(CNN) Temporarily setting politics aside, "Running With Beto" is an intriguing fly-on-the-wall look at Beto O'Rourke's losing 2018 Texas Senate bid, and the nature of a grass-roots Democratic campaign in a red state. The HBO documentary functions less successfully as a window into the candidate, other than the sacrifices and occasionally frayed nerves that go hand in hand with such a pressure-cooker environment. The filmmaker enjoyed such extensive access to the candidate that the title can be taken literally, following O'Rourke as it does on his early-morning jog, as well as in quieter moments with his family. In the process, O'Rourke is shown occasionally snapping at staffers while lamenting time missed with his children as he crisscrosses the state in an effort to leave no stone -- and potential undecided voter -- unturned. Beto O'RourkeThat portrait is almost relentlessly flattering, and as such, perhaps the least interesting aspect of "Running With Beto."

Source: CNN May 27, 2019 16:07 UTC