During Governor Greg Abbott’s Wednesday press conference covering the Robb Elementary mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, gubernatorial hopeful Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke (D) took the opportunity to insert himself, uninvited and unannounced.
It was obvious from his intention to insert himself, he was looking for some press time and sadly used the somber forum to do so. He never was able to make his argument, however, because he was met with strong opposition. Thank God.
Beto appears to wait until governor Abbott’s remarks are finished and then he stands in front of the stage to interrupt Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s presentation. Patrick is seen attempting to shut down the Democratic Party candidate for Governor, saying, “Excuse me, you’re out of line and an embarrassment.” That did not appear to make any difference to Beto, because he continued to talk over the Lt. Governor, to address Governor Abbott.
In an accusatory tone, he tried to address the Governor complaining “You’re doing nothing,” (referring to the shooting and evidently gun control). At which point, Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin became loud, trying to shout down the interruption to the entire meeting. Also heard trying to quiet Beto, was Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
Mayor McLaughlin was having none of it, exclaiming-
“He needs to get his ass out of here,” “Sir, you’re out of line! Sir, you’re out of line! Please leave this auditorium.” then adding “I can’t believe… you’re a sick son of a bitch,”… “that would come to an event like this to make political issues.”
- Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin
At that time, law enforcement officers surrounded O’Rourke and attempted to remove him from the venue, but O’Rourke stopped again attempting to make his point with the governor. He pressed to speak “It’s on you,” Beto said pointing a finger at Governor Abbott.
To which McLaughlin responded-
“It’s on assholes like you. Why don’t you get out of here?!”
-Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin
Police finally escorted O’Rourke from the room where he did hold out an impromptu press conference. I guess he got what he came for - time alone with the press, with a recent axe to grind. It is sad that, he like his democratic counter parts, doesn’t know how to be respectful of a grim circumstance, showing some deference to the huge loss the community is going through and find another means of seeking publicity.
The twice-failed candidate, for president and senate, just received the Democratic Party of Texas’ nomination to face off against Governor Abbott in the 2022 General Election this November. It should prove challenging, especially for voters, because Beto has a more than lengthy and certainly confusing history of contradicting positions on the subject of the 2nd Amendment and gun control. No one vacillates more on anything except Joe Biden.
O’Rourke responded to a question about his support of gun confiscation, during a former presidential debate in September of 2019 where he almost shouted-
“Hell yes, we’re going to take your AR-15, your AK-47,”
-Former Presidential Candidate Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke
Then a few days later, he backtracked, telling CNN he would not confiscate hunting rifles. When pressed at the time by host Chris Cuomo who asked him - “Are you, in fact, in favor of gun confiscations?” The candidate replied,
“Yes,” and then added, “But when it comes to firearms used for hunting or self-defense the answer is ‘no.’ And I don’t want you or anyone else to get into the fear mongering, that some have fallen prey to, saying that the government is going to come and take all your guns.”
-Former Presidential Candidate Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke
Then a month later he suggested that if certain guns were banned by law, he believed that Americans would simply hand them over, stating-
“What we expect of our fellow Americans is when something like this comes into law, they will follow the law,” he explained.
-Candidate Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke
After his failed campaign for president, Beto focused himself on running for Governor of Texas revisiting his threat to take away certain guns, and condemning the State of Texas for passing a constitutional carry law. This never-ending policy shift on gun control took yet another turn recently, when the candidate addressed a group of supporters in conservative East Texas, where he flipped yet again saying he was-
“not interested in taking anything from anyone.”
-Candidate Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke
Yes-No-Yes-No, which is it Beto?
Like a light switch, moves from on to off – Beto changes his stand on the issues, trying to be all things to all voters. It is not possible. He takes after his boss, Joe Biden, whose position on any given issue amounts to the crowd he is speaking to in the moment.
O’Rourke was clearly insensitive and out of order to press himself and his political opinions on the Governor’s office in that venue, especially in light of the mass shooting. Further, the video is hard to watch because you feel like you are watching an uninvited speaker who cannot behave himself in a very difficult situation. It is embarrassing to watch.
Texas voters, beware of a candidate that behaves this badly, under difficult circumstances, just to make a point which he can’t even consistently maintain. This behavior speaks of advanced immaturity – a quality that Texas with all it’s border issues cannot afford to consider entertaining.
“It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than open one’s mouth and remove all doubt”
- Mark Twain (attributed)