He’s toast. Once upon a time I had Beto as a dark horse to win it all. After Wednesday, I’ll be surprised if he’s still in the race 12 weeks from now.

Beto was over-rehearsed and stiff. No rock-star charisma. He looked like he was desperate to prove that he has some substance. Worst of all, he panicked. When the moderators tried to pin him down on the 70 percent top marginal rate, he evaded. When Mayor Bill and Julian Castro tried to shiv him, he looked terrified.

Don’t get me wrong: Beto had some good moments. But if you’re a Democratic voter and you pictured Beto onstage with Trump tonight, you’re ready to run for the exits.