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This year's midterm elections were full of figures whose impact seemed to go well beyond their constituency.
And when it came to Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke, it seemed as if he'd captured the hearts and minds of every voter in America seeking an alternative to Trumpism. His name was on t-shirts from coast to coast, he raised an unprecedented $60 million dollars from every corner of the nation, and social media has been lit up for months following his well fought war of attrition against Senator Ted Cruz. And though, in the end, that war was lost, it is undeniable that he has inspired scores of voters, both with his ideas and his genuine sincerity.
And last night, that sincerity became even more relatable. O'Rourke delivered a soaring concession speech last night after narrowly losing to Senator Cruz, speaking passionately about what had been accomplished despite his loss, his vision for a path forward and, especially, his gratitude to his supporters. And that's when perhaps his most human moment of all slipped out: the much vaunted "f-bomb."
"Tonight's loss does nothing to diminish the way I feel about Texas or this country," O'Rourke said, before finishing: "I'm so f—ing proud of you guys" to wild applause.
Watch Beto O’Rourke's full concession speech www.youtube.com
But the TV networks were of course caught by surprise. MSNBC immediately cut away, with anchor Brian Williams apologizing to viewers. "Sorry for the F-bomb," Williams said, "We have no control of what's in the concession speeches."
But on social media, folks were anything but offended. It just made them love him all the more!
guys, beto just said the F word, he’s so cool, I hope he joins pod save america— Alex Griswold (@Alex Griswold) 1541567659.0
Look if I were ever a candidate in a close, nationally watched race, I'd probably drop the f-bomb on live TV too. N… https://t.co/1Es79BuVnh— Jeff B. (@Jeff B.) 1541567863.0
Beto dropping an F-bomb in his concession speech cements his position as the cool substitute teacher— Brody Logan (@Brody Logan) 1541568147.0
I'm so fucking proud of @BetoORourke for that F bomb.— Katie (@Katie) 1541567620.0
Beto has become known for colorful language (Ted Cruz even tried to make it a campaign talking point)--there's even a supercut!
More than a year ago, @texastribune published a glorious super-cut of Beto O'Rourke saying "fuck"on the campaign tr… https://t.co/P4eqDRosL0— Aman Batheja (@Aman Batheja) 1541567717.0
And most had to agree that in this day and age, an f-bomb from a politician is child's play... and might even be an asset?
Beto O’Rourke just blew out my ears with that F-Bomb!— Jonathan Capehart (@Jonathan Capehart) 1541567546.0
Not that I was complaining about Beto O’Rourke’s F-Bomb....considering it’s nothing compared with what we’ve heard over the last two years.— Jonathan Capehart (@Jonathan Capehart) 1541567809.0
Beto dropped an F-bomb in his #electionnight concession speech. And in 2018, that's downright presidential.— Karen DaltonBeninato (@Karen DaltonBeninato) 1541568290.0
Beto O'Rourke drops an F-bomb in his concession speech. "I'm so f-ing proud of you guys!" he screams to cheers from… https://t.co/tFlgulKvDR— Jory Rand (@Jory Rand) 1541567781.0
Only #Beto could make an F bomb sound presidential. https://t.co/xby9Zx4ExV— Lesley Abravanel (@Lesley Abravanel) 1541567741.0
pretty sure that f bomb just made Beto potus— Ben Beatty (@Ben Beatty) 1541567734.0
Indeed, the words "Beto" and "president" seemed to become inextricably linked last night in the minds of many: the hashtag #Beto2020 has been trending ever since he gave his f-bomb speech.
Who says a loss is an end and not a beginning?