Beto O'Rourke Tells Rachel Maddow: 'I Recognize That I Can Do a Better Job'

[TexasTowelie]

WASHINGTON — Former Representative Beto O’Rourke said Monday he “can do a better job” of communicating his 2020 campaign message, acknowledging that he must take steps to revive his once-promising presidential bid after seeing his polling dip in recent weeks.

Appearing on Rachel Maddow’s MSNBC show, Mr. O’Rourke said that after two months in the race, and “more than 150 town halls,” he recognized he had to broaden his strategy to appeal to a national audience and not only the voters and news media at his events.

“I have an opportunity to answer your questions, Rachel, and address those who may not have been able to attend them and make sure that they can hear what this campaign is about and how I answer the questions that are put to me,” he said. “So I hope that I’m continuing to do better over time.”

It was a striking concession from Mr. O’Rourke, whose surprisingly strong challenge against Senator Ted Cruz of Texas last year vaulted him into national prominence and won him high expectations when he entered the presidential race.

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/13/us/politics/beto-rachel-maddow.html

[NewJeffCT]

1. I like him, but

I think he waited too long to enter the race and his "star" seemed to fade a bit the longer he waited

[RLG]

3. I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this.

He announced before Biden and Buttigieg.

[NewJeffCT]

4. Yes

but, it seemed like he was "hot" before anybody had announced, and then when candidates kept declaring, his name kind of faded into the background.

[brer cat]

2. It's hard to stand out in a crowded field.

I think Beto's message will appeal to many voters but he has to get it out where people see/read it.

[madville]

5. It was always going to be a struggle

Been saying it for awhile, same with "rising stars" like Abrams and Gillum. You can't equate nationwide support, media attention and out of state donations in a failed red state Senate or governor's race to nationwide support in a crowded Democratic Presidential primary.

And they are also in a precarious position if they want to try other runs in 2020, Trump coverage is going to drown out any national attention of statewide races unlike in the 2018 midterm.

[VOX]

6. I caught Rachel's interview with Beto, and was extremely impressed.

To the point that, for now at least, I’m supporting his candidacy. I think that many Americans haven’t really seen him yet; and I have a hunch that, once they hear him, they will be moved in a good way. Yes, he’s young, but he has a gift— the ability to emotionally connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.

My support for Beto is somewhat measured, as it’s so early in the process that anything can happen. To be clear, however, I will eagerly support ANY Democrat who comes out on top of the primaries.

[Indygram]

7. Welcome! He live streams pretty much everything he does on facebook

He even livestreamed his first fundraiser...but be warned...watching him gets addictive.

[VOX]

8. Thanks! His communication skills are extraordinary.

The comparisons to Obama in that area are not hyperbole. Beto *thinks* while he speaks— you can see the gears turning and meshing as he goes along, and his words never come off as a rote, stump-speech.

This is a gift, a thread of genius— you can’t acquire it, or learn it. And when applied for a greater good, the ability to connect can produce greatness.

[Indygram]

9. He reminds me a lot of Obama too

I've been watching him very closely for going on two months and I have only seen one trait I would consider a flaw, and it's not even that big of one. Sometimes when he is asked a question he has so much to say where he starts off trying to build up to an answer he thinks of something else and goes a bit off on a tangent. What he says is still good...it just means that sometimes he sort of loses track of what the question was. He's not trying to dodge anything, it's just sort of like being mid-sentence about emissions and seeing an eagle flying past and saying, "Look! An eagle! Did you know that eagles are endangered? We need to do more to protect eagles..."

[VOX]

11. Hahaha I know what you're saying.

Last night on Rachel, I forget the specific question, but it was a broad-based inquiry regarding international issues. Beto did his thing, but he did pull himself back in, saying, “But you asked me about Iran...” And he gave a cogent, thoughtful response.

It seems like he’s conscious of when his “riffing” pulls him into another lane. Just a bit of discipline can temper that. But I’d hate to see him abandon his more free-form moments altogether.

On edit: A belated welcome to DU!

[Indygram]

14. Thanks! I've been lurking since the primaries for the 2004 election

He does usually eventually get to the answer but occasionally he doesn't, but if the person reminds him then he will answer it.

[essadaw]

10. he was great on Rachel Maddow

I think a lot of people who have only heard the mainstream media narrative about him are going to be very surprised when actually they hear him in person. He is very intelligent, answers questions in great detail, and I agree he connects with a wide range of people.

[VOX]

12. Yes! I'm very interested to see what happens when he gets greater exposure.

I agree, many will be pleasantly surprised.

On edit: Welcome to DU!

[SKKY]

13. I liked him on Rachel. Even though I support Harris, I've always liked Beto...

...and have always thought he would be a good President.

[VOX]

15. Harris is no slouch. Far from it.

She may be the most intelligent of all the candidates. And as a prosecutor, she can size up and anticipate human behavior in ways others cannot.

I have my eye on her as well.

[SKKY]

16. Well, as far as pure intelligence goes, it's hard to top Mayor Pete...

...But for me, Kamala is the complete package. One thing about the presidency that is fundamental in my view is their ability to "inspire" people. And Beto, especially when he's put on the spot, is hard to beat at that. I still watch his explanation for why NFLers should be able to kneel during the national anthem from time to time. If I had to rank my preferred candidates, it would be 1) Kamala, 2) Mayor Pete, and 3) Beto. But there is almost no daylight between the three. Either way, when it comes to the general, I think I speak for most on DU when I say I'm squarely a Yellow Dog Democrat.