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brooklynite

(94,613 posts)
Thu Jan 2, 2020, 10:16 AM Jan 2020

Julin Castro Ends Presidential Campaign

Source: New York Times

Julián Castro, the former housing secretary who was the only Latino candidate in the Democratic primary, said Thursday he would end his bid for the presidency, capping a yearlong campaign where despite struggling in polls, he remained an enduring contender and policy pacesetter on immigration and fighting poverty.

Throughout his campaign, Mr. Castro, 45, a native of San Antonio who spent five years as its mayor, portrayed himself as an unapologetic liberal who was shaped by his humble beginnings and had been overlooked by the press. Though he created some memorable moments as he championed progressive policy and challenged his rivals on the campaign trail, Mr. Castro was unable to break into the upper tier of a crowded primary field. His exit is the latest departure of a candidate of color from a field that began as the most racially diverse ever in a Democratic primary.

“I’ve determined that it simply isn’t our time,” Mr. Castro said in a nearly four-minute video message released by his campaign, which included a montage from his year on the trail, including visits to the border and a homeless encampment in Oakland. “Today it’s with a heavy heart, and profound gratitude, that I will suspend my campaign for president.”

“I’m not done fighting," Mr. Castro continued, though he gave no indication of his immediate plans. “I’ll keep working towards a nation where everyone counts, a nation where everyone can get a good job, good health care and a decent place to live.”

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/us/politics/julian-castro-dropping-out.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

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bearsfootball516

(6,377 posts)
1. Liked him a lot, can think of a few others I would have rather seen drop out first.
Thu Jan 2, 2020, 10:34 AM
Jan 2020

But the field has to be whittled. And he's missed the last couple debates and wasn't even going to make a dent in Iowa. Will be fantastic in a cabinet position should that be where his future goes.

Docreed2003

(16,866 posts)
3. I wish he had gotten more traction
Thu Jan 2, 2020, 10:38 AM
Jan 2020

He's an important voice to the party and I'm sure he'll continue to be so.

Kali

(55,014 posts)
4. too bad
Thu Jan 2, 2020, 11:17 AM
Jan 2020

I really like him. Harris too. Well, I like most of our candidates and wish it could be a real debate about who represents us. Unfortunately only one thing really matters. Getting rid of that asshole.

 

evertonfc

(1,713 posts)
6. Beto/Castro
Thu Jan 2, 2020, 11:33 AM
Jan 2020

Would have been so dynamic. Young, diverse and progressive. Reminisce of Clinton/Gore. Man, to see two 40 somethings who don't apologize every day and speak truth. Oh well, we will have to support an old, white, Washington insider ( not that there is anything wrong with that!)

onetexan

(13,043 posts)
10. Julian should run for TX governor in 2022
Thu Jan 2, 2020, 01:34 PM
Jan 2020

TX has no term limit on this office so Abbott will not be term limited. However, the Castros are well known in TX and have a good shot at winning the office.

Brother Buzz

(36,446 posts)
12. In my perfect world, Julian woudl have pulled the plug sooner and run for the US senate in Texas...
Thu Jan 2, 2020, 02:36 PM
Jan 2020

But he's a team player and would never torpedo MJ Hegar's campaign.

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