Beto O'Rourke's "relentless" campaign carried over into his second trip to Iowa.

The former Texas congressman, who is vying for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, made six stops in the Des Moines metro Saturday, the busiest day on his four-day, 15-event trip to Iowa. Behind the wheel of a rented, red Dodge Grand Caravan, O'Rourke and his team covered more than 50 miles.

His 12-hour day began and ended in Des Moines — after roughly six hours of stump speeches and voter questions, handshakes and hugs, at least 100 more photo requests, and several of the same anecdotes.

All within a 20-mile radius.

The pace was too much for the schedule. O'Rourke often ran late, leaving attendees (and the crush of media that follows him around) waiting. At some events, Beto didn't start until nearly 45 minutes from when the event was scheduled.

Delays were often from long lines for selfies and questions, according to O'Rourke's campaign.

"We want to give all Iowans — and everyone — the chance to see him and meet him, personally," Geoff Burgan, Iowa communications director for O'Rourke, told the Register.

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9 a.m., east side of Des Moines

The first event of the day, which was originally scheduled for 8:30 a.m., sparked a departure from a campaign norm: O'Rourke had nothing to stand on. The fireplace mantle was too high and the ceiling too low for his 6-foot-4 frame, forcing the former Senate candidate to speak from the floor.

As he did throughout the day, he spoke for about 45 minutes — half stump speech, half question-and-answer — and took questions on infrastructure funding, climate change and mandatory Spanish classes.

Former Des Moines City Councilman Skip Moore said he was "very impressed" with O'Rourke, who reminded him of President John F. Kennedy.

"He's got a lot of energy," Moore said.

A new Iowa Cubs hat in hand, O'Rourke ducked into the garage for a television interview, a staffer following with a doughnut for later.

11:15 a.m., Polk City

As the 2020 cycle heats up, the caucus season is becoming more and more of a family affair: Polk County Democratic chair Sean Bagniewski's parents hosted O'Rourke's second event in Polk City. Bagniewski's son also got a lollipop from the presidential hopeful (his second of the caucus season, after Sen. Cory Booker.)

Bagniewski's son wasn't the only child to get to meet the 2020 candidate: Children also asked him about how to end child hunger and ensure clean water access in the U.S.

"You've got that commitment to those kids like you that you care so much about," O'Rourke replied, committing to improving programs for free and reduced lunches at schools.

One man pulled up to the Polk City residence on a tractor to greet O'Rourke, who was standing by his red Dodge Grand Caravan.

1:05 p.m., West Des Moines

Cars quickly filled the cul-de-sac at O'Rourke's third stop of the day, so most attendees had to park more than a block away. But the home's owner was prepared, turning up the air conditioning to account for the throng.

The art-filled home exploded with cheers when O'Rourke crossed over the threshold. Some watched from a balcony above, though they were instructed to take their shoes off before heading up there.

Before taking questions on China, housing and health care, O'Rourke portrayed himself as a pragmatist.

"We just have to compromise," he said, sharing a talking point with some of his Democratic competitors.

He took a swig from a water bottle as the photo line went through, his day only half done.

3:10 p.m., Des Moines

It was a warm afternoon, which meant attendees like Phil Sickles said they were fine waiting outside. Sickles said O'Rourke was the first candidate he'd seen, but plans to see as many others as he can.

"I never expect any of these things to start on time," Sickle said.

When O'Rourke arrived, he spoke to a group of over 150 that encircled him in the Des Moines backyard. He stood on a black wooden box, rotating throughout his speech to see everyone attending. Eventgoers asked him about a variety of issues from his views on Israel and Palestine to the late Sen. John McCain.

The yard faced a busy Des Moines street — and drivers noticed the presidential candidate from the road. O'Rourke waved back at passengers who shouted "Beto!" from passing cars.

5 p.m., south side of Des Moines

In a house on the city's southwest side, an NBC News cameraman was worried that O'Rourke would stand right in front of a window, ruining his shot.

Some attendees at this house party were relegated to sitting on the floor.

During the question-and-answer session, O'Rourke called America's criminal justice system "inherently, systematically and fundamentally racist." He called for the disbanding of for-profit prisons and disavowed stop-and-frisk practices.

"I was shocked at how honest he was. It literally threw me for a loop," said Dante Powell, 31, who asked O'Rourke the question.

Preparing to speak with reporters for the first time Saturday, O'Rourke took another drink from the water bottle, wiped his mouth on his shirtsleeve and took a couple of steps before being peppered by questions on Iowa flooding, what he's learned during his campaign and the U.S.-Mexico border.

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7:15 p.m., Sherman Hill in Des Moines

On his last stop of the day, organizers for O'Rourke's visit in Des Moines' Sherman Hill neighborhood moved the event outdoors. Attendees set up lawn chairs on the house porch and crowds filled their yard on the side of a hill.

"Thank you for taking a break from your beer at Carl's and coming across the road," O'Rourke joked, saying the house owners invited him for a drink at the dive bar kitty-corner from the campaign stop.

The Texan was asked questions on his economic policies and reiterated to the crowd that he is not a socialist — but said the current model of capitalism in the U.S. needs to change to work "not just for white men."

"Yes, I'm a capitalist," he said. "But I hope to be a conscientious capitalist who makes sure our economy works for everyone."