We sometimes wonder if political candidates ever think about the implications before speaking.
Especially in Texas.
Many readers will remember the 1990 race for governor that pitted Democrat Ann Richards against Republican Clayton Williams.
Williams started out leading the race by 20 points in some polls. But then he started talking and, well, after some widely publicized comments on prostitution in Mexico and an insensitive joke about rape-as if there is such a thing as a sensitive joke about rape-he ended up losing the race.
Williams wasn't the first or the last to let his mouth get in the way of his electability. And now some critics are saying Democratic Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke has joined those ranks and are gleefully predicting his doom come November.
O'Rourke, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, was at a campaign event recently where he defended NFL players who kneel during the national anthem.
"I can think of nothing more American than to peacefully stand up, or take a knee for your rights anytime, anywhere, any place," he said.
There is a big difference between O'Rourke comment and those from Williams, though. Williams offended both Republicans and Democrats, some deeply. Richards was able to exploit that in her eventual victory.
O'Rourke might make a lot of Republican voters angry with such a remark-respect for our national symbols run deep in the Lone Star State-but it hit home with his base. And we suspect there are a good number of conservatives who agree that free speech and expression are as much a part of being American as respect for the anthem.
This is hardly a "Claytie and the Lady" moment. Make no mistake. Cruz and his supporters will take this and run with it. We imagine, though, they will just be pandering to voters they already have locked up.