In a moment that could have handed the media narrative of negative campaigning amongst Democrats, Beto O’Rourke’s response about one of his Democratic rivals for the presidential nomination shows Democrats the way.
Beto was asked to comment about Julian Castro’s “from the other side of the tracks” comment, that appeared directed at his rival. Beto responded with this classy and very positive response.
xO'Rourke declines to respond to Castro claiming he's the Texan 2020er "from the other side of the tracks." O'Rourke instead praises Castro: "I really admire him. ... I'm really glad that he's in the race. His perspective, his experiences, his leadership, is needed in this field."
— Patrick Svitek (@PatrickSvitek) March 20, 2019We can debate what Castro’s comment meant all day long, but to be truthful—it’s the response here to the reporter that’s the real story. Beto rightly lavishes praise on a good and decent public servant and gives the media absolutely nowhere to go with this. The last thing Democrats need is to give the media any fodder, because it's tough enough to deal with a media that’s failing daily covering Trump.
In my eyes, Beto moves up a tick here. This is the type of uplifting and unifying Democratic campaign I would like to see coming from all of our candidates. The contrast with Trump's negativity and mean spiritedness is stark.
I believe Americans hunger for a positive campaign. Let's give it to them, my fellow Democrats.