Running with Beto (2019) User Reviews

A good introduction to Beto's campaign style...

[AlsExGal · 7/10 · 30 May 2019]

... and the diverse group who supported his initially Quixotic run for the Texas Senate seat held by Ted Cruz, thought unbeatable at the beginning of the campaign. It shows you more about his wife and children than you normally get to see about a politician, and what I saw I liked. Beto is certainly a magnetic personable guy, but one thing I took away from this documentary is he doesn't seem quite ready for prime time yet.

As three term Congressman from the El Paso area he was certainly ready to be one of a 100 senators, but now he is running for president, and if there is anything that the presidency of Barack Obama taught me is that prior executive experience is necessary for a president to hit the ground running. Obama had only a partial term as a senator when he became president, thus he lacked experience in the skill of negotiation with different factions. By the time he had that experience it was two years later and Congress was controlled by the GOP who had no interest in doing anything but blockading whatever Obama might want to do. But I digress. Back to Beto.

Beto tells you a little about what he wants - gun control and universal healthcare - and a little about what he does not like - migrant children separated from their parents at the border and Trump's wall. What he doesn't tell you in this documentary is how he hopes to pay for what he does want, and what alternative he has to what he does not like. He is essentially a great personality without detailed policies where Hillary Clinton was a great policy wonk without a great personality, at least that's what came across in public.

Overall I would recommend this work as a good introduction to the man and the excitement he drummed up in 2018 in The Lone Star State. I am impressed that he seems unsullied from his six years in the House. And any native Texan as myself is impressed with anybody who can rattle off the names of all 254 counties in the place I will forever call home no matter where I live.

A Charming Film about Beto O'Rourke's Ill-fated Senate Campaign

[JustCuriosity · 7/10 · 11 March 2019]

Running with Beto was enthusiastically received by hundreds of supporters at its world premiere at the Paramount Theater at Austin's SXSW Film Festival. The film is mostly warm liberal embrace for Beto O'Rourke and his ultimately unsuccessful progressive campaign to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz in the 2018 election. It isn't a very serious academic campaign film. It is mostly a soft and supportive portrait of the enthusiastic candidate and his young family. It paints a portrait Beto, his enthusiastic staffers and his dedicated volunteers. It is a fun film for all those who put their heart and soul into the Beto crusade. Folks who loved Beto and the daring grassroots campaign to turn Texas blue will love the film. Ted Cruz supporters will probably hate it. In Austin, the audience absolutely loved and especially loved when Beto and his wife and daughter showed up on stage with the director at the end of the film. If you are looking for affirmation about what could have been you'll enjoy this entertaining campaign film. Of course, Beto O'Rourke's campaign failed to win, but it did begin a process of remaking the Texas Democratic party (through his effort to visit all 254 counties) in Texas. If Texas ultimately does turn blue, people will come to understand that it all began with Beto's grassroots campaign.

The rudest group of people

[caitlinwoltje · 25 October 2019]

As someone living in Austin, I had every intention of watching this documentary. That was until the makers of this documentary held a dinner at the restaurant I was working at and were incredibly rude, belittling, and entitled. I have waited on high maintenance parties and groups on more than one occasion, but this was by far the most disrespectful group of people I have ever had the unpleasant experience of hosting. After being treated as an ignorant, unintelligent waitress for three hours by the production crew of this film, I can't bring myself to watch it.

Great insight into campaigning

[jesswojda · 10/10 · 29 May 2019]

If you think this documentary was just about Beto, you weren't paying attention.

This film gives an inside look into the amazing amount of work it takes to run a state-wide race. It isn't just about the politician himself, it's about everyday people like you and me who were the sweat and tears of this campaign. It was about how everyone is affected by politics no matter their background. It was about how you can do everything right, and accomplish so much, but still lose the war.

This documentary gives you the chance to fall in love with the hardworking people of Texas, and how Beto did something more important than winning the Senate race--he gave birth to the next generation of leaders who are ready to make change happen.

Loser doc about a loser candidate

[ohthatguyproductions · 1/10 · 13 September 2021]

Beto lost the Pres nomination, he lost against Cruz. Bologna, self-serving dribble to stroke his loser ego.

Heartwarming

[Sally29 · 10/10 · 18 May 2019]

I was able to catch an early screening of the film a couple weeks In advance of its HBO premier, I live in Texas but wasn't too aware of Beto until the last few months of the. Campaign. I kept seeinghearing the buzz-stickers on kids' computers at Starbucks, Beto signs-even in suburbia, a mention in the paper here, a negative comment from my ultra conservative neighbor on Facebook, people talking around the proverbial water cooler at work, and so on. I caught him at a Beers with Beto, and I was hooked. Never have I seen such a smart, genuine, humble "politician." It didn't take long for me to sign up and host my own call and canvassing parties. Hope in TEXAS! Never have I been around so many positive people (supporters), Such a contrast from the politics of fear. Why bother to mention this? Because this documentary captures the spirit and enthusiasm of the Texas senate race. Want a slice of "politics" (the kind where the people are actually a part) and hope in what WILL be a model of/for America? Watch this. A word about the negative reviews and ranking..,,, they are no doubt from people who haven't seen the doc, people who support other candidates or agendas. See it for yourself.

