Houston Chronicle Editorial Board: O'Rourke Drop Out

[left-of-center2012]

The Houston Chronicle editorial board has called on Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke to pull out of the 2020 race, return to Texas and run for senator.

In an editorial published over the weekend, titled, “Beto, come home. Texas needs you,” the newspaper said O’Rourke’s response to the mass shooting in his hometown of El Paso (and his subsequent criticism of President Donald Trump) made it wish he would “shift gears” and “take a new direction.”

“So Beto, if you’re listening: Come home. Drop out of the race for president and come back to Texas to run for senator,” the board wrote. “The chances of winning the race you’re in now are vanishingly small. And Texas needs you. A lot has changed since 2018,” the newspaper added. “You had a lot to do with that — and Trump is no longer rock-solid in Texas. Neither are the Republicans who support him.”

O’Rourke failed to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in the 2018 midterms, and the board acknowledged it “wouldn’t be easy” for O’Rourke to beat incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) in 2020.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/houston-chronicle-beto-orourke_n_5d5258d8e4b05fa9df03baaa

[ProudMNDemocrat]

1. Hopefully he will do just that.

For Texas voters would indeed rally behind him.

[brewens]

4. If he thinks he would be a great president, getting that Senate seat is the best thing he

could do. The White House won't happen this time, but maybe next.

[onetexan]

41. agree, i would prefer Beto run for Senate again

We're at the cusp of winning by a landslide (which hopefully will thwart attempts by foreign meddling) and with Tx turning purple. Now is a good chance for Beto.

[liskddksil]

45. Texas has fantastic candidates running for Senate including several women of color

Beto is needed at the top of the ticket to turn Texas blue and push the down-ticket races across the finish line.

[cwydro]

48. He couldn't beat Cruz, and Cornyn is much more popular.

Why do they think he’d win?

[sacto95834]

52. Cornyn...

I think Cornyn isn't as hated as Cruz, but I don't think he polls higher in likability. Meaning maybe Beto may have a better chance to win this one.

True there are other qualified Dems running this time, but none match Beto's name recognition. I also think Beto had a influence on down ticket races in 2016 despite loosing to evil Ted Cruz - I think he helped some Dems win by bringing out people to vote for him. He will certainly make a stronger candidate this time.

After El Paso, it may be the perfect time for Beto to drop out of the Presidential and say he can do more good in Texas.

[The Blue Flower]

2. Yes, Texas needs him in the Senate

I hope he takes their advice. He could be a powerful voice in the Senate.

[RLG]

53. Why should he?

Maybe Jay Inslee should take the advice of others and drop out as well?

[Wounded Bear]

3. Not sure what the deadline is for filing for the Senate race...

but I consider this a great idea. We're gonna need the Senate.

[TexasTowelie]

8. It's in December

and there are already six candidates that announced for the Senate race. There is no reason for Beto to withdraw from the presidential primaries at this point. He is receiving a lot of positive attention that should help his poll numbers. It definitely is not the time for Beto to withdraw.

[dalton99a]

13. Which further proves my point. And it's not just Republicans who feel threatened.

Beto is a very effective and forceful public speaker, as millions saw on TV last week

[Texin]

19. Yes, but to exit the presidential race now rather than be eliminated is more strategic.

The rethugs' argument about him will be that he is a failed presidential candidate on top of being a failed senate candidate months before. To exit the presidential race would give him an earlier start in the senate race and eliminate the media's focus on perceived gaffes in debates, etc. He still has many/most of the senate campaign staff around and it would give him a bigger boost than any other competitors who are really just gearing up and staffing their campaigns (some of whom may be former Beto staffers).

[Laura PourMeADrink]

25. Yes!!! Going from running for president to running

For Senate is a very tricky PR situation. If you wait until your #s are so low you can't get in a debate, you will look like a real loser then. Given the turmoil at border and killings in El Paso, it's a perfect time to devote time to your own state.

