Beto O’Rourke's 2020 Political Prospects: Current Standing and Future Potential

The question of Beto O’Rourke's 2020 political prospects has been a subject of much debate, particularly in the wake of early assessments and projections. As the Democratic primary ramps up, it’s intriguing to speculate on his current standing among fellow candidates and where he may rank out of the gate.

Rolling Stone’s Current Projection

Rolling Stone magazine currently ranks the following Democratic candidates for President:

Bernie Sanders Kamala Harris Beto O’Rourke Joe Biden Elizabeth Warren Cory Booker Kirsten Gillibrand Julian Castro Amy Klobuchar Pete Buttigeig Stacey Abrams Jay Inslee John Hickenlooper Steve Bullock Andrew Yang Eric Swalwell John Delaney Michael Bennet Tulsi Gabbard Seth Moulton Tim Ryan Marianne Williamson Terry McAuliffe

Analysis and Placement

Personal observations suggest a different placement: I would rank Biden ahead of Sanders and Harris, with O’Rourke still in the third spot. O’Rourke is seen as a young Obama-like personality that many believe could energize the party, much like Obama did during his first run for the office.

Young and Charismatic

Personally, Beto O’Rourke possesses charisma and an enthusiastic following. His young and promising qualities are often noted, suggesting that he could become a strong contender in the future. Rhetorically, O’Rourke might be effective as a Vice President candidate, particularly when paired with an older nominee like Joe Biden. However, for the top job, his political background and inexperience may limit his prospects.

Political Record and Platforms

O’Rourke’s political record over his six years in the House is widely regarded as center-right. He authored or co-sponsored very few meaningful pieces of legislation. He was notably a back-bencher, not particularly effective in his role. Additionally, some argue that his vision and solutions are often vague and rely on political double-speak rather than concrete policies.

The Texas Factor

Another significant factor in O’Rourke's potential is his political strength, or lack thereof, within his home state of Texas. Political observers point out that, in Texas, a Democrat would need to have a strong national appeal to win the presidency. O’Rourke’s loss to Ted Cruz in a high-profile race underscores the difficulty of winning the state's electoral votes.

Potential for Future Success

While O’Rourke’s prospects as a presidential candidate in 2020 remain uncertain, some argue that his political future lies in state-level politics. If he can work behind the scenes to gradually shift Texas towards a blue state, making it possible to become governor, this could create a pathway to the presidency.

State vs. National Politics

The article concludes with a strong critique of O’Rourke, suggesting that his current status as a political lightweight may not change unless he takes a more significant role in national politics. He is seen as 'too young and too inexperienced' to run for the presidency successfully. Critics also highlight the importance of a political candidate being able to carry their home state, which is a critical factor for success on the national stage.

Despite the challenges, Beto O’Rourke’s journey remains fraught with potential. Only time will tell if his future lies in federal politics or if he will choose to focus on state-level positions.