In the wake of mass blackouts in Texas, former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke sprung into action, delivering water in his pickup truck on-the-ground and raising $1.4 million for storm victims.
After hinting about a 2022 gubernatorial run last month, his readiness to get back into the action is signaling he might be entering the game.
Katie Couric sat down with O’Rourke on Friday to hear more about what he’s seen across the state as it continues to recover from the major freeze.
“This is a man-made disaster, caused by decisions made by men over the last 15 to 20 years to deregulate this market,” he said. “We’re encountering a lot of anger across the state. People want answers and people want change.”
Some highlights from their conversation:
- On the situation, at-hand: O’Rourke says the crisis “laid bear inequality” that’s been part of the state’s landscape for years. Many Texans are facing exorbitant utility bills following the crisis. O’Rourke said, “making investments in every part of the state is urgent,” noting “electricity bills aren’t a bad place to begin.”
- On Ted Cruz’s Mexico controversy: “You want your leaders to be here with you at the most difficult and challenging times, he told Katie. “I don’t think he sees himself as a Senator for the people of Texas.”
- On how everything was handled: “People deserve better and I’m seeing it firsthand as I travel the state,” he said. “It makes you really angry at this level of injustice…People could’ve been spared if the right decisions were made ahead of the time.”
