Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke says he’s been afforded “privileges” in his life because of his race and gender but he says his presidential bid can be used as a way to level the playing field for all Americans.
Get breaking news alerts and special reports. The news and stories that matter, delivered weekday mornings.WASHINGTON — Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke said that he’s been afforded “privileges” in his life because of his race and gender but insisted that his presidential bid can be used as a way to level the playing field for all Americans.
O'Rourke, a Democrat from Texas, addressed the question in light of some criticism that he has benefited from a double standard in the early days of campaigning, given the large amount of attention his entry into the crowded field has received. And he said his narrow loss in last year's senate race in Texas offers evidence that he can broaden the presidential playing field for Democrats.
Julián Castro, who served as mayor of San Antonio, Texas, regularly evokes his grandmother’s story of emigrating from Mexico as an orphan as both a foundational part of his background and also to inform his views on immigration policy. And while he swore off the prospect of running for president just days before Election Day in 2018, he quickly made it clear he was open to running just weeks after.
O’Rourke was asked about his stance on reparations during a house party in Iowa, where he spoke about the importance of addressing systemic racism but didn’t endorse a specific plan.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Democrat Beto O'Rourke barnstorms Iowa after jumping into presidential raceBeto O'Rourke, former three-term congressman and one time punk rocker, starts his 2020 presidential run with a swing through Iowa
Read more »
Beto O’Rourke storms IowaIn the first test of Beto O'Rourke's appeal outside of Texas, O’Rourke chewed through the news cycle, attracting crowds and media attention that followed him from coffee shops to town halls to sidewalks in southeastern Iowa
Read more »
Beto O’Rourke heads to Iowa as all signs point to a 2020 runO'Rourke will campaign in Waterloo, Iowa Saturday on behalf of Democratic state senate candidate Eric Giddens, according to multiple Democratic sources.
Read more »
Beto O'Rourke is heading to Iowa this weekend, fueling 2020 speculationBeto O'Rourke is headed to Iowa this weekend, fueling speculation that the former Texas congressman and fundraising wunderkind will soon officially enter the packed Democratic primary race.
Read more »
Beto O’Rourke heads to IowaA closer-than-expected Senate race in 2018 has propelled the congressman to the top tier of 2020 candidates
Read more »
Beto O'Rourke heading to Iowa, fueling speculation about White House bidO'Rourke said last week he had made a decision about whether to seek the Democratic nomination for president. A trip to Iowa on Saturday, where the first votes in the nominating contest will be cast in February, suggests his entry into the race is imminent. In an announcement posted on Twitter,
Read more »
Beto O'Rourke plans extended Iowa tripO’Rourke also began running ads on Facebook for the first time since the midterm elections.
Read more »
Beto O’Rourke’s hands captivate Twitter as 2020 candidate gives impromptu q&a in Iowa coffee house“How long until someone makes a Twitter account for Beto's hands?'
Read more »