Three-term Texas Congressman and Democratic presidential hopeful Robert “Beto” O’Rourke visited with about 80 people from the Adel area Tuesday morning, sharing his positive message about climate change, immigration and education.
O’Rouke said the most crucial issue facing America today is climate change because if we do not solve that problem, it will destroy the earth, making all other problems moot. He said even illegal immigration from Central America and Mexico is in part an effect of climate change due to crop failures and the consequent poverty and violence.
Crops also matter in Iowa, and O’Rourke noted the difficulties Iowa farmers currently face, although he did not discuss the effects of the Trump tariff wars. He did give some attention to the Mueller report, however, and encouraged the House of Representatives to continue its investigation of Trump’s obstruction of justice and stonewalling.
In response to a question, O’Rourke said college loan interest rates should be lowered. He did not call for free tuition at public colleges and universities, but he said developing apprenticeship programs and strengthening unions was a priority for him.
Unlike many other Democratic hopefuls, he said nothing in his speech about healthcare or health insurance, and the question was not raised by his auditors.
O’Rourke rose to national prominence when he narrowly lost the 2018 general election to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, his campaign following a trajectory similar to that of J. D. Scholten of Sioux City, who was also edged out in the same election by Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa.
A native of El Paso, Texas, O’Rourke announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination March 14, at a time when Iowans were suffering the catastrophic flooding they are still recovering from.
The Tuesday rally was held under cloudy skies in the yard outside the home of Bryce Smith and Kale Smith of Adel.
“It was an honor to host and introduce Beto O’Rourke at our home this morning in Adel!” Smith said after the rally.
