that happening since he's not conventional enough for most businesses. After leadership experiences like that, he'll be ready.
21
There is no experience that actually prepares you for the presidency - certainly not being a Fortune 100 CEO. It’s come down to mental and emotional fortitude and a willingness to learn.
4
@BigGuy No, why do we want any corporate anybody? Geeze they are what is wrong with the government now, they pay politicians to help them make more money and do nothing for the workers. If only Beto would not take money from the gas and oil industry. I am so glad some of the new dems in congress are not getting tutored by the long time members in basically taking bribes. We want people who will represent regular folks not just the big money makers.
4
Why is it that white, overprivileged men of no particular distinction are always championed as our next great heroes or saviors? He was a losing candidate in Texas but we’re supposed to elevate his listless New York years into myth because he has patrician looks, Ivy League education and well-off family? Anyone of the newly elected women to Congress has a more compelling story than this guy. And they managed to actually win their races.
146
Yeah, but after all, this is Texas. And he ran a great race, coming quite close, which is no small feat. That in and of itself speaks volumes about this man’s energy and focus. No, he’s probably not quite ready for a Presidential run, but I think we’ll be hearing more good things about this man in due time. And his time to run may yet come.
19
@AVR Agreed that the newly elected women deserve more media than Beto and have more compelling stories. But I'd like to add that I don't think Beto's looks are "patrician". His teeth are large, his nose is wonky and his jaw doesn't fit his face. He's lanky. Rather than patrician, I'd describe him as Kennedyesque. Lots of people of Irish descent in this country and they just love other Irish charmers. It's why Bill Clinton claimed Irish ancestry when he doesn't really have any. It's why Obama visited Ireland, homeland of one of his ancestors. Being Irish in American politics still has a lot of cachet. But the Irish bristle at being thought patrician. Aristocracy is for the English, not the Irish.
11
Because he was a fantastic, charismatic, and talented orator, and he inspired people across the nation to support his campaign. Also because he challenged an INCUMBENT SENATOR, in TEXAS, as a Democrat and almost won. Whole different ball game from the new congresswomen you speak of.
15
I love reading about his earlier life as he explored who he was and what he wanted. I had high hopes for him as a potential Senator. But this existential journey he's on now just screams white male privilege. I assume his wife is home caring for their three kids while he drives aimlessly around the country trying to find himself? Sorry, Beto, I'm not buying this.
51
@ellie
Can you imagine a female candidate doing the same and being taken even remotely seriously? Beto is being graded on a curve.
2
The former congressman is an impressive person, but I'm not sure how you translate a loss in a statewide Senate campaign, no matter how somewhat close you came in a conservative state, into a successful presidential run. I wonder if what he really needed to do was stick with his commitment to being a Congressman, and now finds himself lost yet again because of his abandonment of that commitment to take on a Sisyphean quest -- as a weird stepping stone to take on yet another one.
4
Hard pass. We don’t need another charismatic politician with empty be-nice platitudes selling American exceptionalism just because he’s actually the “right” age or “listens to people” on the campaign trail. We need practical politics diametrically opposed not just to Trump but the cancer of neoliberalism that gives rise to demogogues like Trump.
15
If there were but one independent, Trump-leaning, open-minded rural American who might have considered the possibility of an O'Rourke presidency, this just blew that out of the water.
8
Robert Francis O’Rourke should continue his search for direction far away from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.
God knows the Capitol City is already overpopulated with an assortment of glib "men-of-the-people" talkers, egomaniacs, narcissistic manipulators, and professional politicians, (most of whom are lawyers).
The last thing our Republic needs is a middle age man "in search of direction."
25
He and most of the new faces are just what the global elites are looking for: ppl malleable enough to do their bidding. Not like Trump, you see, he's an Outsider that isn't playing by their rules, that's why he's hated by the democrat/media/entertainment industrial complex.
5
I get that Mr. O'Rourke is a genuinely sanguine person. There are also millions like him in our country. Not everybody is a crooked White person that is out to hate an African American. They are not also all, fit to run for President. Oratory ability or being able to debate policy does not qualify a person for high office. Achievements do. Please show me some of what O'Rourke has achieved that is palpable. We are a country of high achievers which includes an awful lot of progressive minded individuals. Please don't advertise a fellow who is a bottom dweller.
In our rush to de-Trump ourselves, we seem to rushed to the other side. This article paints O'Rourke as a mostly clueless young man who spent his time wandering aimlessly but at the same time aims to glorify his general lack of direction. And yes, unfortunately a lot of parents with kids who are destined for the desert see them instead as a Moses in the making.
Get real.
12
Those that can't run for President in 2020.
It's the new clarion call.
We're so blessed.
4
I fail to see why anyone thinks almost winning vs Ted Cruz equates to being a strong candidate for president
Ted Cruz is legendary for being one of the most hated people in congress - hated by both parties.
A rock could have done well against Cruz. It doesn’t make Beto a rock star.
Let’s stop the cult of the personality.
21
@Blue
You are too dismissive of the entrenched political reality of Texas. I live here. I registered many new voters. He inspired them and inspired some life-long Republicans to vote for him. Like him or not, what he did was absolutely impressive. It will take a couple of election cycles for both parties to achieve parity. Yet he had significant coattails. My new Congressman defeated Pete Sessions; John Culbertson in Houston got ousted as well. And both TX statehouses picked up some Democratic seats. This is not the result of a cult.
4
So much of this I can't relate to. I hate punk music, I have no idea who those "successful bands" are, no idea what it means to have a powerful father, etc. But the man has lived a life. He's been around, known people of all kinds, tried, failed, been loved, been lonely, worked hard, made his own way, and seemingly never took anything for granted. But tens of millions of people think the current president is "one of them."
18
@Stevenz
Made his own way? Really? NY didn't work out, so he went back home where he had a leg up to being a big fish in a small pond. He lost an election, so now he has to wander around and find his path to get out of a funk. Not even on my radar to consider as presidential material.
Beto is the real deal. I want him to run so badly. But I am also worried because I know what a Presidential campaign can do to an honest man. That's why there are so few honest and down to earth people willing to risk it. ... It's good that he lived in New York and got the feel for the city and it's people. And it's good that he's driving around the country getting an idea on whether to run or not. Man I wish I could meet him. People should read about how he acted as a congressman and town council member, instead of just mouthing off. 100 town halls.. one a month specifically for Vets. He didn't take any pac or corporate money running for Senate & set records with donations from all over. He is for Medicare For All and taking Marijuana off the schedule one list. He has worked with Will Hurd ( a Rep) on the border & immigration because that's where they are from. He co-wrote a book about the damage the drug war has done to Central America, the real crisis. Yes, he has voted with big oil because he from Texas and it's the biggest employer. He listens and makes decisions based on common sense. .. When I listen to him it makes me feel good ... it's good that he lost the Senate race, because he has too much integrity to have given up his seat after a couple years had he won... go brother go
23
@Doctor Woo
You say "When I listen to him it makes me feel good." Maybe he can become your minister. Beto needs experience in politics. Common sense is highly overrated, we need people with experience who can logically make decisions.
