O’Rourke Bets on Obama-Like ‘Hope’ Amid Democrats’ Fury at Trump
- Texan tries to claim middle ground as rivals steer leftward
- Some Iowa voters want a fighter, while others want a healer
Beto O'Rourke
Photographer: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
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A young and energetic Democrat, running on a message of unity, catapults over more experienced rivals to victory in the Iowa caucuses and goes on to win the presidency.
Barack Obama did that in 2008, and Beto O’Rourke is trying to replicate the magic. But the former Texas congressman confronts a challenge: Many Democratic voters are looking less for hope and change and more for a combative candidate to channel their anger with President Donald Trump and the political system.