Beto O'Rourke is a risk Democrats might want to take | By Julian Zelizer for CNNOpinion
Julian Zelizer is a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, and author, with Kevin Kruse, of the new book"Fault Lines: A History of the United States Since 1974." The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion at CNN.
As Beto O'Rourke enters the crowded field of Democrats running for president, the party's voters face a key question: Should they opt for the"safe choice" -- the candidate with the most experience, the most moderate positions and the one least likely to ruffle feathers by advocating controversial stances -- or opt for someone such as the former congressman from Texas who might be perceived as riskier.
After all, the 46-year-old O'Rourke lost his race to defeat Ted Cruz for Senate, only served three terms in Congress and has an unconventional campaign style. Is it safer to go for centrists such as Amy Klobuchar or long-tenured politicians such as Joe Biden? The stakes feel enormous to most Democrats so they want to make sure they make the right decision. Defeating President Donald Trump is the top priority for every Democrat, above any internal tensions over policy that might exist.
While the Republican House had voted to impeach President Bill Clinton, a fierce political backlash took shape against the GOP. Voters registered soaring approval ratings for Clinton despite the scandal, while Republicans ended the decade in the doghouse. Gore brought a great deal to the table. He had extensive experience in office and had a remarkable command of the intricacies of public policy.
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