Since the 2016 presidential elections, much has been said about the changing political landscape. Norms and long-held traditions for politicians are all changing, and for Trump that meant throwing out the rules of decency, honesty, and intelligence.
Beto O’Rourke is changing the rules for politicians in Texas, but without the insults, lies, and idiocy of Trump. Instead, he’s making politics cool again and making current Texas Senator Ted Cruz (R) look like the corporate-shilling, Bible-touting, stuffed shirt he really is, and the country is loving it.
One day I will be able to tell my kids and grandkids that I watched with delight as President O'Rourke air drummed to The Baba O'Reilly as he waited for his Whataburger order. https://t.co/kOhdxpKDQS
— Stewart S. (@StewbieDoo) September 23, 2018
O’Rourke posted a Facebook live video following his recent debate with Cruz, who has been in the U.S. Senate for five years, showing his personality and how much more relatable he is with the average voter, especially those with whom he shares an age bracket and generation. One very cool and relatable moment came when O’Rourke began air-drumming in his car while waiting in line for Whataburger to The Who’s “Baba O’Reilly.” Voters across the country were delighted.
Since no one can remember that this song is called "Baba O'Reilly" anyway, maybe we'll just refer to it as "Beto O'Rourke."
(My kids, of course, who only knew it from the movie "A Bug's Life" refer to it not as "Teenage Wasteland" but as "Out Here in the Fields.") https://t.co/YQDWWDMpTP
— Lyraglide (@Lyraglide) September 22, 2018
The Facebook live video follows one of O’Rourke skateboarding in Texas, another common activity among his generation, or at least in their younger days. It isn’t just these moments of coolness that sets O’Rourke’s appeal. His grassroots campaign, refusal to accept money from super PACs and corporate sponsors, and his beliefs about the direction of our country in terms of the economy, the criminal justice system, and respect and tolerance for everyone are resonating with voters in a very familiar way. Comparisons to Barack Obama abound.
THIS is everything. Beto O’Rourke in air drums to Baba O’Reilly after wiping the floor w Ted Cruz last night. Ima watch this a few more times. https://t.co/zoaFCuPUxY
— Justine (@SFBayAreaGirl) September 22, 2018
It may have been just a short, relatable moment, but O’Rourke is showing himself as a viable candidate for Texas senator in a way the state has not seen before, and he’s doing it quite well. Recent polls have him in a dead heat with Cruz in a state that is redder than red. With any luck at all, Cruz will be sent packing in November and the majority of the population in Texas and across the country will find themselves represented by a senator far more in touch with their own beliefs.
Featured image screenshot via YouTube