5
@Doctor Woo He dosn’t need PAC or corporate money, since he married into a wealthy oil family. They and their friends gave him money — just out of the goodness of their hearts, of course.
3
@Irene** he didn't use that money. he set records with small donations from all over. So much so the Dems were begging him for money. And even if he did use his own money that makes him less beholden to special interests. Your argument is ridiculous. Do some research.
2
An empty suit if there ever was one. He and Cortez should get together. They deserve each other.
12
I’ve heard that depressives don’t make the best presidents. Just sayin’. I do hope he finds fulfillment though.
3
@C
Abraham Lincoln
Winston Churchill (ok, not American)
James Madison
John Quincy Adams
Lyndon Johnson - bipolar
Teddy Roosevelt - bipolar
I don’t hold depression against Beto. He is just aimless. He is not particularly accomplished politically. He has not shown he can be an effective leader. Congress and the executive branch are full of sociopaths. POTUS needs to wrangle them. Trump is an ineffectual leader and fails. Do we want another? And seriously, he lost. What’s with pushing people who lost up to the top? Get winners.
1
I supported Mr. O'Rourke in his battle with Ted Cruz. But, I cannot support him for president -- at least until I see some fire in his belly.
We saw what playing Mr. Make-Nice does for us (President Obama's eight years of letting Repubs play him like a fiddle).
This is a fight; so, we need a fighter. That is not Beto O'Rourke.
3
I'd recommend watching "A Face in the Crowd" right about now.
6
Sounds like a pretty normal person. The kind of intelligent, compassionate, well-adjusted and introspective person who doesn't get elected president in this country (at least not under our current electoral system). That's unfortunate.
Also, dear Manhattanites from the NY Times, please note that Wallabout is nowhere near Williamsburg. It's the slim strip between the Navy Yard and the BQE.
9
I too lived in a converted warehouse/loft a few blocks away on Rutledge 96-99 and it was then called South Williamsburg.
We probably crossed paths at some point at a warehouse party in the neighborhood.
3
@RM
Wallabout is in Williamsburg, just South Williamsburg and the other end of what’s now considered Williamsburg, ie the Greenpoint/McCaren Park North Williamsburg area. When I read “Wallabout” I hear it in my head as “Vohl-uh-but” because that’s how my Hasidic father pronounced it. Wallabout was as much a part of Hasidim’s idea of Williamsburg as Roebling and Division.
The article forgot to mention the part where Beto decides to marry the billionaire's daughter. Cool, man.
19
Please don't hate on me, but I'm tired of him already. His mental state is not important to me. Drifting is fine-drift all you want. At some point, if he decides he's serious, he will have to put on his pants and do something.
I'm happy that young folks have someone they can relate to-I remember turning 39 the year Bill Clinton was elected, and I was over the moon. He was young and incredibly charismatic. I get it. But there are a bunch of other people in this country who are reeling from distrust and disappointment in what's happening in America right now. I'm not feeling that this man has the gravitas. Perhaps he'll change my mind. I'm open to anyone who is smart, has some experience and believes in "we the people". We'll see what happens...
12
He seems to be self aware, imagine that. I’d rather this than delusional psychotic narcissism any day!
7
Run Beto run!
2
@Elise M
As long is towards somewhere outside this county, you have my blessings.
3
Sounds like little Robert "Beto" had quite "white privilege."
6
Why does anyone care what this guy thinks about anything?
10
I wrote a well-received negative comment on Beto and now I am writing a positive comment, as balance and presenting both sides is important in life.
The real title for this NYTimes article on Beto should be "Portrait of an Artist as Middle-Aged Man".
One could say that Beto is seeking "self-actualization" which is at the pinnacle of the Maslow hierarchy. Some characteristics that Maslow defines as belonging to self-actualization include: "continued freshness of appreciation, spontaneity and comfortable acceptance of self"(source: Wikipedia).
One could say that many of the strivers and doers in New York City are not self-actualized people by any stretch of the imagination. They are primary focused on the lower rungs of Maslow's hierarchy.
The artist, and there is clearly an artistic, perhaps even poetic frame of mind in Beto, is perhaps the person who most clearly attempts self-actualization. The finest artistry is where play, naturalness, and inspiration converge.
The managerial, bureaucratic, technocratic, narcissistic, lawyer-centric pulse of the modern world lacks an iota of artistry.
Beto is a breath of fresh air. Beto is not rehearsed.
Beto is pure improvisation, play, and naturalness.
Beto is himself.
Beto understands life itself is an art performance of sorts, thus lending life an inherent dignity and importance apart from one's title and station in life.
And people love him for that, because he loves people.
Quite a man, with quite a gift!
25
@Brendan I don't mean to be critical, but REALLY?! "Beto" needs a good therapist from what I could glean from this article. I don't think he is ready for an elementary school student council run, let alone for the American presidency judging from what I have just read. From what I understand, "Beto" served on the El Paso City Council and in the U.S. House for three terms. but you'd never know it from this poorly researched and written "article." It is not enough for "Beto" to be pleasant to lead the nation, or "authentic.'
8
@JDL
Fair points, and I understand your perspective. Check out my opposing viewpoint on Beto, it has 30+ likes. I wrote two, very different comments to present both sides of Beto.
Been there. It builds character and right now, this once-great nation could use a leader with character. Run, Beto. Run.
15
Seriously? I'm a liberal democrat and this is the last guy that should head the top of the ticket. It doesn't take much looking to see that he's in the wrong party.
14
Well, come on, he ran in Texas, so it would be politically suicidal to run there like you would be able to in Massachusetts, for instance.
But anyway, list out a few things you looked at they you find disqualifying, thanks in advance:
1
I can't say I think Beto should be President because I haven't seen any ideas from him, particularly any ideas that would make the lives of people better.
Beto resonates with people because politics is often a conniving sport, filled with soulless cadavers who haunt the halls of Congress and the White House.
But America is searching for its soul.
And Beto has that soul, and a contemplative one at that.
20
@Henry - excellent comment.
The national fascination with this guy is entirely lost on me.
74
This is what happens when it’s exceptional for a man to be merely decent.
11
@CHM
Welcome to America.
We voted for Ronnie twice.
(And for W.)
2
@CHM. Meet him and I promise you will understand.
1
Self-absorbed, unable to commit, uncertain, and with that, a somewhat prosaic writer posing as a poor imitation of Kerouac. Seriously, is teen-aged angst what we are looking for in candidates nowadays?
19
See ya later Beto. Many more tenacious, focused and driven candidates out there. And they just happen to be women
16
Maybe in a future cycle, now he's not strong enough and needs to get his hands dirty doing the people's work before he tries for the big office.
His "gap year" circuit is telling in itself...
11
Biden and Beto for 4 years of training, then President O’Rourke.
Unbeatable.
6
@berman
That could work. It really could.
2
He looks and acts as lost as this article portrays his wasted pasted, present and future.
This country is in dire straights due to incompetent such as he.
