Unfazed by sinking poll numbers, Beto O'Rourke keeps plugging away on presidential bid

[TexasTowelie]

SALEM, N.H.--Beto O’Rourke’s best days as a presidential candidate are already behind him. That could change, maybe soon. Ups and downs are typical in a campaign.

But for the El Paso Democrat who captured the imagination of party activists across the land last fall, when he came within a nicely coiffed hair of ousting Sen. Ted Cruz, it’s been only down since he jumped onto his first coffee shop countertop in Iowa.

Seven weeks later, he’s sunk to 3% support, far below his peak, when memories of his near miss against Cruz were fresh. He’s held more town halls and taken more questions from voters than any rival, including those who’ve been stumping a year longer, and his poll numbers sink and sink.

It’s enough to make a candidate wonder if maybe less exposure might be the answer. Fewer events, maybe a change of tactics.

Read more: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2019/05/10/unfazed-sinking-poll-numbers-beto-orourke-keeps-plugging-away

[cynatnite]

1. As I understood it, Biden's jump in the race took a bite out of everyone's polling numbers...

This is a pretty negative article for as early as the race is. It's likely to change, IMO. The numbers will tighten up as more Dems make their choices.

[TexasTowelie]

3. I think that is too early to count anyone out at this point.

Let the candidates get on the debate stage and we should get an idea as to who is viable. I think that Beto will hold up well.

[Indygram]

16. It's par for the course...Beto is the most unfairly reported on candidate running

He's working harder than anyone else and is actually learning about the local issues everywhere he goes, meeting with local people and discussing their concerns, ideas, etc. The only reason his poll numbers have dropped is because of their inaccurate negative reporting. Once the HBO documentary comes out later this month and people see him at the debates that will change.

[dalton99a]

19. Some of the articles were downright vitriolic, lazy, and ignorant

One of the worst was Margaret Carlson
https://www.thedailybeast.com/beto-orourke-blew-it

Sheesh, what did Beto do to that poor woman?

[saljr1]

2. The Democratic Primary has even got started yet

Polls mean nothing right now. There is always that one candidate that has time goes by and the debates start who comes out of nowhere and all of a sudden is the frontrunner. watch and learn over the next year.

[NYMinute]

4. I am excited by Beto, his charisma and his work ethic

I will see him to take a major bite out of Bernie Sanders' support.

[Indygram]

17. He already is

Just a day or two ago I saw an interview with someone who attended an Iowa town hall who said he had been for Bernie but Beto won him over. I've actually seen that quite a bit. After two years of Trump's anger and divisiveness people need some hope and positive energy.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

5. I admire Beto's tenacity... but, as Bones told Captain Kirk, "he's dead, Jim."

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[PoliticAverse]

6. He's going to have a chance to make the "why me" case in the upcoming debates. n/t

[robbedvoter]

7. He is the only male candidate I would vote without holding my nose

if I had to. His tone on everything is just right. No economic anxiety, no patronizing women on choice (I saw you Buti), no borrowing Burnie's slogans thoughtlessly. I like him.

[wildflower]

8. What did Pete say about choice?

I've thought the same thing about Beto re: the male candidates.

[johannsyah]

14. had no idea Pete was anti choice

given that he criticized Georgia's anti abortion law on his tweet

[padah513]

9. I wish him luck

But I wish he had run for Senate against Cornyn instead. That said, it's way too early to pick winners and losers yet.

[JI7]

10. it will pay off later on

[shanny]

11. still think he--and we--would have been better off

if he'd stayed in TX and run for Senate against Cornyn.

[Rstrstx]

15. A loss to Cornyn could have ended his political career

This was the less risky strategy for him to choose, and if he doesn't win the nomination but, say, ends up getting a cabinet position that keeps him in the spotlight and relevant in TX politics. The state will be much more competitive in 3-5 years should he decide to run for Senator or Governor/Lt Governor. M J Hegar will be running against Cornyn and she's no slouch, nearly winning a House seat in a very red district in 2018.

[yaesu]

12. I sent a donation today to a candidate who probably won't make it to the GE just to help

him get enough donations to make the debates because he is focusing on climate change. Just being in the debate means you can make a positive difference even if you don't make it all the way.

[peggysue2]

13. You gotta give O'Rourke props

The man is a workhorse. That being said, I don't see where fewer events would make a difference. Just the opposite for someone struggling in the polls and trying to get his name out.

O'Rourke's big chance will be the debates where he will shine. Or not. Think that's the case for all our candidates.

[Indygram]

18. He also has an HBO documentary coming out on the 28th

God I just love the way he and Amy look at each other at the end of this. They remind me of the Obamas.