Mario Tama/Getty Images(DES MOINES, Iowa) — They both served in Congress, in different chambers, professing different affiliations. One’s from Texas, the other Vermont. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Beto O’Rourke now find themselves facing off in Iowa.
O’Rourke is no stranger to the Hawkeye state. After his loss to Sen. Ted Cruz, O’Rourke traveled the state by car as he mulled making a bid for the White House. O’Rourke’s plans for this week include small events inside Iowa homes and bigger events, including a rally at the University of Iowa.
Some of Sanders’ and O’Rourke’s differences have come to light through policy proposals such as Sanders’ backing of “Medicare for all.” O’Rourke has stopped short of endorsing the plan as a presidential candidate, saying instead that he wants a “guaranteed, high-quality” plan, a reversal from when he backed Sanders’ plan during his Senate bid in Texas.
When it comes to the Green New Deal, Sanders is a firm backer, whereas O’Rourke hasn’t completely supported it, despite saying it is the “best proposal” he’s seen.
Sanders, who identifies in Congress as an independent, regularly caucuses with the Democrats but describes himself as a Democratic Socialist, to the ire of some Democratic colleagues. O’Rourke served in the House as a Democrat and insists he’s a capitalist.
Whatever their differences, the two candidates do have at least one thing in common: They’ve shared some of the same staff. Two former 2016 Sanders campaign staffers are now working with O’Rourke to assist with advertising and fundraising.
The two candidates also have been among the top fundraisers. O’Rourke grabbed $9.4 million in just 18 days, while over about 70 days, Sanders piled up $18.2 million.
One obvious difference between the two? Their ages. Sanders is 77, and O’Rourke is 46.
But it’s probably too early to tell how important to voters candidates’ ages will be.
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