DETROIT — Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke registered a subdued performance in his second debate outing as a presidential candidate — a stabilization from his stumbles during last month's debate in Miami.

"I'm running for president because I believe that America discovers its greatness at its moments of greatest need," he said early on. "This moment will define us forever, and I believe that in this test, America will be redeemed."

O'Rourke did not have a breakout moment Tuesday night, but the El Paso native also came off as far more confident than in the last debate or his previous outings against Ted Cruz in their race for U.S. Senate last fall. The nearly three-hour CNN debate was notable for its clashes between the more moderate candidates and liberals on the stage over issues that included health care and immigration. But O'Rourke mostly avoided those clashes as he walked the dividing line in between.

Sources within the campaign said his preparation involved less mechanical and rote responses and more of a "let Beto be Beto" approach, as one aide described. O'Rourke was at his most confident when bringing up his home state and his near victory in the 2018 Senate race in making his case for electability.

Credit by - The Texas tribune

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