Why isn’t everyone buzzing about Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke after he stood out in El Paso, Texas?

You'd think Americans would be buzzing about O’Rourke after the week-long images of him consoling family and friends of the 22 killed by a white supremacist at his hometown’s Walmart.

Instead, O'Rourke is facing calls to drop out of the race. It doesn't make any sense. Not when O’Rourke has done everything expected of a presidential candidate.

He rushed to the scene of the horrific mass shooting that left the city of mostly Hispanic residents shocked and terrified. He not only showed compassion and love but gave El Paso a voice of collective outrage over an attack inspired by hate against Latinos.

Yet the American people appear to be turning their backs on O’Rourke, including folks from his own state.

Good enough for Texas but not the U.S.?

Over the weekend, the Houston Chronicle’s editorial board called on O’Rourke to abandon his presidential bid and instead urged him to challenge Republican Sen. John Cornyn.

“The chances of winning the race you’re in now are vanishingly small,” the board wrote. "And Texas needs you."

That call is probably meant as a compliment. But it is not.

It’s an insult to the man who endured Trump’s ire just because he showed the compassion and leadership El Paso need and which the president himself couldn’t offer.

It’s an insult to the man who defiantly called Trump racist, blaming his anti-immigrant rhetoric for the mass shooting, and who criticized the mainstream media for reporting his message of hate.

It’s an insult to tell him he’s good enough for Texas, but not enough for the country.

Sometimes, you don't kill a dream

O’Rourke has been struggling in the crowded field of Democrats vying for the party’s nomination to go after Trump in 2020. But that’s not the point.

It’s insulting to say he’s not good enough for the country at a time when he’s been hailed as a hero.

Sometimes the notion of pragmatism kills dreams, robbing one the chance to try it all to the very end. The former U.S. representative who gave Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz a run for his money shouldn’t let anyone cut his dream short.

Elvia Díaz is an editorial columnist for The Republic and azcentral. Reach her at 602-444-8606 or elvia.diaz@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter, @elviadiaz1.