Beto 2020 calls multiply among Dems

Democrats see a glimmer of hope for Rep. Beto O 'RourkeRobert (Beto) Francis O'RourkeOpening Night: What the Intermediate Goals Mean for Defense Panels | Pompeo cancels North Korean meeting | Trump plans Kim's summit early 2019 | The Pentagon abandons the name of its mission at the border The Hill's 12:30 Report – Presented by the project "Counter Extremism" – Trump says GOP defies the chances of the mid-term | Blame the party losers for not having kissed him | What to watch after the midterms | Start of Leadership Races The Political Science Specialist stated that O & # Rourke would play a key role in selecting the candidate for 2020 PLUSLoss in Texas against Sen. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzThe Sunday is previewed: Trump hires the Acting Attorney General to lead the Department of Justice. Memo: Five lessons to be learned from the 2018 ballot polls: Kasich eliminates terror over the migrant caravan MORE (R).

This means that O'Rourke, who emerged midway as a progressive star, is free to run for president.

We could talk about O'Rourke coming to the White House if he had defeated Cruz, of course. But Democrats say that he should not be appeased by his loss.

O'Rourke finished less than three percentage points from Cruz, an outstanding performance by the Democratic standards of previous years in Texas.

Democrats across the country say that if O'Rourke wants to run for president, he has the potential to take the primary element.

"If he wants to run, he should do it," said Democratic strategist Maria Cardona.

"He now has his name recognition, a successful fundraising operation, a fresh young face, a cool character, a new perspective, he speaks Spanish and would be an enthusiastic and optimistic candidate," he said. she said.

Another strategist was even more enthusiastic.

"I hate to say that because it would make a lot of Democrats shit, but the fact is we have so many people and no one really thrills, no one who would make Chris Matthews' leg vibrate at the same time. Beto's exception, "explained the strategist said, referring to MSNBC's" Hardball "animator who expressed such enthusiasm to hear President Obama speak out.

"Do you know how I know? I had friends who called me to ask for their news. I would hear conversations about it. It generates the kind of buzz we have not seen since hope and change, "added the strategist.

Even Republicans are amazed at O'Rourke's performance.

"He was able to raise a huge amount of money and that alone separates him from the crowd," said Matt Mackowiak, a Texas-based Republican strategist. "He has a bit of star quality for him. The people of Texas were hypnotized and moved by him.

"The fact that he lost 3% is impressive," added Mackowiak.

O 'Rourke is in an unusual situation. Most candidates who lose a race usually return to the drawing board on their career plans. Sometimes, with a little luck, they can come to the same office again. But candidates who lose on a lower scale rarely have aspirations for a larger position – let alone the presidency.

Some say the jump is too important for the three-member congressman.

"It's hard to know what he has to do," said Cal Jillson, a professor of political science at Southern Methodist University. "It's not that he's not an attractive candidate. It's just passing from a lost race in the Senate to a winning presidential race when you have two dozen competitors and Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpKerry strikes Trump after a visit to the cemetery canceled because of the weather The firefighters union criticizes Trump about shooting in California Comments by Axl Rose roasted "insane" Trump for threatening to fire California funds against fires in California MORE. Show me an example of this. That does not mean that he can not do it, you do not see a way. "

Those who know O'Rourke said he did not intend to run for president and that his goal was to win the seat of the Senate. When he met with campaign advisers earlier this week, there was no question of a candidacy at the White House.

In an interview earlier this week, he reiterated that he had no intention of running.

"I will not run for president in 2020," O'Rourke told MSNBC. "It is, I think, as definitive as these phrases become."

But if he chooses not to run, some strategists say he could miss a great opportunity.

"He has to think hard about it, because times like this are not common in politics and they tend to be fleeting," said Democratic strategist David Wade, senior advisor to John KerryJohn Forbes KerryKerry knocks Trump after a visit to the cemetery canceled because of bad weather With Matthew Whitaker playing Roy Cohn, the DOJ could be Trump's personal law firm, Pollster, who claims that anti-Muslim sentiment follows speeches Politicians MORE.

Wade compared O'Rourke's moment with time Barack ObamaBarack Hussein ObamaHere is a nation divided by statues: Michelle Obama talks about marriage counseling: "We get help for our marriage when we need it," Warren? Biden? Sanders? Dems have different answers on 2020 after 2018 MOREThe imagination of the Democrats captured when he delivered the keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

"Imagine if Barack Obama has postponed his instant connection to the 2004 convention and waited for a safer cycle to come to the presidency," Wade said. "You can not guarantee that these moments last forever. Moments change. Political demand signals a change.

If O'Rourke does not show up at the White House, Wade predicted that his support would be challenged by what should be a host of candidates.

He will then be a wanted substitute in the election campaign, said Wade. "And he is automatically leading presidential election lists," he added.

Mackowiak said the problem faced by O'Rourke is that he will be removed from his job during the 2020 campaign and will not have a platform.

"He will be just one more voice among Democrats who have their own platform," he said.