Damn, Pete Buttigieg is impressive

[octoberlib]

He was just being grilled on Morning Joe and had well thought out policies and explained the pathways he'd use to get those policies passed. I didn't pay that much attention to him at first but the more I listen to him the more I like him.

[Vinca]

1. My husband and I both really like him. He's probably at the top of my list at the moment.

[DownriverDem]

12. What really matters

Who can beat trump? These are not normal times. Who can beat trump? Focus.

[Kurt V.]

26. we have no idea who can beat trump.

the currently unknown candidate that generates the most enthusiasm will beat trump

[mobeau69]

37. What are you saying? What are you afraid of?

[calimary]

46. That's not an unreasonable caution. ALL OF US need to stay focused.

Focused on BEATING trump.

And WHOEVER winds up being our nominee, WE HAVE TO BE ALL IN. HAVE TO!

[Merlot]

60. A candidate who makes their campaign about their opponent looses.

[DemocracyMouse]

62. "Who can beat Trump" is wrong question. Try "who can excite the Democrats and independents to vote"

We have to stop worrying about impressing Trump's base. They won't vote for a Democrat even if he/she was Jesus reincarnate. They have even hooted and hollered about voting for a Russian over any Democrat.

So, yes, we need to focus —but the focus should be on sampling all these impressive candidates and determine which communicates clearly enough a vision for renewal that will excite the Democrats and fence-sitters, NOT the Republicans. If enough of the Democratic base, enough of those who are engaged in the Primaries, start building a consensus about the top preferences, the debates will begin to sort things out. We SHOULD be looking at every Dem candidate quite seriously and concern ourselves with whether WE like THEM, not what the moron brigade thinks.

The point is this. Just as happened with FDR, JFK, Bill Clinton and Obama, it is OUR enthusiasm that matters, it's OUR enthusiasm that gets out the vote. Concerning ourselves with the enthusiasm of the 33% that adores a dictator wannabe is a recipe for disaster. Getting another goon like Trump, or something tepid to split the difference, will DEFLATE the vote.

[BlueWI]

85. THIS.

Well said.

[Vinca]

68. I agree completely. At the moment it seems we need a bigger reality show star.

It's sad the country seems to reward fools while incredibly intelligent people are sidelined.

[Cornus]

2. Very Impressive

He is now tied with my first choice!

[DownriverDem]

13. Okay

Can he beat trump?

[mobeau69]

39. Any of our candidates can beat tRump.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

3. Starting to really like the guy too.

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

[DownriverDem]

15. Please

When folks say they "like" someone, I want to know if they think they can beat trump? I'm worried that folks are just playing a popularity game.

[oldsoftie]

20. Today, its Joe Biden. A year from now, who knows if it will still be the same.

Its a question of whether people make what you ask as their TOP PRIORITY, or stick with the person who holds more of their beliefs. Going for who can WIN must be the #1 priority. Because if the party thinks that ANYONE can beat him, there's going to be another shock.

[calimary]

51. Yep. THIS, for sure.

It’s Who. Can. Beat. trump. PERIOD.

And I do like Buttigieg. He’s got a lot of potential and good ideas, smart, makes an excellent impression. I like his positions on the issues from what I’ve heard. And he has lots of tread still on his tires.

I might even be a supporter this early, if I hadn’t already heard Jay Inslee. But Inslee hasn’t caught fire yet, which is disappointing (since the climate crisis is my Number One Issue). And Buttigieg easily could.

If he winds up as our nominee or on the ticket, I’m there.

[Blue_true]

89. I think Pete Buttigieg can beat Trump.

I don't think Trump will have a chance against him on a debate stage and if Trump resorts to name calling that will backfire on him this time around.

[Blue_true]

88. ..... And you too Brute?

Just kidding Buttigieg grows on me more and more as I hear him explain policy prescriptions more and more.

[lkinwi]

4. I agree, I was also impressed.

I hadn’t really listened to him before today either, but he certainly had my attention this morning.

[monmouth4]

5. He was awesome this morning and they all, including the panel seemed to like him. He's so sharp,

honest and down to earth. He could be the dark horse and I do think his youth is a real asset. He's wise beyond his years.

[Shrek]

6. I didn't see Morning Joe

But I got a positive impression from other appearances.

[patricia92243]

7. I just missed it :( Maybe it will be on YouTUbe or something later,

[octoberlib]

19. It's up on msnbc.com

https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/buttigieg-the-kind-of-person-to-take-wh-next-is-what-s-important-1461532739696

[patricia92243]

30. Thanks! I'll drink my second coffee and have good time watching the

next POTUS.

[mobeau69]

32. Thanks, octberlib.

Believe it or not, I don't get MSNBC on my basic cable!

[CousinIT]

8. I saw that interview and felt the same.

He is impressive!