Just bad.

[pimy95 · 2/10 · 22 October 2020]

Bad writing. Bad directiong. Bad continuity. Bad acting. Just an overall terrible production that is only watchable by fans of beto the bomb.. In a long line of dissapoints from HBO which was excellent at one time. Truly sad.

Better than I thought

[nahhandams · 10/10 · 29 May 2019]

I was hesitant to watch this with my husband because he's usually not into watching anything political in nature, but he ended up liking it. If we were going to vote for Beto, we're voting for Beto even more now. We need a president running with vision and passion and clear policy outline (which can be found on his website if you haven't seen it yet). I enjoyed the ride in this film, as it first started with just a few old people in a empty building coming to listen to him run for senate and ended with thousands chanting his name. Really empowering.

Beto is an empty suit

[fleck05IMDB · 2/10 · 28 October 2019]

Watching how some smart people managed to fool many people that Beto is anything more than an empty suit full of platitudes was a little interesting, but the guy is so fake I couldn't understand why people were so enamored with him.

hagiography style. Fails to mention either his mistakes, or the fact that the lost despite outspending his opponent 2.4:1

[random-70778 · 18 March 2019]

Virtually no candidate outspends their opponent 2.4:1 (direct speding 2:1, dark /527 money 3:1 ) spending or more and loses, but "Beto" managed to do exactly that. There is almost no mention of the fact that his opponent, Cruz had an actual grass roots campaign, based in Texas, whereas nearly 80% of Beto's money came from outside Texas. In fact open Secrets (the most prestigious camaoing spending website) shows 81% of Beto money came from outside of Texas.

by the way this worshipful film out to be considered by the FEC to be campaign spending for his presidential campaign.

This a very important issue for the future of the Demoratic party in Texas, which Beto harmed, and for it nationally. Thankfully in the 2020, he has been relegated to nothing. When you have fellow Democrats call him "the ultimate empty suit."

Beto represents the Hope our country needs right now!

[beckyvee-54044 · 10/10 · 18 May 2019]

Running with Beto is a revolutionary film. In his run for the US Senate, Beto visited all 254 counties in Texas and defiantly stood up to his opponent on issues like gun control, equality, immigration, and health care. We get to know his family, campaign workers, and supporters, and we weep with them on election night. Beto gave hope to Texas and we let him down. But now he is fighting to save our democracy. We need this man in the White House.

Ultimate cultural appropriation by white male

[jaimegonzales210 · 1/10 · 12 September 2021]

Robert Francis "Beto" O'Rourke represents everything establishment liberalism supposedly rejects: white privilege, monied history, strong patriarchal influence, cisgender/heterosexual perspective and, most publicly, cultural appropriation.

The title of the film, Running with Beto, furthers O'Rourke's cultural theft of the Hispanic nickname, Beto (Roberto), which he got from his Hispanic nanny. O'Rourke has garnered great mileage from the confusion generated through his exclusive use of the Hispanic nickname, as his political beginnings are in El Paso, Texas, a heavily Hispanic region.

I have never heard local news networks bother to ask O'Rourke why he, a child of two white parents, chooses to run as Beto instead of his given name, Robert. White people in Black or Asian neighborhoods do not seem to portray themselves as culturally Black or Asian, so it seems odd that O'Rourke gets a free pass for his very obvious cultural appropriation when, for example, two white girls in Washington state are forced to close their taco stand because they are not Hispanic.

To add insult to injury, O'Rourke is applauded when he utilizes poor Spanish speaking at political events. He didn't grow up in "the barrio" and it shows, yet he represents himself as some representative savior of the Hispanic class.

Has O'Rourke's political career benefitted Hispanics? Not if you ask them, but his wealthy, white father-in-law seems to have benefitted greatly from O'Rourke's efforts, at the expense of El Paso taxpayers.

And so, at least for me, seeing a film that whitewashes the losing record of a privileged, wealthy white cisgender hetero male who has benefitted greatly from cultural appropriation seems a bit much.

Open & Honest Look Inside a Campaign

[karenrlandes · 10/10 · 30 May 2019]

A wonderful look at Beto's senate campaign from so many perspectives - the candidate, his family, staff & supporters. From a fledgling idea of what Beto wanted to accomplish to the grueling 2 years of working towards that goal, you are along for the ride - literally. But it wasn't just about Beto - it was about the changing of Texas politics and the impact that will remain on the state. Highly recommend.

failed politican...failed man

[veganhealer · 1/10 · 5 October 2019]

Beto (which isn't actually his real name) has no chance as a politician because people can see right through his facade... which is clear in this film. Not only that but he admitted that he wasn't there for his family when they needed him. This man needs to return home and fix that place, first.

