Misreporting Beto O'Rourke's climate plan hurts effort to confront climate change

[crazytown]

Think Progress, May1, 2019
https://thinkprogress.org/media-beto-orourke-climate-plan-f524dcee6ae5/

Criticism of O’Rourke’s climate plan misstates the science

Former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D) has put forward the most ambitious climate plan ever offered by any candidate running for president.

O’Rourke calls for a 10-year, $5 trillion mobilization to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, with the goal of getting to net-zero emissions by 2050.

But the media’s inaccurate and incomplete reporting has led to a lot of confusion about the merits of the plan. O’Rourke was quickly criticized by some activists who claimed his plan didn’t go fast enough, and the media seized on that. So the resulting coverage missed the mark and misled readers about what the science says and what constitutes an ambitious target — a truly unhelpful debate.

(Snip)The bottom line is that the climate crisis is dire, and we should not lose sight of the fact that cutting emissions in half by 2030 and then achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 would be an unprecedented achievement for this country. O’Rourke’s goal is also stronger than that put forward by any other major country in the world. The media needs to do a better job of making all of this clear.

[JI7]

1. those so called activists mostly care about defeating Democrats

[crazytown]

3. Not so

They merely want to replace Democrats with ‘Justice Democrats’ and ‘DSA Democrats’

[elleng]

2. 'a truly unhelpful debate.' What else is new?

Infrastructure, anyone?

[Indygram]

4. I'm actually shocked at the way such a well thought out plan on such an important issue

Is being almost completely ignored...on here and elsewhere.

Beto is a great candidate and he has proven he can create incredible policy. He's as close to a perfect overall candidate as Democrats could get to beat Trump and so many seem completely oblivious to it.

Maybe it's just that they haven't gotten to see him on a TV town hall to realize it...but my word...check this guy out.

https://betoorourke.com/climate-change/

[dalton99a]

5. They seem determined to marginalize him

Good thing he doesn't have a vicious or vengeful streak like some other candidate

[Indygram]

6. Totally agree and I'm already starting to feel disillusioned

And we haven't even gotten to the first debate. Honest reporting about candidates is apparently too damn much to ask.

[dalton99a]

8. It is way too early

and Beto is not a quitter - his recent travels have been strategic

[Indygram]

9. Yeah...my issue is the way the media is straight up LYING about him

When they do that then voters hear those sound bites. I want to reach through the TV and slap some of these commentators.

[crazytown]

11. They lie about threats Indygram

If you have no chance they don’t care. Andrew Yangs outrageous ‘Freedom Dividend’ has been left alone because he is not a serious candidate.

[MustLoveBeagles]

12. Spot on analysis

[Indygram]

14. True...it's still frustrating

I'm no spring chicken...and I am, for the most part, a moderate Independent. I am exactly the kind of voter that Democrats need to bring over in order to win. I have only ever been inspired and motivated to volunteer for one other candidate in my life and only because one of my friends dragged me to a meet up...it was Howard Dean. Obama motivated my butt to vote early for the first time ever, but not enough to volunteer. Beto inspires me to want to volunteer again...and not because someone dragged me to go to a meet up. Unfortunately I have health issues and I can't go canvass and what not...but his message of hope and unity and how genuine, real and honest he is has me feeling some kinda way.

I remember reading here back then and those who were pushing John Kerry considered him the "safe guy that would appeal to people like me." Oh dear lord, that man bored me to tears. The best bet is always the one that inspires and motivates because when people truly believe in you they show up. When they believe you are just better than the other guy they are less likely to show up. I hope Democrats will play it smart this time.

[marylandblue]

10. I agree, and he should craft more policies.

If he puts out one every two weeks from now until the debates, he will have a lot to talk about.

[MustLoveBeagles]

7. K&R

Thanks crazytown