Although what about VP? Seems to me you'd need to drop out early if that was in the cards too.

[onetexan]

42. i think Beto should drop out and consider all options open to him - VEEP, senate, position on

future Dem administration...

[JI7]

5. they should tell the people already running for Senate to drop out

[dalton99a]

10. They are too cowardly to say it to MJ Hegar

[RLG]

50. Like Julian Castro, perhaps?

Why isn't getting the same treatment as O'Rourke? He hasn't qualified for the September debates, O'Rourke has.

Stories like this make me question American democracy. So the Houston Chronicle believes a white man has a better chance than the women running for the Senate seat, including MJ Hegar?

Funny, people thought O'Rourke should've dropped out of the Texas Senate seat in 2018. "You have a safe congressional seat," the experts said. "Let someone else run instead."

I also find it ironic that supporters of other candidates agree with this story.

[TexasTowelie]

6. No, it is a crappy article

and Beto should stay in the race.

If the Houston Chronicle is so concerned about the Texas Senate race why didn't they publish an editorial for Castro to withdraw from the race?

Somebody in that editorial boardroom has come to the conclusion that Beto would make a great president or he should at least be considered for VP. I consider it to be a disguised right wing attack.

[JI7]

7. +

[dalton99a]

9. Same old asinine bullshit. Why him? And why NOW?

They are in effect calling for MJ Hegar to step aside.

Beto already said he supports her campaign.

[TexasTowelie]

15. Not only that,

but two of Beto's most important staff members joined the Ramirez for Senate campaign on Monday. If Beto ran for Senate again he would have to hire new employees to fill those positions--there is no way to determine how the changing dynamics would affect a Senate race.

If Beto doesn't end up on the ticket, then he still is a viable candidate for governor in 2022. Therefore, Beto has no reason to withdraw from the race until votes are cast or he runs out of money. His campaign is spending money on big-league consultants so apparently they are doing well enough to stay in the race.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

27. Aren't the next debates based on a higher threshold

He'll be ok there?

[TexasTowelie]

34. Beto has already qualified for the third debate,

This push to get Beto to withdraw is ridiculous.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

35. Well, I love him too. Maybe we can look at it like

He's so good he's in demand for prez, VP, Senate, and gov.? Prospect of turning TX blue really complicates things too.

There is a point though, that something big will have to happen to leapfrog Biden, Sanders, Warren Harris, etc. Right? Or just not worry about it at this point? Not trying to diss anyone in any way...just curious about those on the lower end of ratings.

[TexasTowelie]

16. Thanks for an accurate analysis.

Welcome to DU.

[bucolic_frolic]

18. If Texas goes blue

Republicans have BIG problems

[crazytown]

22. Texas + 2016 States & Territories is 270

[Laura PourMeADrink]

29. Enough to replace PA WI and MI? Last I saw NV

It was too close.

[crazytown]

31. Yes, enough to replace PA WI and MI.

Nominating a ticket that is strong in TX firms up NV. And, if TX is really in play, so is AZ.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

37. Last I looked NV didn't like trump and didnt

like any of the Dems either. Ornery state

[Laura PourMeADrink]

38. Surely, surely, TRussia can't steal MI WI and PA

again?

[crazytown]

56. 'Steal MI WI and PA'? No.

I was asked if Texas could replace these states - numerically yes.

If VP Biden is nominee, the margin in PA would be too great for anyone to steal. What I do not understand is why so many resources are invested in FL which manifestly has unreliable elections. FL is there when Dems don't need them.

[wryter2000]

23. Welcome to DU

And your post is spot-on.

[crazytown]

32. Welcome to DU pinkstarburst

Excellent post

[dalton99a]

44. The Houston Chronicle is owned by Hearst Communications

the NYC-based corporate media conglomerate.