Socialism is in direct conflict with The United States Constitution.
To add to this he is one of many top contenders who use the word "democracy" relating to our country. This is jot just ignorance, it is a blatant attempt to convence the ignorant masses of such.
To be clear to all the leftist who adore other liberals The United States of America is a Federal Republic.
Chew on that while you bask in the nothingness of yet another leftist ruining not running for President in 2020.
6
Great. He’s not Hillary Clinton mocking flyover country folks. He’s more Barack Obama who gets a degree from Harvard Law School, then does community volunteering. We need more of these types of people in places of power.
3
This is not a love song.....
2
When did Robert Frances meet Beto?
2
I'm a Dallasite, and I DO NOT WANT BETO TO RUN. He's not old enough or experienced enough in executive abilities, and his silly teeth-cleaning stunt proved it. Beto, get some age, wisdom and accomplishments under your belt. Run for the Senate against Cornyn. Check back with me in 10 years or so - I'll take another look, and I'll be more than fair.
31
@pollyparrot
Once old people stop ruining everything I will take them at face value when they say someone is “too young”.
4
@Corbin Thank you. I couldn't agree more. People said the same about Obama, and that turned out pretty great.
a driftless, listless, underachieving dreamer - just what we need for a President. That's a recipe for total disaster and I get a kick out of all those commenting on what a great "listener" Beto is.
Surely that will qualify him to the lead the free world. This guy is clearly in over his head and once the battle starts for the democratic nominations, he'll be rolling back to El Paso on his little skateboard.
NEXT!
12
More spoiled rich dudes
11
Sounds like a big navel gazer.
Also someone not interested in working. How can he avoid that? Marry a rich girl AND sponge off taxpayers.
15
Run Beto, run!
2
So, maybe I'm missing something, but this guy hasn't much to recommend him as leader of the free world. He has no national experience. He has no international experience. Sure, he could be someone's son, or nephew, or the kid next door...if you're privileged living in a gentrified, segregated neighborhood. Seriously: Beto is like George W. without the goofiness. Please, Democrats, give us someone with gravitas, someone with intelligence, someone who cares for people across communities, and someone with **actual** experience.
34
@te - Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota got more legislation passed than any other senator in 2016 and her home state of Minnesota gives her a whopping 72% approval rate. Look her up. She's making an announcement on Sunday.
6
@te
I guess people want to have a beer with him. It's clear we really don't have very high standards when selecting presidents.
1
Just what we need a kind loser! Beto might make a substandard social worker. Success not much, economic knowledge not much, would support Constitution not much, would be kind to animals, probably.
7
Oh to be white and male with powerful well-connected parents able to float through life, marry a filthy rich woman and then dither like Hamlet about whether you feel like being the most powerful person in the world. Yup, this dude definitely can relate to the common (wo)man.
59
@Conroy what do you think of the current occupant of the WH?
3
Wish I had the rich kid’s welcome mat during my NYC days.
Instead, like the rest of Les Miz, I had to scround and scratch for my bread and water, taking mediocre jobs, lucking out a few times with temp work on a show or two, but mostly putting my talents and dreams on the backburner, while watching scores of lackluster trust fund wastrels like “beta” here slouch into cozy chairs of opportunity, then slide right back out when the leather of real work made their backs a little too sweaty.
I eventually gave up that effort to care for a sick family member — and lived and traveled in my car while restarting — not for existential ennui, but as a consequence of the difficult life choices lack of money, connections, and refusal to suck up to power-patronage or work the system delivered.
The comments here are just rich, literally. Spoiled rotten.
8
Beto, best wishes from Kelowna, British Columbia.
Please run for Potus.....it's not just America who needs your inclusive style and grace. The whole world could use a man like you right now.
Let the healing begin, and U are just the medicine the doctor ordered.
4
Well, he seems great, but he had better take a look at his high school yearbook. High school antics are the new gotcha.
6
I don't know Beto, though I was intrigued by him as a candidate based on the enormous love pouring out for him. That is, until I saw this NYT headline. Really??? If you wanted to kill his chances, you just did it--at least for one voter. The country is adrift enough without having a candidate going through his own personal identity process. Not that he's insane for doing it. I know for an absolute fact that someone like me would not be an effective president. But I've never contemplated the run! The kid needs to grow up, regardless of his current age. Haven't we learned that this is no job for newbies?
14
It must be desperate times for the Democrat party that their best hope is Beto, who couldn't even win a seat in the Senate, but is being romanticized for a Presidential run. Although, I have to admit, easier to digest than the Schumer/Pelosi duo.
5
Maybe get elected to something you run like governor of TX. Show people what you got when it comes to governing.
6
If Beto is still "drifting" and can't decide what his path is in life at 46, just wondering if maybe he should set his sights at something other than president of the United States.
16
Is Beto too emo to be president?
Not an attack on him, just an exploration of his toughness and readiness to be president since he’s not been challenged even at state level.
If women are asked whether they are “likable”, Beto deserves to be tested on his battle readiness to take on a brawler like Trump.
2
I read some of his blog and I am not impressed'
4
Why are you, NYT, promoting this youthful and very inexperienced politician? What does he really have to offer? I just don't get the adulation. So he's a nice guy? Really? How do we really know that and what does it really matter at this point. What makes him ready to be president? We currently have one, much older, who is horrible.
Let's give this man, O'Rourke some time to mature. What's the rush?
7
Why in the world is the press giving this guy any sort of attention? He sounds like a drifter and a grifter. With so many more qualified candidates who actually have a sense of drive and purpose in life, why would anyone give this guy a second thought? He is a complete embarrassment to anyone who has actually worked for a living. Let him make pizza.
13
Simple Life. He said he wanted to live a simple life. Maybe we should give him a chance.
3
“And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit for forty days in the wilderness, ...
Nice try, Beto, but we’ve been there done that before with all the wandering in the throes of a dilemma. Bear in mind what happened to the last young man to try.
3
Drifting and trying to find yourself is common when you're in your twenties. This guy is 46!!! He lost an election and is now "stuck", in and out of a "funk" that causes him travel the country, alone, in search of himself.... and this self-described "little bit of a sad case" wants to be President? I'd like to think the decisions a President makes are important enough to require a more stable personality.
I've always known that elections are essentially popularity contests but, at the core, it used to be that the candidates were at least accomplished and qualified. In my day, I can't think of a Presidential candidate in the 60s through 90s that didn't meet the above criteria. You might disagree with their policies and views but it was never a question of qualification and experience. Now we seem to be in this rut where we want candidates who are sensitive and listen to you. Experience, expertise? Nope. Not necessary. One thinks that if AOC was 35, people would actively encourage her to run (even though she has no accomplishments or experience other than winning an office (in other words, another popularity contest).
4
Fine. Go work out your issues. Get out of your "funk." We all have had our difficult times and transitions and we're charmed by your candor.
But this country has some big problems to solve, especially ones related to the dangerous and malevolent man currently in the White House and we need someone who at this time, at this moment, has his/her act together and is ready. And who can win.
