Talking with Oprah Winfrey, Beto O'Rourke sounds like a candidate again

WASHINGTON - The playbook for readying a presidential launch is pretty straightforward: The candidate shows up in states that host early primaries, signals unwavering resolve, and road tests a clear and concise vision around which to build a campaign.

Beto O'Rourke has been doing none of those things.

Nonetheless, the former Texas congressman's conversation Tuesday with Oprah Winfrey gave political activists plenty to buzz about. It was a reset for a possible campaign that has suffered recently amid his unbridled ambivalence.

After weeks in which O'Rourke has hidden from the swarm of reporters and fans stalking his every move, the Texan emerged from his conversation with Winfrey having restored some of the mojo that defined his emotional, overflowing town-hall events during the midterm election. He once again boosted excitement about his White House potential, promising that