Conservative commentator offers O’Rourke praise for his charisma, fundraising ability

Conservative commentator Mica Mosbacher on Tuesday offered praise for former House member and potential 2020 contender Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas), calling him “charismatic” and “Kennedyesque.”

Mosbacher, who was a former co-chairman of the Republican National Committee’s finance team, said she was impressed with O’Rourke’s ability to raise record amounts of campaign money in his unsuccessful bid to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

Hill.TV host Krystal ball asked Mosbacher, who is also a Texan, what she thought of the rising Democratic star during a panel discussion on “Rising.”

“Charismatic, Kennedyeque and has the ability to raise money,” Mosbacher responded. “As a former RNC fundraiser, I always look at the ability to raise money over polling.”

O’Rourke raised more than $78 million in his Senate race, according to opensecrets.org.

Together, Cruz and O’Rourke raised more than $120 million, making it one of the most expensive Senate races in history.

Mosbacher comments come after as reports surfaced that O’Rourke is planning a trip outside of Texas.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the former Texas congressman has asked aides to create an itinerary of places across the country, where he could “pop into places” like college campuses.

O’Rourke is one of the many Democratic candidates still weighing whether to enter the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. Seen as a rising star within the party for his ability to motivate the base, he has drawn comparisons to former presidents Obama and Kennedy.

— Tess Bonn


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