We need every 2020 candidate to have wisdom, character and insight and to be sharp, clear and with a resolute direction so to be a steady person for and of the people. Maybe you should take more time to step back, figure yourself out, and if you're sure, we'll check in with you in 2028.
There's just so very much at stake that we can't afford to have this be about you.
It's about us.
17
Would hate to see him defined by his generation and age but rather by his positions on the issues and approach to politics. A bright, thoughtful, interesting candidate and I hope he runs. For all Americans.
4
Reading about Beto I am reminded of the Left’ reaction to Dan Quayle being selected by Bush 41. Too young and a mental lightweight, they said. But Quayle had been a congressman, senator, served in the National Guard and earned his J.D. He was a hard-working and focused man.
Now the Left goes gaga over a guy who seems nice enough but really is a lightweight. Wandering around trying to ‘find himself’ is not the resume we need for the Commander in Chief and leader of the free world. This guy hasn’t proven that he can accomplish anything, except marry well.
Not a word in the article about drug use. He’s part of the NY punk scene for years. Are we to assume he didn’t inhale?
7
Article actually does quote him as saying he DID inhale.
2
@Matt Williams
Dan Quayle has gone from being worth 10 million to being worth well over 100 million. Cerberus Partners has been very good for him.
1
Am I suppose to buy one his albums or vote for him?
This attempt to paint Beto as some sort of misunderstood, dreamy outsider does not survive even a quick review of the facts.
He is a politician. He tried very hard to do political favors for billionaire father-in-law. He is part of the machine.
I get it. Trump was not a politician and won so why not pound away on the "not your father's politician theme". If it was ever true, it isn't today.
3
I accept that we have someone who was ill prepared and unsuited in every way for the presidency in the White House today, but I for one, would not mind seeing someone who actually has deep government experience ascend to the office. Mayor? Great. Senator or Representative? Wonderful. But President? It's just not a job for a novice (no matter how well meaning and bright) if we want to regain our standing in the world in our lifetimes.
6
Back in the day, Google's motto was, "don't be evil." I loved that - the motto carried a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement of their power, and implied a delightful, whimsical willingness to do almost anything else (besides evil).
Then, a few years back, Alphabet's new motto became, "do the right thing." I found this disappointing. We all *want* to do the right thing, but determining what the right thing is is so darn confusing and difficult.
It takes courage to admit this; too many politicians won't show the type of vulnerability that Beto displays (Barack Obama displays it, too).
My dream ticket: Elizabeth Warren at the top, and Beto O'Rourke for VP!
6
This young-ish man has a gift - he connects with voters. Let's hope he also has the true gift of introspection - helping him realize he needs more seasoning before considering making a run for the presidency.
9
Quick, somebody dig up Salinger - Holden Caulfield has been found!
6
@Connecticut Yankee
Nah, Holden was a teenager in a mental hospital who had attempted suicide.
Beto's a responsible adult, although this profile did little to show that.
1
I certainly don't hold it against him that he kicked around for a while after college, a refreshing change from those who announced to their kindergarten class they were going to be President someday or die trying.
But I do think he has to stop all the brooding Hamlet stuff and decide whether or not to pursue the Presidency.
To run or not to run. That is the question.
4
Beto is all of us. I'm a boomer, but we share a story of searching, and we always will be searching.
5
He is charismatic and idealistic and seems honest and approachable. I need to see more and learn more about him but he definitely has my attention - and possibly my vote.
6
This is my perspective, and bear in mind I donated quite a bit of money to Beto's Senate campaign, volunteered, and had the sign in my yard. I think he's a fine person and would make a great president. However... if he was on a job interview at a company I owned, and he told me he wanted to take a walk about to decide, I wouldn't hire him. I'm feeling the same way about him as president right now. Either he want's this or he doesn't, I'm looking elsewhere, possibly at Amy Klobuchar ( if she runs.) If I were Amy, I would announce and ask Beto to be VP, that way he could decide as VP if he wants president after that. If he doesn't want VP, Nancy Pelosi is doing a wonderful job and would make a great VP.
13
@Missy
You do realized EVERY person in the same position - deciding whether to run - spends a lot of time figuring out if they want to and if it would be viable, right? You do realize he is par for the course, just maybe a little more genuine about revealing his state of mind about it, which should be a good thing. Means he's thoughtful. Which should be a good thing. As for Klobuchar, I'm with you, want her to run, but she is, ah, hmmmm, still deciding on that, so....
14
@Matthew We'll just how to see how he packages himself if he runs. He has lost a lot of free "advertising" that he may not get back if another favorite candidate emerges. Not really in the mood to argue your point though.
I feel like a good sit down with Mr. Bruce Springsteen might be helpful.
Bruce has a history with feeling rootless and struggling with depression.
Bruce had some serious father issues to work through.
Both possess optimistic, well articulated views of this country.
Bruce has attained comfort and greatness.
Perhaps he could help Beto get there, and we might all be the better for it.
5
@Ed Wile From an early age, Springsteen was a musician. He signed with a record label in his early 20s and his breakthrough album "Born to Run" was released a few years later when he was in his mid-20s. Now close to 70, he always will be a musician. By contrast, Beto is pushing toward 50 and still casting about for direction and inspiration.
9
What a great guy. We need more people like this in politics. I don't know if he's mature enough to run for President at this time but whatever he does, he will raise the bar on what is possible in public service in this country.
14
I can understand that it takes a lot of soul searching, a lot of questioning of oneself and others in order to decide about running for president. I can understand a 46 year old reviewing and reconsidering many aspects of his life. I cannot understand that a person at this point in life would still be searching for himself. And making a public entertainment of this? What would he have done if he had been elected Senator? Drive to New York to grow up on the way to Washington, DC? He knows what it was like to be a congressman. Presumably he knew what he wanted to do as a Senator. And, yes, deciding to run for President is a big step. But, putting this in terms of a coming of age narrative tells me he's not ready.
31
@MEM But this is the NY Times' narrative, not O'Rourke's
3
BIDEN & BETO 2020
8
@BP Yes!
2
And thusly, the NYTimes says goodbye to Beto's presidential aspirations...
22
Please write about Mr. O'Rourke when he does something that matters to us. Until then, the Times is embarrassing itself with these articles, which remind me a bit of the "where will Bryce Harper sign" tea-leaf-reading hot air.
29
Ah yes Beto, born into liberal privilege. At the age of 46 still surfing through life trying to stumble into a career. At least his "fall back" was marrying the daughter of a billionaire. Playing a nanny wasn't so bad.... well why not try President of the United States, it could be a nice gig??? .... No thanks Robert Francis, we already suffered through 8 years with an unqualified community organizer.
14
@BAMA BADGER wha?? O'Rourke has had a career, he founded an internet and software company, He was 3 times elected to the El Paso City Council and 3 times elected to Congress. And he came within 2.5% of flipping an incumbent Republican out of his seat in a conservative state. Unlike the impression that this article gives, he hasn't been stumbling around since college.
