Here are just a few of the important topics being discussed by the Democratic Candidates for the 2020 election and quotes on them from O’Rourke. 

Background –  Beto O’Rourke was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He went to college at Columbia University. In 2005 O’Rourke was elected for El Paso city council and then in 2012 was elected to represent Texas’s 16th congressional district as a member of the House of Representatives. He had a punk band that toured the U.S. and Canada. 

Immigration –   “We can either be governed by fear – fear of immigrants, fear of Muslims, call the press the enemy of the people, tear kids away from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border – or we can be governed by our ambitions and our aspirations and our desire to make the most out of all of us. And that’s America at its best.” 

Prison System – “Giving low-level offenders a second chance, no matter the color of their skin or the economic status they hold, can create opportunity for all of us.”

Taxes – “I think for some, the very wealthiest among us, for corporations, taxes are too low.”

Military – “I will not put the life of an American service member on the line unless that is the option of last resort.” 

Healthcare – “The goal should be universal, guaranteed, high-quality health care.” 

Environment – “Some will criticize the Green New Deal for being too bold or being unmanageable. I tell you what, I haven’t seen anything better that addresses this singular crisis we face, a crisis that could, at its worst, lead to extinction. The Green New Deal does that. It ties it to the economy and acknowledges that all of the things are interconnected.”

Abortion – “The question is about abortion and reproductive rights, and my answer to you is, that should be a decision that the woman makes. I trust her.” 

Voting – “End racial and ethnic gerrymandering, stop voter I.D. laws that seek to suppress voters of color, and make sure everyone can add their voice and their vote to this great democracy.”

Economy – “We must ensure the economy really works for all, to address unconscionable wealth and income disparities that allow access to opportunity for some over others.”