[Horizens]

12. Beto for Senate

We need a strong candidate who can win and we don't have one now. Hager's been campaigning or a year and isn't looking at all strong. We need to capture this senate seat,


"“The poll also projects a wide-open Democratic primary race for the Senate seat held by longtime incumbent John Cornyn. At 19%, "someone else" is leading the field, a blow to former Army helicopter pilot MJ Hegar, who's been campaigning for most of the year.

That "someone else" is leading the entire field is an oddity, but reflects the complexity of the primary race and the conundrum felt by many Democrats.

Hegar was the choice of 10% of those polled, followed by state Sen. Royce West at 8%, former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell at 7% and Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards at 5%. A whopping 51% of respondents were unsure.
Still plenty of time for Texas Democrats to find their nominee …”

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/elections-2020/2019/08/06/new-poll-biden-leads-orourke-texas-presidential-primary-race-sen-john-cornyn-wide-open?utm_content=buffer70643&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buf

[B Stieg]

14. Beto for Senate!

He's not going to win the presidential nomination this time (IMHO), but if he's smart, what a career he can have, including the presidency.
But he's got to figure out how to establish his persona and positions so that they'll appeal beyond Texas.
He's inspirational for sure, but he needs to become formidable, as well.

[SKKY]

17. Sage counsel this...

...I hope he's listening.

[liskddksil]

49. Texans say otherwise

Link to tweet

[RLG]

54. Microphone drop!

This should be the response to EVERYONE in here who thinks he should run for the Senate seat.

I truly feel it's a fear of seeing him on television during this sad time that makes supporters of other candidates fear him. Which is the main reason why they want him to "run for the Senate" because they fear he could strike lightning in a bottle.

Those who want him out should give reasons why undecideds like me should vote for their candidates instead of telling a candidate to drop out "for the sake of the party".

[SKKY]

58. Perhaps I should explain myself...

...I would absolutely love to cast my vote for Beto. Or Mayor Pete. Or Kamala. I'm being pragmatic in my preference for Kamala because I think she gives 45 the most problems in terms of a head-to-head match-up. If Beto catches fire, perfect. If Mayor Pete catches fire, perfect. If (Democratic candidate) catches fire, perfect. I'm a Yellow Dog this time around. I was simply thinking about Beto, in the event he doesn't catch fire, as a candiate for Senate and I think Cornyn's seat would be a great get. That's all. And furthermore, as an IT guy, I'd love to vote for someone who was a former member of cDc. But, until then...

[SayItLoud]

20. Getting a national platform to speak builds his Texas strength.

Yes, it's now a crowded Dem field but there's time. Let these candidates get the National exposure that they would never get locally in their home state; then drop out and run for Senate. Texas, Georgia, and other states could help us keep the house, take the Senate and have a backstop incase or when the Russians et al help #traitortrump. Just sayin..

[MyOwnPeace]

21. While it may not be liked by the other candidates in Texas.........

I think it would be a brilliant strategic move by Beto. Win there, work the Senate until the Democtatic President needs a new candidate to run for the office in 2028 because the Democratic President can serve no more than 2 terms.

[Hekate]

24. Sounds like a really good idea. His loss to Cruz was slim, and his cred in his home town is high...

....especially since he took a break from the campaign trail to be with them after the massacre. I would hope Texans remember. I'd rather see Beto as a successful Senator than another failed presidential contender. He's a good man.

[dalton99a]

26. Biden failed twice.

[brooklynite]

28. I'll need a good reason why I should support MJ Hegar...

[Hortensis]

30. "Beto, come home. Texas needs you." That's quite an endorsement.

Although I'm not anxious to see him leave the field, feel he and Biden create a campaign synergy of similar goals and principles, it would be wonderful if he could go to DC as Senator O'Rourke from Texas.

[essadaw]

33. This same BS again

Beto is not running for Senate. He has said this repeatedly. I know supporters of other candidates would love to have Beto drop out now as the national audience is finally paying attention to him, though the circumstances are tragic.