13
@BAMA BADGER
That community organizer put forth more courage every day than the whole of the Republican House and Senate put forth in 8 years.
14
Why is NYTimes publishing this story? Is this uninteresting story going to become typical of the Evening Briefing?
34
I can't wait for a piece like this on Bernie or Tulsi!
Oh, wait, nevermind. This is the NYT.....
12
Sounds like a grifter to me.
11
Can you explain? Can you list out an actual “grift”? Of course you can’t.
5
Remember when we spoke about the Best and The Brightest?! Donald Trump is President of The United States and Beto is not far behind?!!! Wake me up when this is all over.
13
This is certainly a more relatable path into politics than the normal crop of self-absorbed, borderline sociopath law school/med-school graduates.
I can't speak to all of his policy stances, but I can certainly agree with his views on Jawbox and Fugazi.
19
In their wisdom, the stars have aligned themselves for O’Rourke, and if he wants to be President, he has a real shot at it.
Hope his Greeks taught him something about accepting his fate.
16
I’m not saying this is all there is to him, but nothing in this article makes me want to vote for Beto. The gift of gab makes him charming — but we already have a president who talks a lot (yet is wholly without substance). Passion for music — I have that but it doesn’t qualify me to be president. I see no demonstration of intellectual curiosity, foundation for understanding and making policy, or leadership qualities. Withholding judgment but underwhelmed thus far. (Plus the dentist chair vid made me cringe at his narcissism).
32
Great. So this is what we need: a self-indulgent trying to rediscover himself.
19
What a waste of time this reveal is.Beto has a much chance as the Spartacus...none.He was an undistinguished shill to a misleading ideology in Texas government. he is no Kennedy or Obama...
8
Other than playing drums and baby sitting what has this guy accomplished or experienced - other than white privilege?
What experiences other than being daddy the Judges son qualifies him for any position other than Walmart greeter?
28
@Wkenddad, Well, among other things, he founded a successful internet and software company. He was elected to and served three terms on the El Paso City Council. In 2012 he was elected the U.S. Representative for Texas’ 16th congressional district, winning over an 8-term incumbant, and served three terms in Congress. Not your average Walmart greeter.
16
@Meowzer
Sorry, not enough accomplishment at high enough level in government. Regardless of the current job-holder, a U.S. president needs experience.
1
nothing in this article suggests he has any qualities or experiences that would make him a good president, please do not run
43
Please. This man is not ready for prime time and probably never will be. Other Democrats are. He can just keep doing what he is doing.
12
Let's see here, Mr. BO'R refuses to identify as progressive, he violated his pledge not to take money from oil executives, and has failed to articulate a single policy he believes in. On the other side of the coin are his hair, his skateboard, his skin color, and his misleading ethnicity. If this is the best the Democratic party can do I am just going to stay at home on election day and binge on old Bugs Bunny cartoons and wait for the world to burn.
13
Run BETO run!! I have watched you on the campaign trail and been to your rallies in Texas. I have never seen the excitement and hopefulness from a politician until you came along. This is your calling. Texas is so red it shines in the dark. Don't waste your time in our "one trick party" state. Go for it, you are a quick study. Surround yourself with smart, competent people, and run for President!!
25
No more billionaire families in the white house.
18
Well, there is the Dems' hero: wandering through life, with "...a grim insistence that the Smashing Pumpkins had grown pretentious."
With that resumè, he'll probably be nominated by Acclamation
12
Perfect candidate for the millennials! Perfect Obama II. That's why all the hype!
5
I don’t get it. It’s too soon; he should earn his stripes - maybe even win an election or two - before putting himself forward for president.
13
The last presidential election was one of the Republican clown car. This one seems to be one with a Democrat clown car. Looks like another clown will soon be entering the car.
7
I would love the rest of the country to get to know Beto better. He was first introduced to me as “authentic” ,he has been true to form since the day he started his campaign. He has changed the landscape of politics in Texas. He made us question our values, he made us question our apathy in Texas politics. How did we get to that point? Politicians are politicians we vote for them and they forget about us! Not Beto - he reminded us - he would forget our stories. We don’t need a seasoned politicians. We need a fresh start for people who represent people. WE need authentic, someone who knows how to connect to the average person. No voter was left behind He was suppose to loose in double digits. He lost by 2.5%. His legacy has activated a new tribe of activist. Not only are we fighting the Trump/Cruz agenda, we are fighting our values up and down the ballot. We are now intricately involved and educated on policy and legislation. We need him on the ballot. We are too close to winning and turning Texas Blue. We have a strategy we have the energy. HAving Beto at the top of the ticket is going to help us turn blue. If Texas turns blue ....... we win !
25
@Chanda
Sorry he has to turn Texas blue first by some statewide contest. But he does not have enough experience to be U.S. president.
1
This portrait of Beto sounds pretty phony to me, What kind of person does a front pate Times article on feeling lost just before running for the Presidency? Sounds to me like he is hoping lots of admiring Dems will come to his rescue.
If I were a Texan I would have voted for him over Ted Cruz. But as a candidate for President of the US? Not me. He just isn't liberal enough.
For one thing he is not in favor of unions. Checkout some of the previous articles on him and you will learn that he is a liberal compared to Ted Cruz but a right winger compared to the rest of the Democractic candidates.
11
This one section explains why his supporters feel so strongly about Beto - he doesn't look up on them or down on them. He genuinely likes them:
"In a neighborhood of Hasidic Jews, Mexican-Americans and residents from the Marcy Houses blocks away, Mr. O’Rourke developed a reputation as the socially dexterous Texan who could talk to anyone. 'If you needed somebody to talk to somebody, you asked Beto,' a neighbor, Yuval Adler, recalled."
Unlike a lot of the politicians in Washington who want to rule over people, Beto likes people. It's that simple. So maybe he has achieved his vision.
446
@common sense advocate
Shedding a teardrop...not.
Gagging? Yes.
4
@common sense advocate
MY GOD You mean he can talk to people of different socio economic groups!!!!!
Millions of New Yorkers do that every day.
13
@common sense advocate
Do you even know "a lot of the politicians in Washington"? Any U.S. president must have experience in politics, without exception.
4
I wrote off Beto O'Rourke after he won the Democratic nomination last March. He was from El Paso, not necessarily an oil and gas city, and it's in a different time zone than the rest of Texas. Plus he was running against an incumbent with a lot of Tea Party support in a traditionally conservative state. Statewide Beto was relatively unknown.
But Beto outworked Ted Cruz at the grassroots level and generated a lot of enthusiasm among younger voters, especially on college campuses. His yard signs and bumper stickers were all over the place, even in Republican precincts, while Cruz was running an ineffectual campaign relying mostly on TV attack ads. Putting it mildly, Ted Cruz got lucky.
Another Texas politician by the name of George H.W. Bush served two terms in the U.S. House but in 1964 and 1970 he lost elections to the U.S. Senate.
GHWB moved on to higher office. Don't count out Beto from doing likewise.
76
We're two boomers just old enough to be Mr. O'Rourke's parents. We *love* everything about Mt. O'Rourke that a GOP national campaign would probably try to hurl back at him.