[Tipperary]

9. He is smart as hell. I really like him.

K and r.

[True Dough]

10. He's impressed EVERY TIME!

He's the real deal. You can sense the authenticity about him too, the sincerity behind his words.

[MissKat]

11. Mayor Pete is

an absolute delight!!

Just read where when he was younger he was interested in a Norwegian author...only the books hadn't been translated yet. What did he do? Learned Norwegian!

He's definitely bright, has well-thought out ideas, and is very personable.

It's wait and see for now...but I'm impressed. I want to hear more from him.

[Ilsa]

14. He is so poised.

He has a good message and he delivers it well. He's in my top five.

[kentuck]

16. He is a voice of a generational change...

Perhaps?

[USALiberal]

17. Just mayor experience is a concern. Nt

[thegoose]

18. But Dump's experience

Consists of being a two-bit moronic conjob and Russian money launderer. If the Dems take over, they can all work together and right the ship.

[mobeau69]

22. Rump is way too low of a bar for Pete.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tells Chuck Todd, “In all seriousness, I think that Pete Buttigieg, as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has probably done more real world executive branch experience than many legislators.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/video/does-pete-buttigieg-have-the-experience-to-take-on-the-white-house-1445719619576

[Blue_Adept]

24. "just" mayor experience is a disservice to the person

[bullwinkle428]

28. He's spent his entire adult life in public service, as a combat veteran

of the military, and then in service to the community of South Bend.

[Autumn]

41. His life experience is just fine. Better that fine. The idea a person has to be a serving politician

for x amount of time should be put in a box and tossed into a volcano.

[IronLionZion]

43. He has more government experience than our current president

[USALiberal]

55. Not a great selling point. Nt

[pamela]

74. He has business experience and military experience, too.

Business, military and government experience. Name another candidate with that trifecta.

[babylonsister]

75. That's more than dt had.

I don't think that's a deal breaker; might be an asset!

[elleng]

78. He's had more executive experience than most of the others.

[oldsoftie]

21. And he easily answered "Yes", when Scarborough asked if he was a capitalist, unlike Hickenlooper.

Who couldnt give a damn straight answer even though Joe asked him 3 times, yes or no.
I like someone who doesnt bullshit around. This man Buttigieg seemed to have no problem answering any question. Maybe a good VP if he doesnt make the cut

[CTyankee]

45. I saw him on MJ and found him very refreshing and authentic.

He is definitely a Dem with a future. He could serve very well as VP to my favorite Kamala Harris and if things go well in this country -- by that I mean if we move to a more socialist economic system -- he would be perfect for the president after her.

But I want to hear more from him, not because I have doubts but because I like his views...

[oldsoftie]

72. I think its a sure thing we'll hear more from him! As for the economic system, not so much

The biggest problem we face in the US when it comes to having programs such as those in Europe or the Nordic countries is that we are not willing to do what needs to be done to PAY for them. Over there, EVERYONE pays plus they have a sales tax. Norways exemption is only for about 5k. And their income tax is actually a flat tax. Over here, no sales tax, except state & local, 1/2 of us pay no income taxes (only payroll taxes), and a TON of money goes untaxed. The sales tax would fix the last problem. (And the SS cap should be done away with). But getting all that passed would be a tough road even with a Democratic Congress & President. Simply raising the taxes on the wealthy, the easiest one to pass, wont provide anywhere NEAR the amount of money needed.

[pamdb]

23. Mayor pete

I really really like him but he won’t make it.

No one can pronounce his name.

He’s too young ( not for me)

And he’s gay and married to his husband. In this backward society? Not gonna happen.

[bullwinkle428]

29. I'm sure millions of people had the same kinds of doubts when it came

to a black guy with a middle name of "Hussein"...

[mobeau69]

33. Dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power.

[lillypaddle]

54. Well, he is married to a man

sounds like he may be gay.

[sfwriter]

61. "if he is gay he will not beat Trump"

I’m not so sure. Doesn’t Trump have the bigot vote sewn up?

[Chipper Chat]

67. He is an elected mayor of a big city.

In scarlet and ultraconservative Indiana. And gay. That should tell us something.

[oldsoftie]

73. And even Trump has a gay man serving as Ambassador to Germany

I'm sure there are others in the administration but i think thats the highest ranking that i know of

[elleng]

79. Many CAN pronounce his name.

BoodaJudge.

[pdsimdars]

25. I know. He's so normal, none of that "politician" smell about him.

[Kurt V.]

27. k&r

[Moostache]

31. I am serious when I say he has been BETTER EVERY TIME I have seen him...

He is a naturally talented politician on the level of Bill Clinton (without the externalities and baggage that came to dominate the later Clinton years). IF he gains a foothold and performs well in the debates, he could be the candidate that emerges from this packed field and I would be absolutely thrilled by that.

