Beto O'Rourke plans 'reintroduction' as 2020 buzz fizzles

[TexasTowelie]

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — Beto O'Rourke barreled into the 2020 presidential race with breakneck energy and a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants campaign style that saw him leap atop tables to address overflow crowds with the organic, off-the-cuff candor that had made him a Texas sensation.

But since his mid-March campaign launch, the buzz surrounding the former congressman has evaporated. Competing in a massive field of Democratic White House hopefuls, O'Rourke has sagged in the polls. He's made few promises that resonated or produced headline-grabbing moments, instead driving around the country meeting with voters at mostly small events.

In a tacit recognition that this approach isn't working, O'Rourke is planning to try again, taking a hands-on role in staging a "reintroduction" ahead of next month's premier Democratic presidential debate. As he finalizes his plans, O'Rourke has entered an intentional "quiet period" to build out campaign infrastructure, according to an adviser who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the campaign's strategy.

That will end soon. O'Rourke is planning to significantly ramp up national media appearances — he is appearing live on ABC's "The View" on Tuesday after skipping most such exposure in recent months. He's also poised to offer more concrete policy plans on top issues. So far, he's issued just one — a sweeping proposal to combat climate change.

Read more: https://www.mrt.com/news/texas/article/Beto-O-Rourke-readies-reintroduction-as-2020-13837447.php
(Midland Reporter-Telegram)

I expect an up tick in support next week after Beto goes on The Rachel Maddow Show on Monday night and on The View on Tuesday. Beto has an experienced team, superb knowledge of the issues, and an inspiring message so the buzz will be there for him.

[ETStevens]

1. How did his campaign "fizzle"?

It's still nine months until the Iowa Caucuses and his name recognition is higher than several of the Democrats running?

[dalton99a]

3. They all talk like that

but I doubt it bothers him too much. I myself thought he was on a fool's errand when I first saw and met him when he was driving around in the middle of freakin' nowhere deep in Texas redneck country - like some kind of itinerant preacher preaching veganism to cannibals

[helpisontheway]

2. They were counting Obama out in the early days too...Meanwhile, he was quietly organizing/meeting

with people. He is NOT Obama but he has a chance if he actually starts introducing policies that the majority cares about. I think not being clear in the beginning hurt him. Especially when you compare him to Mayor Pete. However, Mayor Pete has his own obstacles too. However, he is very clear about his beliefs and knocks it out of the park every single time.

[dalton99a]

4. Thousands didn't turn out to hear him talk about vague generalities or stuff few people cared about.

His speeches had specifics and proposals and he expounded on them - on issues affecting the average American family

[Indygram]

5. He actually reminds me of Obama

And the whole lack of policy thing is something the media started saying and people just repeat. That and the standing on tables/counters thing. (I have been watching all of his townhalls on live stream since shortly after he announced and haven't seen his do that once) It's not true, though, as anyone who watches his Q&A portions of all the dozens of town halls he does will tell you. He does need to get them all organized and detailed on his website, though.

[NYMinute]

6. Never ever count Beto out

The harder the struggle, the stronger he becomes.