"Drifting" and talking to all sorts of people, trying different jobs is a fantastic prequel to political life. Being a nanny? What a great way to learn about a huge variety of day-to-day issues affecting parents, other domestic workers (many illegal), and income diversity. The year LBJ spent as an elementary school teacher in an impoverished border community informed his better part for the rest of his life.
By making youth decide at an ever-younger age what they "want to do" our society is deprived of the value that unexpected and serendipitous life movements and decisions give individuals. Way too many of our ruling class take the equivalent of the old Eastern shuttle straight from college to a predetermined career trajectory.
Best of all is someone who can acknowledge there are things he doesn't know--which, as Socrates said, is an essential part of true wisdom.
631
@Grennan
I never said that.
Beto 2020
48
@Grennan
You mean like (1) he's not remotely qualified, (2) he has a billionaire relative and (3) he has a penchant for corruption having promoted his father-in-laws real estate deals that dislocated the poor Hispanics he purports to represent? Geez, getting arrested twice for serious crimes is simply icing. Yep, Presidential timber.
After the Left's love-affair with a pot-head Obama who won't release his academic transcripts because he assuredly failed out and was an affirmative action admit, I cannot say I am surprised. Identity politics are the savior to party entirely bereft of ideas or patriotism.
The Left confused African Obama (has nothing to do with his place of birth) so why not credit Beto with being Hispanic? If you are going to play identity politics, at least try to get them correct.
Newsflash.... Ted Cruz is not exactly that likable and won easily without seriously fundraising by 1 million votes. Beto was backed by every wing nut from both coasts and still lost. And now, he's not fresh and people will have to actually LEARN something about him. He's a dirty Democratic politician from the backwater of El Paso. Please donate heavily.
10
Wait—you’re sounding an alarm because Obama didn’t release his *college transcripts*?
33
I LOVED this article. It reminded me so much of myself, and how untethered I felt after graduating from college. It took me a few years (and moving to a few different states) before I found my way to graduate school and a career. But those years taught me the value of false starts, and the importance of taking the time to get to know myself well enough to make the right decision about my future.
There are plusses to being at sea for a while, not least among them being the empathy and compassion you gain for others who are also struggling to find their way.
Empathy and compassion seem in such short supply these days. Go Beto.
75
It has begun. The Times has begun their dewy eyed New York twist stories on the young and the restless growing up to run for President of the United States. Howard Schultz next?
15
His wandering act and navel gazing is wearing a bit thin.
58
@PAB It's no different than the "praying" Republicans do when considering a presidential run.
2
Please Beto, save yourself the embarrassment and do not run. You put on a good show in Texas, and I even sent you $50 or so, but you turned out to be too much hope and not enough substance.
20
Substance compared to who?
8
@Matthew Julian Castro, for one.
2
#BetoORourke2020
7
New York is not for everyone. He came, he went as many others before and after him. It's not a sign of failure or not knowing what he wants at all. He had a typical bohemian life in a great city at an age when it's possible to experience this before one has to grapple with the business of maturing. I like him more for that.
27
I don't know if Beto is presidential material, but I do know that many people are sick of professional politicians, K-Street boys, almost all productivity growth being vacuumed up the One Percent, and old geezers (male and female) running a nation they won't be around to see in 20 years. Unfortunately, the last time around a lot of the public fell for a con-man who said all the right lies -- and are now stuck with him. I wouldn't be surprised to see O'Rourke run. Would I support him in primaries? That would depend on who else runs. What's certain is that folks are sick and tired and are going to follow someone (anyone?) who can stop playing them for suckers and fools. Is Beto the one? We shall simply have to see about that........
18
Gov. Hickenlooper has a million times the experience and wider appeal ,still could have trouble getting the candidacy or winning against this President.
4
Could we please stop treating politics like social media entertainment? Have we not learned how dysfunctional an inexperienced cult hero can be in office?
96
@Bob Krantz
Thank you. I don't rule him for a future run, but he needs to have more than charisma to offer.
2
People called Obama inexperienced. What he had was a strong work ethic and sense of empathy coupled with a desire to learn and do right by his countrymen. Those traits stray pretty far from our current President.
I see a lot of handwringing about how he would tangle with 45. Did you pause to consider that someone staid who WOULDN’T tangle with 45 might be useful? Someone who would let that untied orange balloon spray frantically around the room until it ran of air and collapsed, wrinkled and limp in the corner, before ignoring him entirely and saying something calm and optimistic. It’s what he did running for Senate and people loved it. I saw that same potential Al Franken’s demeanor, though the two would admittedly make for very different candidates.
Dialing it down, not up, might be refreshing to the public after non-stop escalated politics. I, for one, am sick of being shouted at.
3
Run, Beto. Run.
7
From Cheevy to Prufrock to O'Rourke. Still a dearth of there there.
4
Foolish and emotional? Okay. I guess so.
But the photo at the top of your article--it gave me a pang.
Partly because it reminded me of my son. Who is NOT in his forties--is NOT poor or unemployed or at loose ends. And yet--
--right after college, he sort of was.
And it's the look on Mr. O'Rourke's face. That eminently vulnerable look. "How do I fit in?" "Is there a place for me somewhere?" "What do I propose to DO? What do I propose to BE?"
And then I think--then and now, there must be millions of young people in exactly that boat. Asking those questions. Moving about from job to job--place to place--ever trying to fit in, find that niche, that place where they can simply be--
--be what? "A simple man"? Interesting! A goal I never heard of before.
I grieve (of course) that Mr. O'Rourke never made it into the U.S. Senate. I contemplate the guy who DID and I think to myself--
--well. Never mind. How strong a presidential candidate would Mr. O'Rourke be? I don't know.
How strong was Barack Obama? Or John F. Kennedy? Or Franklin D. Roosevelt--the "nice young man" (said columnist Walter Lippmann) "who would like to become President." Well--one thing seem pretty sure:
A lot of us--millions and millions of us!--would take ANYONE AT ALL--
--in preference to the guy we've got right now--
--the guy we're stuck with--
--for another two years.
In any event, Mr. O'Rourke--
--I wish you the best.
I really do.
God bless.
93
@Susan Fitzwater such a moving comment <3 brought tears to my eyes. I fancy him as a VP candidate - breathless with anxiety and expectation.
4
Not trying to be overly pejorative or denigrating, but Beto is a lightweight, and terribly dilettantish, and flaky.
Who is Beto?
Not even Beto knows, and that is the point of this article.
This man is not an intellectual, a politician, a great business leader, a military man, an artist, an athlete, or a talented professional of some kind.
He likely is a great dad and family man, but does that qualify one to be President of the United States?
Beto is your average guy next store in a middle-upper class area of the country, just a tad more charismatic and infinitely more melodramatic, and "rebellious" if that means one grew long hair a decade ago and smoked a few joints.
This is a guy who is full of himself, like a lot of aspiring politicians.