For those concerned about his sexual orientation, are you kidding me? 2002 called and they want you to come vote down marriage equality again.... Does anyone REALLY think that for people who that STILL matters would EVER vote for a Democratic candidate in the first place? He is so impressive with his answers and policy positions that unless someone is a total bigot or homophobe the LAST thing they find themselves thinking while listening to him is where he might be sleeping later that day or with whom.

He is of the next generation, the ones who are going to face the true horrors of climate change, automation, jobless economies and ballooning national debts that funded tax cuts for billionaires and corporations to buy back stock and boost their ROI. Mayor Pete is the real thing - incredibly smart, verbally adept and clear, focused and serious and already more experienced than the current shit gibbon but with the added benefit of a calm consensus seeking demeanor and temperament. He answers clearly and unambiguously when directly asked questions and is a fresh voice in an otherwise stale cacophony of modern politics.

Mayor Pete should get a VERY serious look and review from ALL Democratic voters in this process...please don't let the noise or unfamiliarity prevent that from happening!!

[Autumn]

53. Bill could sit in an interview and go into depth on any subject. Pete's the same way.

I have a feeling after his first appearance on the debate stage he will sky rocket. When I listen to him I get happy. And hopeful.

[gordianot]

34. As first impressions go, he does well.

I could say much the same for most of the Democratic field. My priority at this point in time is removal of Donald Trump and associated criminals.

[AlexSFCA]

35. He propelled to my number 1 within a week

It’s unbelievable! All of a sudden he is all over the media. In all honesty, I like him better than Beto. He has best answers to most questions. There is just one thing I don’t understand - why did he taught himself how to speak Norwegian?
Anyone who hesitates to say they are capitalist does not belong in this primary. We are trying to save capitalism for ourselves and our children. I loved Robert Reich’s documentary “Saving Capitalism” on Netflix. I agree the person who will beat trump is the one who can generate the most enthusiasm and that person is not always the most experienced one. Hillary, John Kerry and Obama are prime examples. The first two lost, the less experienced but a true rock star won.

[dsc]

82. He read a translated book from a Norwegian author

liked it a great deal but found out the rest of the books hadn't been translated. So he learned Norwegian in order to read them.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

83. I got the Kindle version of the book, "Naive. Super" by Erlend Loe,

in English after I heard about what Buttigieg did. It's an interesting, rather odd book, told from the point of view of a man who seems to be a bit on the autism/Asperger's spectrum, although that's never mentioned. Loe has "a distinctive style of writing which is often likened to naïve art." I'm ordering the Norwegian version, since I can read Norwegian (slowly) and I'm curious what it's like. Even though this author's writing style is simple and declarative, it would still be a very impressive effort to learn enough of any foreign language to read any entire book.

[TNNurse]

36. If you have not read his letter to the Muslim community of Michiana

you should. This is a real decent human being. He is smart, knowledgeable person with experience in the real world. None of those adjectives apply to Trump.

[Tom Rinaldo]

38. I will not support him for President unless he becomes our nominee

This time around that is. He seems like a real potential leader of the first order to me. However I will not bend my standards regarding experience and seasoning for the most important job in the world. Learning curves are real, and the consequences of mistakes made while on them are real also. Pete can amp up from Mayor of a mid size city to offering sage advice on a national stage and I am thankful that he is doing so. Being President is of a different order. This experience of running for President is in itself a broadening experience that will better equip him to perform on a national stage in the future. I welcome him to that role.

[Honeycombe8]

40. But is he a natural born leader?

Someone you'd turn to when lost in the jungle, to find your way out? The person who says, "Follow me, people! We'll find out way out of here!" Is he that kind of person that people will follow?

In my view, a President should have natural leadership skills and presence. It's not necessary that he/she know all the details or have all the answers. What matters is intellect, a map of where to go, an idea of how to get there, and natural leadership skills. (It goes w/o saying that they all should have ethics and character and decency.)

A person who has all the plans worked out in detail, lots of papers and ideas of how to do this and that...that's an administrator or legislator, but not necessarily an executive.

I haven't seen him yet. I'll look up clips of his appearance this morning on MJ. His name is an issue, don't you think? Who would be able to spell it or pronounce it?

[Autumn]

44. He's run an administration of about a thousand people for 2 terms as mayor, a lieutenant

in the United States Navy Reserve serves for 9 years. I would say he has some damn good leadership skills.

https://www.military.com/undertheradar/2018/10/15/vets-public-service-south-bend-mayor-pete-buttigieg.html

Pete Buttigieg, United States Navy Lieutenant and veteran of the War in Afghanistan, is a politician currently serving as the Mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

Pete has a notable background as the youngest mayor of a city with a population over one hundred thousand (elected at 29 in 2011), a graduate of Harvard University, Rhodes Scholar, Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow, John F. Kennedy New Frontier Fenn Award recipient, and first openly gay executive in the state of Indiana, even being hailed by outlets as the "first gay president" in the United States of America.