1) There are excellent candidates already running for TX Senate. My favorite is MJ Hegar. All of this pointless speculation about Beto just hurts their chances by making them seem incompetent and has to be hurting their fundraising.

2) If anyone has glanced through Beto's background, in his race for El Paso City Council and for US Congress--he was the serious underdog--and he came from behind to win. When he declared for the Senate seat, everyone told him it was a political suicide mission--he came amazingly close in a MIDTERM and changed the face of TX politics--now everyone is talking that TX is a battleground state. He is not Sarah Palin--He is not going to quit

3) If any of these pleas for Beto to drop out were genuine, it wouldn't be DROP OUT NOW. The filing deadline isn't until December

4) Beto is doing the best of all of the candidates on calling out Trump and his racism and getting the media to follow suit. Why on earth would any Democrat want him off the national stage at this point. Even if he isn't your preferred candidate, he is weakening Trump.

5) Polls during the summer before the primary don't have a great track record. History has plenty of examples of things changing as more typical voters start paying attention. In December 2003, here is a national poll that had Kerry at 4% and Edwards at 2%--guess who became the ticket? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/poll-dean-pulls-away-in-dem-race/

6) If this wasn't total BS, then where is all of the concern about MA --republican governor and not long ago Scott Brown. Why isn't Pete running for Indiana Governor-- TX was ruby red when Beto took it on, why doesn't Pete drop out and show that he can transform a red state also--after all Obama won it and it has had recent blue Senators. I'm not calling for either Warren or Pete to drop out, just pointing out the hypocrisy.

[dalton99a]

40. Your point #3 is important.

The article is disingenuous bullshit.

It is part of the concerted effort to push him out of the race and out of the national limelight.

Now they can point to it and say: "Look, even TEXANS don't want him in the race!!!"

Yeah, Beto, you must drop out Right Fucking Now!!!!

Make the announcement TODAY!!!!!

[crazytown]

43. Re Summer Polls

RCP Average for August 2003

Lieberman 26
Kerry 15
Gephardt 14
Dean 9
Edwards 6
Moseley-Braun 6
Graham 3
Kucinich 3
Sharpton 2
DK/NA 16

Current RCP Average for Beto 2.0%

[FakeNoose]

36. It's true that Texas needs him

Beto is really a long shot for the 2020 presidential run, but he's getting a lot of national exposure and experience for the next time out. I believe Beto will be a strong Democratic voice for many years, as will Mayor Pete and several others.

[we can do it]

39. Yes please.

[Princetonian]

46. No.

Link to tweet

to liskddksil: https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287238253

[liskddksil]

47. Beto is running for President period.

Last edited Tue Aug 13, 2019, 03:07 PM - Edit history (1)

All of you supporting other candidates will just have to beat him fair and square. We're not dropping out.

[ancianita]

51. That's the spirit!

[RLG]

55. Again, supporters of other candidates who want him out,

please give a reason why I should vote for your candidate instead of pushing out a candidate who they fear can overtake their candidate.

[Gothmog]

57. From Juanita Jean

Many Texas Democrats want Beto to run for Senate so that we can turn Texas blue. This is from Juanita Jean https://juanitajean.com/beto-7/

From the Houston Chronicle.

So Beto, if you’re listening: Come home. Drop out of the race for president and come back to Texas to run for senator. The chances of winning the race you’re in now are vanishingly small. And Texas needs you.

We just don’t have a strong candidate for Senate in Texas. Beto powered-up can win Texas.

… a news reporter asked O’Rourke whether he felt there was anything President Trump could do to cool the atmosphere of hate toward immigrants.

“Um, what do you think?” O’Rourke responded bluntly. “You know the s*** he’s been saying. He’s been calling Mexican immigrants rapists and criminals. I don’t know. … Like, members of the press — what the f***? It’s these questions that you know the answers to …”

Come home, Beto. As an added bonus, think how Ted Cruz would have to buy a ladder, more intelligence, and sack of dignity to stand eye-to-eye with you.