In the vein of Martin Sheen's sage advice at the end of Oliver Stone's "Wall Street": Beto, get a real job in El Paso, and make something of yourself.
56
@Brendan
Well said.
4
@Bill F.
Thank you, and for the fun of it, I wrote an opposite "positive" comment on Beto to present the other side, which is also climbing in Reader recommendations. We'll see which one wins!
“He liked to drink beer,” Mr. Wieder said, “not in the Brett Kavanaugh sense”. That's true. Kavanaugh wasn't arrested for DWI while attempting to flee the scene of an accident.
18
@Steve Bennett No, instead Mr. Kavanaugh attempted rape of another high school student---but wasn't arrested for it. Be careful what can of worms you open.
31
@joan smith Thank you for that!
1
@joan smith
Thank you!
1
Can I just say, I am loving Gen X's ascension to the top jobs in public life. People I can relate to.
253
Maybe when he is leading 330 million people and the largest economy in the world, he can decide what wants to do when he grows up. If he is the best of GenX, they have no leaders.
11
Quick question: Has anyone who reads this newspaper ever seen "Being There?" Please watch before reading on.
13
Also, he never wore blackface.
24
@rtb So far as we know. So far
4
Live a life first, have a career, a family, then you will know what it takes to become a leader.
23
@Gustav
Have a family? Why? Why is that necessary to become a leader?
2
Surprising that he's a serious presidential candidate, given he's never won an election.
7
@Joe Sneed
You don't know what you're talking about. He was elected to the US House of Representatives 3 times. 2012, 14 and 16.
59
@Joe Sneed, do you realize he was in Congress?
19
@Joe Sneed He was 3 times elected to the El Paso City Council and 3 times elected to Congress. And he came within 2.5% of flipping an incumbent Republican out of his seat - the last time a Democratic Senator was elected from Texas was in 1988.
37
Not exactly a leader. Sounds pretty spoiled. Basically when he finally got a "real job" in New York, he could not hack it and finally went home (the ultimate back up option). Very uninspiring as well. I would never back someone like him, regardless of political ideology.
18
@Emily are you familiar with W's post-college resume? Trump was well into his first couple frauds within five years of graduating from Penn.
48
@Emily Yeah he couldn't run through hundreds of millions of dad's dollars on the road to real estate "success"
16
I like Beto he's real, he's not a hater, he's into bringing people together
63
Definitely not presidential material.
19
@pcrescue seems like my kind of guy. He's actually normal, I think we need that In the Whitehouse
2
Who said the NYT can't do 'hit pieces' like Fox News!
I present Exhibit A, this article by Mr. Flegenheimer!
Clearly, the writer has been asked by his editor to wrtie an article about the good Congressman that presents him in the worst possible light.
In 2016, the NYT attacked Bernie in the hopes of getting Hillary in office. That did not workout too well. But take heart, you can always pull out your bag of tricks for 2022!
What tired, out of touch with the heartland politician will they be backing this year. Biden, perhaps? Maybe, Elizabeth?
16
@JK
You're very seriously mistaken about the NYT supporting Hillary. The NYT has NEVER given the Clinton's the benefit of the doubt. The Times went overboard to give every Democratic and Republican candidate for President much, much more leeway and benefit of the doubt than was ever extended to Hillary Clinton. As Casey Stengel would say, "You can look it up".
5
@JK
Did we read the same article? How is this painting O'Rouke in a bad light?
And, big shock, Bernie supporter complaining about the Bernie coverage.
I believe you are letting your personal bias color what was actually an interesting and entertaining article.
1
This guy has impacted Texas politics in a way I didn't think possible. There are going to be 'Beto' stickers on bumpers down here for years to come. Incredible charisma.
81
@Dan Riordan So many down ballot candidates in Texas benefited from the increased voter turnout Beto generated- 17 judges in Houston, incumbent members of the Texas legislature and Congress voted out of office.
3
I'm sorry, but I've yet to see anything that says Beto O'Rourke could be the next president except for the NYTimes continually insisting that he could.
Please, NYTimes, you embarrassed yourselves enough with the not-even-remotely-objective fawning you did over Hillary Clinton in 2015-2016. Try not to repeat the same mistakes with someone you seem to idealize as the ultimate Clinton-Obama hybrid.
The era of nebulous centrists with only hints of actual policy ideas is over. Only real political heavyweights can help us now, not featherweights you claim can punch above their weight class.
42
@Sean "Fawning" over Hillary. If by fawning you mean breaking the story on her emails and hammering that story month after month.
11
This sounds like the type of down and out story that leads to a career in country western music. He doesn't have the kind of background I want in a President, Senator, Representative or dog catcher.
21
I like O'Rourke just fine. But I hope he doesn't run for president, as much of the media is seemingly begging him to do.
I think many people are underestimating how large a hurdle it will be for him to have lost the only statewide election he's run for.
"He couldn't even win his own state" (against Ted Cruz no less!) - it may sound unfair, but I'm sure it'll be on the mind of A LOT of primary voters.
Run for senate again. Run for governor. Open a foundation, and do good work. Don't waste time with a run at the White House right now.
48
@Vin
I agree. There is another Senate opening in 2020. Beto has already done a lot of the groundwork when he went to every single county in the state of Texas. That is quite an achievement.
I was reading a book about Texas and it gave an insight to the challenge of running for office in Texas, especially something with national implications like US Senator or governor. Texas is geographically huge and hard to campaign in for that reason, also very expensive and time consuming. It's just a lot of work.
Beto did that. No Texas politician ever visited every single county before. People appreciated that and loved him for it, even those who did not him. Remember, he was also running against a powerful incumbent.
He ignored the DNC (or did they ignore him?) and ran a very competitive race. For those who do not think much of him, remember Ted Cruz did, enough so that he swallowed his pride and implored Trump campaign for him.
He is definitely in a much stronger position to run again because of all the gains he has already made. He just needs to build on them. Besides, we need more Democrats in the Senate, having the House is not enough. We need a Senate majority to check Trump's dreadful appointments.
21
@Vin
He's got to run while he still has his looks. That seems to be about all he has.
3
I would hardly call staying on for 3 years after Columbia, being "adrift in New York City." Young people don't just jump into their dream job, even if they graduated from an Ivy League school! I spent several months in New York City when I was just 19, in the early 80s. The city was an absolute mess at that time. Crime was rampant. Broadway still looked like it did in the film Taxi Driver with pimps, hustlers, and prostitutes everywhere. It was crazy, but I don't regret going there because I knew I wanted to be a writer, and I needed to experience more of the world than I had from the rural places that I had lived in. There's nothing wrong with that. I NEVER planned to permanently live in New York City, and neither did O'Rourke.
15
@Diane Powell Oh, good Lord, I meant TIMES SQUARE, not Broadway, in the above comment! It's been a long time and I was having brain farts!
3
I saw Beto twice during his Senate campaign. Two things struck me. When meeting people, he actually listened to what they had to say. He didn't just leave a politician's "pause" for somebody before repeating his sound byte.
