Castro's debate triumph is a milestone moment for Latinos
SAN DIEGO -- Julián Castro is the little engine that could. And during the first Democratic debate this week, he chugged right into the winner's circle. At least, that's how a lot of people saw it.
The New Republic declared: "Julián Castro was the first debate's big winner. ... No candidate helped their position more. ... If people didn't notice before, they will now."
MSNBC's Joy Reid tweeted that the former secretary of Housing and Urban Development had the best night because he had the "best strategy," "best time use" and "most clearly articulated reason why they are running for president."
Harvard Law School Professor Laurence Tribe commended Castro for pushing us to "decriminalize illegal border crossings." Tribe tweeted: "Sometimes being wonky is what's called for. Castro had a breakout night."
And CNN's Van Jones said Castro flattened Beto O'Rourke with a "Texas takedown."
Castro, the former mayor of San Antonio, hit O'Rourke in his soft spot. Many Democrats worry that, documentaries and magazine covers aside, O'Rourke is all sizzle and no steak.
Poor Beto. The former El Paso congressman is that guy we all know from college, who got far in life on grins and good hair. Born on third base, O'Rourke always figures he can steal home. Ask him a question, and he'll give you a lovely answer -- to a whole other question.
Discussing immigration, Castro scolded his opponent: "I think you should do your homework on this issue."
That stung. When you see a gut-wrenching photo of a toddler hugging her father after they both drowned in the Rio Grande, you get the message: This is serious business, best discussed by serious people. What good is it that you speak Spanish if what you say is gibberish?
Castro also scored big in the "Google primary." NBC News reported that searches for the 2020 Democratic hopeful spiked up by more than 2400% during the debate. "Castro" also trended on Twitter for more than 12 hours following the event, with many people insisting that the former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development had won them over.
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