[patricia92243]

58. Great post and great pictures - especially the one with Prez Carter.

[Corgigal]

47. Agreed.

He's sharp and quick. While I love Harris, I changed my pick. Him mentioning Pence serving in the porn star White House was a nice touch. Also, good marketing.

[lillypaddle]

48. I know, I know!

What to do? Damn, so many are good and would make an excellent president. I'm still thinking Kamala is my choice, but things might shake out differently after the debates. Like you, I like Pete Buttigieg a lot.

[sfwriter]

49. I have yet to see him stumble.

He is as wonkish as Warren and approaching Beto’s charisma. Everyone owes it to the country to watch an interview is the SXSW Townhall. I was Warren all the way until I saw him.

[rainin]

50. Impressive, indeed.

Can we stop saying, "Can he lead?" or "Can he beat Trump?" Our candidates are shifting the ground beneath us just by being candidates. When they speak, our reality improves incrementally. His voice is needed, whether or not he eventually becomes our nominee. For years, I have been frustrated by the "Politician" who never answers a question and sounds like a politician, not a real person. Pete Buttligieg will lead -- he won't look for the way the wind is blowing and go along. He is leading now.

[SKKY]

52. Mayor Pete certainly appears to be emerging as a real player...

...But again, I'm just tickled pink with the quality of candidates we have this cycle. I would legit vote for any of those who have officially declared.

[Moostache]

63. Why is it ok to be worried about same sex marriage partners like that?

Would anyone be comfortable applying that same logic to Kamala Harris or Corey Booker because of their race? To Elizabeth Warren or Keirstan Gillibrand because of their gender? Or Joe Biden because of his age? If its not OK for all (which its NOT), then I believe it is not OK to selectively apply to Pete.

I said it before and I will chant it like a mantra to my death, if you LISTEN to Pete and hear his responses and STILL think only about his sexual orientation, then in my opinion that individual is NOT a potential democratic vote regardless of the nominee...there would be something 'wrong' with any of the candidates to that mindset. And please do not forget that these hypocrites that prattle on about "family values" are perfectly OK with an avowed sexual assaulter who admitted to grabbing pussies with or without consent. A thrice married father of five by three different women, and a future defendant when charges are filed against "Individual 1" in January of 2021 for paying hush money to a porn star for silence ahead of the 2016 election. Anyone who has the temerity to tell me that they are A-OK with Trump and his "role model" behavior but would be too offended by a man in a legal, consensual marriage regardless of spouse gender is flat out full of shit and deserves to be rightfully outed as a homophobe.

We need the best, most capable and most inspiring leader to emerge from this process...absolutely not the most non-offensive to the republican ethos.

[patricia92243]

81. Bingo!

[Freethinker65]

57. Yep.

[RoadRunner]

59. He's definitely

Growing on me.

[donkeypoofed]

64. I've only heard him 2x and find him very impressive!!

How could anybody not like this guy. I like listening to him and I like what he says. I hope he's in it till the end. He should be a politician on the national stage; his country needs him.

[donkeypoofed]

70. Mika said her phone was blowing up after Pete's appearance

She said that Repukelicans, Democrats and Network Executives all wanted to know more about him, just from hearing his thoughts on national tv !!! Impressive is the word to describe Pete Buttigieg!!

[elleng]

80. Right.

Seems important to me.

[JaneQPublic]

65. The Dem debates will a showcase of phenomenally impressive candidates.

I can't wait.

[Irishxs]

66. I watched him on mj also. Going from mayor to president is a gigantic jump.

Joe had to repeatedly refocus him to directly answer the question.

[Loge23]

69. Final three, for now:

Kamala, Elizabeth, and Pete.

[berksdem]

71. Super impressive...

articulate and very well spoken. Right now he is in my top 3 for sure...

[samnsara]

76. yes he sounded great!

[dawg day]

77. He played Rhapsody in Blue with the local symphony.

Not your typical pol, that's for sure!

[FM123]

84. Yes he is, and oh my is he poised. Unlike that whirling dervish of a president we have now....

[JudyM]

86. I have to say what a pleasure it is to read a thread like this. Everyone contributing perspectives

and asking thoughtful questions without any attacks, even where criticism exists. I am reveling in this thread. My dream of what DU is at its best. Thanks, octoberlib and everyone else.

[AKRicky]

90. Pete stands out from the rest of the field

Most important to me, is that Pete speaks directly, from the heart. For the first time in a long while, I personally believe that this man speaks truthfully with facts as his backup.

In short, you can trust him.

You may not agree with all of his policy positions, but you can trust him to tell you the truth about what he believes and why.