Historic Texas Race

[jpaisal · 10/10 · 5 June 2019]

Such an incredible presentation of what Beto historically did in Texas. He has officially made the state up for grabs in 2020. He is captivating, honest, trustworthy, and inspiring.

More liberal trash

[travism-44784 · 1/10 · 19 June 2019]

Francis O' Rourke is an idiot and this documentary fully sheds light on his idiocracy.

He drives himself!

[shawnflynn2010 · 8/10 · 30 May 2019]

Very surprised as I WAS a Beto fan before I saw this "behind=the=scenes" documentary. Somehow, I think, the director of this presentation was trying to tell O'Rourke somethings wrong. The disconnect he has with his children who are very, very young is glaring. The kids adore him and only once did we experience (with his very young daughter) a genuine hug and connection. I don't think he cares for his little boys at all. Ditto, same for his wife. So, this documentary is excellent as Beto drives himself all over Texas running against Ted Cruz for US Senate in 2018. The documentary highlights some of the committed volunteers and the energetic crowds. Political campaigns are quite raucous and this film captures this aspect quite well. I will still vote for Beto if he gets the nomination. But, anybody but Trump!

Why?

[ivegotgeemail · 1/10 · 29 May 2019]

Terrible, pointless documentary about a man who has zero chance off becoming president. Might as well have made a documentary about my next door neighbor.

Running with Beto is a winner

[revajackson-99428 · 9/10 · 31 May 2019]

We all know how the race ended watch to see why Beto came within less than 3% from winning his Senate Race. No one works harder than he does. Vote for Beto in the Primary.

On the road with Beto

[carlta · 30 May 2019]

After watching Beto's live-streams campaigning across the state of Texas for two years, it was uplifting to see the more vulnerable side of Beto and his family. His family's sacrifices to run for public office were huge. Beto is a transparent, authentic, funny, compassionate, and brilliant man and this film shows that. This film captures his strengths and vulnerabilities with unblinking honesty. Kudos to the filmmakers. Outstanding work.

What's worth seeing??

[SPZMaxinema · 1/10 · 16 April 2023]

Beto O'Rourke is a pathetic fraud and virtue signaler who will do anything to gain power and abuse it. Who would make a documentary about this guy?? He literally loses every major election he runs for and can barely gather any kind of support even for his most central issues that he stands for. I'm not a big gun person myself personally but even so, anyone with a quarter of a brain can acknowledge he's never going to take away guns/assault weapons from law abiding Americans through any kind of policy and program, it's impractical and stupid. Especially in TEXAS of all places. He's one of the most cringe people out there and deserves NO recognition, what a joke that this kind of documentary can be made. He should choose a different career where he doesn't have to be in the spotlight!

Amazing Documentary

[cadenskye · 10/10 · 6 June 2019]

This movie accurately showed how big of a deal this race was. This race should have been a blowout for Cruz. But, Beto came along and this race went from a safe election for the GOP to a Tossup. That is a really big deal. Yes, you say, but he lost. The last time Texas went for a Democratic Presidential Candidates was 1976. The last time for Senate was 1988. The last Statewide office was in 1994 (two years after Bill Clinton won states that are now considered Safe Republican) and that was Lieutenant Governor. Beto was an unknown Congressman that from a town known for sharing a name with a Taco Seasoning brand. Beto talked to everyone, no matter what, outspent Cruz 2:1 (without PACs), and went from having rallies with 10 people, to 55,000 people (true fact, largest since 2016). This documentary accurately showed this, which I loved. If the media made this now, it would be about how Beto showed have stayed home and how there were so many out of state donations and that he beat a woman in the primaries. This was a great documentary.

I cried watching it

[eternaldfl · 6 August 2019]

When people care, when people go out of their way to make changes happen for the better, strive hard to improve conditions for others and to help lift the community, you see that fire in their eyes. I hope Texas turns blue some day. The world spins forward, and doesn't matter how hard you wish it, nobody's going back. Thank you Beto for running in Texas.

Running With Beto is a great intro to Beto O'Rourke

[reneestandley-07922 · 10/10 · 30 May 2019]

Love this documentary. It reflects the charisma and passion that Beto possesses that the media has tried to dismiss and mock ever since he announced he was running for president. It shows his strengths while also noting a few human flaws...like we all have. Beto is actually a pretty amazing person and this doc proves it.

Excellent study of the evolution of a grassroots campaign

[martimichael-74288 · 9/10 · 30 May 2019]

Fascinating look at O'Rourke's 2018 senate campaign. How he and a small staff with a large and growing volunteer base created a revolution in Texas' red/blue political labels. Also interesting look in Beto's personal life and his youth, teen years, missteps, and government career. Well made, well edited, relevant to our current political times. Highly recommend.