The Esquire Interview: Mayor Peter Buttigieg

[mobeau69]

https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a26861236/peter-buttigieg-interview/

[FM123]

1. Good article! I like how he answered about James Joyce & politics....

You're a big James Joyce buff. Is running for president more like Ulyssesor Finnegan's or Wake?

Definitely more like Ulysses than it is like Portrait. Finnegan's Wake is dream speak. Ulysses is consciousness meeting reality. But here's why I think Ulysses is extremely relevant. People believe Ulysses is this complex, difficult, inscrutable text full of references. And it is a difficult text, but its subject matter couldn't be more democratic. It's about a guy going about his day for one day. That's the plot of Ulysses. And, to me, that's what makes it very touching. You're in this guy's head, and you're kind of seeing life through his eyes, and at the end through his wife's eyes.

That's how politics ought to be, too. The reason any of this stuff matters is that it affects us in the everyday. And I think the greatest literature, whether it's Ulysses or Mahfouz, when it touches politics, it's about how politics can make our everyday better or worse. And I think that same understanding of the imperative and the primacy of lived experience ought to be how our politics works.

[babylonsister]

2. I'm listening to him on Morning Joe now. He

makes so much sense; a breath of fresh air!

[Skidmore]

5. Me, too.

He shut the Joe and Mika machine down more than once. This man is gifted with an incisive mind and he doesn't grind axes. Good to see.

[spinbaby]

8. He's sharp

Pair him with Elizabeth Warren and they’d be unstoppable.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

10. Pretty impressive... the more I hear this guy, the more I like him!

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[Nanjeanne]

3. Now this is a charismatic big thinking guy with a fascinating background. And one

with actual accomplishments.

[octoberlib]

4. He is so impressive. Love him!

[handmade34]

6. love Mayor Pete

he would make a fine President!!

[TNNurse]

7. He impresses us more and more every day.

His range of knowledge is impressive. He also overwhelms the questioner with info without being rude. I like that. It is something I learned in my work. If people question you in a way that they are implying you may not know much...let them know just how much you know. But do it politely so they cannot criticize.

[patricia92243]

9. If he can get the publicity (therefore cash) he will get the nomination.

Then, there is a good chance he will be our next president.

He runs circles around EVERY other person running. The guy on CNN gave a "report card" on just a very few candidate and he was one of them. A- was his grade and a lot of mention of his being a dark horse etc. It was all complimentary.

He is our guy - just wait and see.

[lark]

11. He is part of the reason I am so excited about this primary season.

This is the first article I've read interviewing him and I have come away very impressed with his intellect and his heart.

[patricia92243]

12. He has gone up a percentage here on DU.