Dems see lane to Buttigieg victory

[left-of-center2012]

Pete Buttigieg can win the Democratic nomination for president, top party strategists say, as long as he can capitalize on his growing media attention and early grass-roots efforts in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.

Buttigieg has become an early primary sensation, coming out of nowhere to be seen as a real contender for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Rivals are taking him seriously, and even a second-place finish in Iowa — where he held events Tuesday — could give the South Bend, Ind., mayor a significant boost, say Democratic strategists closely following the jockeying among candidates.

The political website fivethirtyeight.com said he was the second most-mentioned candidate on cable news last week.

“The transition from phenom to leading candidate is a delicate path, and you want to time it right — some strong debate performances, holding your own in tough interviews, a couple of early state wins — that could help him rack up sustained momentum, prominent endorsements and a path to victory,” said Ben LaBolt, a Democratic strategist who served as a spokesman for former President Obama.

It remains to be seen whether Buttigieg can win over the voters in Iowa and New Hampshire — an electorate that trends over 50.

“They’re more focused on experience in those states,” said one strategist.

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/439192-dems-see-lane-to-buttigieg-victory

[sandensea]

1. If ONLY his last name were Burns, Buckingham, Buford, or something like that

He's got everything you'd need to win - except pronounceability.

Then again, the same could've been said for Obama - and there he was.

[Funtatlaguy]

2. My disgusting homophobic Repub brother calls him...

Peter Buttplug.

Yes, I hate my brother.

[sandensea]

3. Sorry to hear that, Funtatlaguy.

I've hear similar wisecracks from a couple of GOPee acquaintances.

Most Republicans I've met over the years are just like their president: overgrown 6 year-olds.

[sellitman]

5. Glad my whole family is Liberal

I'm sorry for your loss.

[JI7]

7. people like that will never vote for any democratic candidate

[BlueStater]

9. Can't pick your family.

But just because he's related to you by blood doesn't mean you have to associate with that asshole.

[Funtatlaguy]

10. I only associate with him in the care of our ailing mother.

He is a bigot and a dry drunk.
We truly can’t pick our family but I’ve been really lucky in acquiring many friends that are just as valuable in my life. None of them Trump lovers, lol.

[Blue_Adept]

12. "Way to support the troops, I guess" is what you can say

Put them in an uncomfortable spot over it.

[cwydro]

16. That's nice.

[pangaia]

13. His name is Pete. WHO can not pronounce Pete ?

[DRoseDARs]

15. How does one pronounce Drumpf? "Damnedrepulsiveuglymotherfuckingpig." The f is silent. nt

[marylandblue]

4. You can turn anyone's name into a nasty joke, so whatever.

The good part is that he probably already heard every possible variation by 8th grade, so how can it hurt him now?

[Funtatlaguy]

6. No doubt. Trump should tread lightly on this one.

[bloom]

8. I expect trump will go all out. n/t

[radical noodle]

11. I have been surprised

that many of my over 60 friends really like Mayor Pete. He has that certain something that appeals to all ages.

[Ligyron]

14. Iowa? South Carolina? etc...

Apologies to DU'ers who reside there but why do these rural backwaters always get to determine the candidates and therefore the fate of our country?

Why?

How about letting California, Oregon, Washington state (or D.C. even) or New York go first in the Presidential Primaries?

We'd have an entirely different country. Sane and way more free and prosperous.

[crazytown]

17. I see Pete as being in Obama's lane: hope/change/audacity

minus minority support, and perhaps, hostility in some sections of the African American community. As David Axelrod said, the audience for his announcement was very white in a city that’s 26% black.

Unless he establishes an irresistible momentum by SC encouraging pragmatic AA voters to get on board, I see him being humiliated there like Sanders was - not a good launching pad for Super Tuesday.