The 'Draft Beto' Movement Is No Longer Just a Liberal Fantasy, It's a Reality

Beth Baumann | December 18, 2018 4:45 PM

Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D) made a splash during the 2018 midterm elections when he ran against Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R). He quickly became one of the progressive movement's superstars. Grassroots activists now want O'Rourke to run against President Donald Trump in 2020.

The "Draft Beto" movement wants to raise $1 million to "both convince him to run and give him a head start in the primary." It's being spearheaded by progressive "social media influencers" like actors Misha Collins and Tara Strong.

Part of the reason progressive activists want to see him run is because of his ability to connect with voters.

"The comparisons to JFK and even Obama exist for a reason. Beto's ability to inspire and connect with voters is unparalleled, even among such strong field of presidential contenders," Nate Lerner, a Co-Founder of Draft Beto and head of its grassroots team said in a statement. "The energy we're seeing this early is absolutely unprecedented as well."

“America deserves leaders that will work to unite our country based on our shared values of freedom and equality for all,” Draft Beto Co-Founder Misha Collins said in a statement. “We need a president that will be transparent and accountable; one who will fight to restore integrity to Washington and hope to our nation. I believe Beto O’Rourke embodies these values and can help lead the way to a brighter future for all.”

Nicole Clemens, president, Paramount TV.
Victoria Alonso, executive VP physical and postproduction, Marvel Studios.
Elaine Frontain Bryant, executive VP, and head of programming, A&E.
Tracey Jacobs, board member, partner, talent agent, UTA.
Nina Rosenstein, executive VP programming, HBO.
Blair Rich, president of worldwide marketing, Warner Bros.

O'Rourke has yet to announce whether or not he'll run for president. His term as Congressman ends on Jan. 3rd. He's expected to make a decision sometime after his term ends.

If the movement is successful, this could help bolster Beto's campaign finances, seeing as he spent almost all of his campaign cash on his unsuccessful bid against Sen. Cruz.