Obama Compares Beto To Himself, Calls Him An 'Impressive Young Man'
Source: Talking Points Memo
By Kate Riga
November 21, 2018 9:59 am
President Barack Obama seems to agree with the frequently voiced observation that Rep. Beto ORourke (D-TX) is cut from the same cloth as he is, comparing their campaign styles and the authenticity that helped both men resonate with so many constituents.
ORourke is an impressive young man who ran a terrific race in Texas, Obama said on a live taping of David Axelrods podcast, The Axe Files. What I liked most about his race was that it didnt feel constantly poll-tested. It felt as if he based his statements and his positions on what he believed. And that, youd like to think, is normally how things work. Sadly its not.
The reason I was able to make a connection with a sizable portion of the country was because people had a sense that I said what I meant, Obama continued. And thats a quality that, as I look at what Im sure will be a strong field of candidates in 2020, many of whom are friends of mine and whom I deeply respect. What I oftentimes am looking for first and foremost is, do you seem to mean it? Are you in this thing cause you have a strong set of convictions that you are willing to risk things for? He said that ORourke fit this description, as do a number of people who are thinking about this race.
Top Democratic staffers and donors will likely take note of Obamas statements, many of whom are putting their 2020 plans on hold until the Texan congressman announces his intentions.
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Read more: https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/obama-compares-beto-to-himself-calls-him-an-impressive-young-man
bearsfootball516
(6,377 posts)He's young, energetic, absolutely infectious personality similar to what Obama has, and doesn't have a ton of political baggage that older potential clients have.
The fact that he nearly won Texas as a Democrat says something.
LiberalLovinLug
(14,174 posts)That is the key statement there.
He is not an "other" to Texans. And they have gotten to know him during this election. Probably changed the optics of what a Democrat looks like to a lot of die hard conditioned Republicans. We know there's nothing like a candidate that Texans can call one of their own. W purposely moved down there strategically, including buying a farm and doing brush work for the cameras whenever he could.
And if we get Texas, other southern states are vulnerable for the GOP.
I just don't know enough about him. Is he also another Obama in that he will not want to ripple any waves? That he will win by promising to "look forward" past any Trump crime family's activities?
Glimmer of Hope
(5,823 posts)He has it.
Adrahil
(13,340 posts)He came within a few points of winning a Senate seat. IN TEXAS.
This man can WIN.
LastLiberal in PalmSprings
(12,586 posts)Any questions?
flibbitygiblets
(7,220 posts)Trump's an asshole, but he has no filter. But enough about that turd.
Beto is a beacon of hope because like BO said, he doesn't come off as poll-tested. People can't relate to that shit, and they don't vote for what they can't relate to. My only concern about Beto is lack of experience. That hurt BO a lot in his first 4 years, he was naïve and overly optimistic IMO. Toward the end he had more of a "I don't give a f**k what you Republicans think" attitude, but it was hard-won. They saw his inexperience and optimism and used it against him. We need to learn from that lesson.
PS, I am not bashing Obama, I miss him and his graceful, honorable family every single day.
Jedi Guy
(3,192 posts)He made the mistake of thinking of the GOP as the "loyal opposition." That's the problem with being a fundamentally decent person: you tend to think others are also fundamentally decent, all evidence to the contrary.
And yeah, I miss Obama and his family every day, as well. It seems like ages ago, doesn't it?
Gothmog
(145,291 posts)Brother Buzz
(36,440 posts)O'Rourke is one year younger than Obama was when he became president, and a whole whopping year younger then Ted Cruz.
That being said, it's fair to say that both Obama and O'Rourke represent the younger people in this nation, something Cruz could never do.
iDOcareDoyou
(18 posts)Call For Beto to Run in 2020
Robert Francis "Beto" O'Rourke for President of the US
Please SIGN THE PETITION at:
https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/836/708/820/
WHY URGE BETO TO RUN?
Betos unvarnished approach is refreshing to older people, and intoxicating to the younger generation.
- Mikal Watts, a San Antonio-based lawyer
He is the real deal . . . charismatic . . . thoughtful . . . able
- Cappy McGarr, a Dallas-based investor
The Democratic Party has historically liked young, ambitious and aspirational people like . . . Robert Kennedy or a Barack Obama. (Beto) is a game changer . . . you cant deny the electricity and excitement around the guy.
- Robert Wolf, an investment banker
. . . he is charismatic as heck . . . and Democratic voters are craving for newer faces outside the traditional Northeast / California corridors. Even in Texas . . . has a lot of wow factor, and one could easily say that although he did not win this time . . . He would carry Texas in a National campaign!
- Steve Westly, former California state controller
PLEASE MAKE COPIES of this support for Beto and Post / Pass on to like-minded friends
Please SIGN THE PETITION at:
https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/836/708/820/
PLEASE MAKE COPIES of this support for Beto and Post / Pass on to like-minded friends
Please SIGN THE PETITION at:
https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/836/708/820/
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