I watched him interact with a person with severe learning disabilities. Most people smile, try to look tolerant and move on. He spoke to the person, waited patiently for the person to respond and carefully considered what the person had said.
At one Town Hall event in the beginning of his campaign, he began to talk. He began to tell stories. A crowd that had shown up either to dutifully prove they were Democrats - or to heckle him - got caught up. He spoke to us like no politician ever had. There were no canned answers. Everyone felt they could participate, talk to him, tell him their problems. At the end, the atmosphere was electric and passionate. I had never seen a politician have that effect.
He may be a political odd duck in a 'profession' overflowing with narcissistic lawyers who decided in middle school they were going to be President, but he has an honesty and an authenticity none of them can match.
846
@Eilidh Ritchie and he's presidential material how!
3
Spot on. I saw the same thing while attending a Beto rally in Dallas when visiting a friend. He has that “it” factor — charisma — that everyone says all presidents have, regardless of party.
33
@Eilidh Ritchie: Guess I'm just an old-guy cynic but everything you say about O'Rourke are the very things that make untenable any aspirations for the White House. Honesty? Authenticity? Actually listening and actually not regurgitating a tired sound bite in response? You've got to be kidding. He'll get chopped up and spit out by his own party before he ever has a chance to rest his head on the GOP chopping block.
And that's too bad because this country could really use someone like him.
21
As a New Yorker also looking for my place and purpose I can relate to this intensely. So can many of my fellow Millenials. We could use a president who can actually relate to our struggles—rather than one who got millions of dollars from daddy and who condescends to his working class supporters while raising their taxes and destroying their environment.
In other words, we need a president of the people.
484
@Casey Penk Unfortunately many millennials (of which I am one in NYC) didn't have the luxury of floating in NYC for years post- college working directionless jobs by choice, boarding schools in Virginia and a father who was a politically connected county commissioner and judge in West Texas. He may be a nice guy but these stories make him seem spoiled and entitled.
38
What? The article describes Beto’s well-to-do father, and his going to boarding school, then to Columbia for 7 years? This is classic rich white privilege. And now he has the privilege of time to find himself? Hardly the Everyman of a generation, let alone this nation.
25
@BP Not only is his father politically connected, his father-in-law is a wealthy oil man with moneyed friends who have helped him.
17
Makes me like him even more. I don't share all his views, but he's a work in progress, and it seems he sees and has concern for real people. I think he could appeal to voters with a lot of different backgrounds, would work well with others, and is not just another self serving egomaniac. He speaks well, generates excitement, and is from the west. We need more like him in politics. I hope he runs.
392
@Norburt. Speaks well, generates excitement — ok, he’s got the cool factor. Listens to people — yeah, he’s thoughful. From the west — so what? Where is his experience in running anything? Foreign policy? What are his policy positions? What does he read? Who are his advisors? He is a work in progress for sure — hardly ready to take on one of the most demanding jobs in the world.
12
@Irene Yeah, but his wife's people got a lot of money, that should count for something...no????
6
Three generations of our family greeted Beto in our very red Texas county during his senate campaign - and found his willingness to engage with all of us (including the three year old) extraordinary. I felt in the presence of generosity bordering on greatness. My current dream ticket (as the most alienated cradle Texas Republican possible) is Kamala Harris and Beto O’Rourke. I truly can’t register as a Republican but there are only a few Republicans I would vote for anymore - Will Hurd, Beto’s friend, being one.
85
Let's not forget that Obama's youthful existential questing (and substance sampling) didn't ultimately harm his political career. Indeed, his biography was not just inspirational to many, but also felt relatable. Many a Gen-Xer will recognize the odyssey described here; just substitute a different city or college town.
I'd like to see Beto in the VP slot, perhaps to offset some of Warren's occasional woodenness. He's got energy to burn, very much like an Obama or a Bill Clinton. We shouldn't underestimate the importance of stamina in politics.
And as an aside: I don't know what Jeff Ryan is talking about. Fugazi's politics couldn't have been more clearly and intelligently articulated. I've always hoped that Ian Mackaye would run for office, actually.
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A very interesting and endearing piece. This actually humanizes Beto and makes me connect with him. Although I have lived and stayed in NYC for most of my life, I understand it’s not for everyone. The city can be challenging. Here I was also reminded of Gen X, to which I think Beto belongs. Younger Beto is definitely reminiscent of the crew in Reality Bites, for example. This piece also suggests Beto is open and pensive, if a bit indecisive. I still appreciate the candor and sense of nostalgia permeating here. Great series. If Beto runs and maybe even wins we will certainly get a Thinker-in-Chief.
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Resourceful kid. Give him a chance, he's got a heart.
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Is he a kid? The age at which Americans are said to move into adulthood keeps climbing higher into what was not long ago considered mid-life.
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And he’s not a kid.
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Life is short. The 2020 political road to glory will be long, crowded,
disappointing and heartbreaking for most, and ruinously expensive
financially, morally, and emotionally.
Mr. O’Rourke seems too idealistic to try to sell himself in that world.
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Nothing about his billionaire wife? Hmmm. Interesting omission....
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@Dave
Here's info about Beto's father in law:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherhelman/2018/11/04/is-beto-orourkes-wife-really-a-billionaire-heiress-not-likely/#7780984c387f
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@Dave The piece is about his time in NYC.
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@Dave He met his wife in El Paso in 2006 long after he left New York City. And, according to Forbes, her father is no billionaire.
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My kind a guy!
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Beto is so very Generation X. It warms my cynical GenX heart to see it, too.
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@Dave Bledsoe Indeed. I felt like I was reading about my own early 20s.
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@Dave Bledsoe So true. Very like my 1990s post college experience in ny.
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@Dave Bledsoe Some of us in our early 20's were putting ourselves through school and working to do so and making car payments on a third hand car. Spare me his time finding himself in NYC while his well connected daddy paid for his education at Columbia and private prep schools.
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I am not convinced he s ready for primetime - running for the Democratic Presidential nomination. And the suggestion that he is currently at sea is not a strong rec for high office.
It's good, tho', to see someone in politics who had the sort of " mis-matched" and cobbled together early adulthood experiences that echo a lot of his peers ( and some of us older folk, too).
It's a bit of a relief, too, to not have another lawyer or who clawed their way to the top . . .
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@cheryl
"an exercise in recognizing his own averageness"
though he was and is probably a little above average
whew - a lot of us can identify w/ that!
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“Currently at sea” well, think of it as Shakespearean. He is sorting things out and asking the bigger questions. This is to be admired and encouraged, because it is about courage. He will be all the stronger for it.
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@cheryl I'm not convinced, either. But I'm not convinced he's not. That's what primaries are for. If he holds up, he'll be find. That was one disadvantage of the HRC coronation last go 'round. HRC didn't really get warmed up before getting into the general election. Bernie beat himself by starting a year too late' having no strategy for super-delegates other than to whine about the rules that had been in place since 1972; and because he was about as unfamiliar with African-American voters as we was with Martians. A good, clean nasty primary is a good tune up. Hillary barely broke a sweat beating Bernie.
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