Such a great conversation - Pete is perhaps the most adept communicator that the Dems have now and we need more of his messaging everywhere. There are other amazing talents (like AOC, as you discussed). But his low key style makes him sound less like a politician and more like your really smart neighbor or co-worker- which is an effective way to reach people who don’t “do” politics.
Agree with all of this, but I think one of Harris’s hidden problems was that she was the child of two academics, a scientist and a Stanford professor. Pete’s parents are both professors at Notre Dame.
Because most Americans have not gone to college. Because the Democratic Party needs non-college voters and is losing them badly. Because the privilege of being a child of academics is not lost on the rest of the population.
I agree that we need to reach non-college educated voters, but I disagree that these voters are paying attention to who your parents are.
I think what matters to them is how you talk, how you act, how you relate to people. Buttegieg is down to earth in a way Harris wasn't, for all that I liked Harris. I feel like I could borrow a rake from Buttegieg.
He has a frankness that never feels like he's pussy-footing his way around an answer, the way so many democratic politicians do. He is direct and he never, ever talks down to people.
Maybe it's because this Seattle girl went to college in the Midwest and married a Midwestern boy! Maybe that's one reason I'm so comfortable with his style. But I actually think most people feel that from him.
He makes complicated stuff simpler to understand but doesn't dumb down anything. People who didn't go to college really appreciate that, I would think.
There's an honesty in him that comes through that is refreshing. I don't think he puts off non-college educated people at all.
What is sad about this statement, but true, is that this is what Republicans have been building towards for for years: dumbing down America. Put Fox and company at the top of this list. Many of those R reps and Senators are Ivy league grads. Education is great for them, but not for the masses.
Thoroughly enjoyed your Substack with Pete. I believe he is spot on when it comes to the Party and steps forward - as well as steps forward as individuals. Your closing question and his response remind us as to why we continue to fight.
We need more of Mayor Pete!! I'm sorry, even when he becomes President, he will always be Mayor Pete to those of us from Northern Indiana. Thanks for the great conversation!
Excellent interview!! It’s always a pleasure to hear what Pete Buttigieg has to say!!!!! We need more honest, intelligent, proactive & gifted communicators, like him, in our American politics!!!!!
Democrats are not evil and therefore they could not fathom doing what evil republicans are doing. So Dems were not in the head space to believe Reps would allow trump to destroy our country. Republicans are evil, democrats are not.
I agree with the sentiment that it is difficult to imagine doing something so wrong, when you yourself would not do so, but I don't agree that republicans are evil - despite the evidence that many are acting in ways that are evil: with malice, cruelty, and vengefulness. I think that for most republicans it is more nuanced, and due to being misguided or? I don't really have an answer, I just don't think it's so black and white.
I would have voted for him when he ran for President and only like him more and more as time goes on. He's articulate, humble, and a straight shooter. Plus, he's wicked smart and sees the big picture very well while still being a nice guy at the individual level.
Yes! Lina Khan did a fantastic job at the FTC, and we need a slate of civil servants who work the way she does. And yes, our agenda needs to directly address inequality and AI, but it must be based on what humans actually need, which is good jobs. Handouts are needed, but they do not satisfy.
Thank you Anand for having Pete on the INK. I appreciate Pete so much and have incredibly high hopes for his inclusion in America today and our tomorrows‼️
I hate that messaging matters, but I find this messaging and that of most Democrats still too reserved and overly polished. Too vague. Too soft. Can we be more real, more direct, less afraid of pissing someone off.
As expected, he's doing the no drama Obama response to questions. "Let's not look back and look forward". He said he doesn't want to lay blame.
We need to kick out the DNC/old guards like Pete and get a Bernie/AOC leader who knows how to fight against a new generation of Republicans who want an autocracy. It's not business as usual. Ask Ruth if his responses are what is needed to fight autocracy.
He needs to point out what Trump is doing, what he did and how he was blocked (if he was) and how he would do things today.
He's talking about bringing change (sounds familiar). DNC/Democrats are over confident and thinking they have it made for 2026. There may not be a 2026 and he may be arrested like judges or mayors- think about that! Where is his outrage about a major being arrested.
He's too powerful and happy. Why is he on this show? Had to turn it off.
Preach! I think Harris also sounded too joyful and her slogan we’re not going back completely missed all the things we have lost that people wish we still had…
Such a great conversation - Pete is perhaps the most adept communicator that the Dems have now and we need more of his messaging everywhere. There are other amazing talents (like AOC, as you discussed). But his low key style makes him sound less like a politician and more like your really smart neighbor or co-worker- which is an effective way to reach people who don’t “do” politics.
Agree. And I appreciate the deep and thoughtful questions from Anand as well.
Agree with all of this, but I think one of Harris’s hidden problems was that she was the child of two academics, a scientist and a Stanford professor. Pete’s parents are both professors at Notre Dame.
Why is that a “problem”?
Because most Americans have not gone to college. Because the Democratic Party needs non-college voters and is losing them badly. Because the privilege of being a child of academics is not lost on the rest of the population.
I agree that we need to reach non-college educated voters, but I disagree that these voters are paying attention to who your parents are.
I think what matters to them is how you talk, how you act, how you relate to people. Buttegieg is down to earth in a way Harris wasn't, for all that I liked Harris. I feel like I could borrow a rake from Buttegieg.
He has a frankness that never feels like he's pussy-footing his way around an answer, the way so many democratic politicians do. He is direct and he never, ever talks down to people.
Maybe it's because this Seattle girl went to college in the Midwest and married a Midwestern boy! Maybe that's one reason I'm so comfortable with his style. But I actually think most people feel that from him.
He makes complicated stuff simpler to understand but doesn't dumb down anything. People who didn't go to college really appreciate that, I would think.
There's an honesty in him that comes through that is refreshing. I don't think he puts off non-college educated people at all.
What is sad about this statement, but true, is that this is what Republicans have been building towards for for years: dumbing down America. Put Fox and company at the top of this list. Many of those R reps and Senators are Ivy league grads. Education is great for them, but not for the masses.
Pete for president!
I love the fact that Pete and AOC met for the first time at the dog park :)
Thoroughly enjoyed your Substack with Pete. I believe he is spot on when it comes to the Party and steps forward - as well as steps forward as individuals. Your closing question and his response remind us as to why we continue to fight.
We need more of Mayor Pete!! I'm sorry, even when he becomes President, he will always be Mayor Pete to those of us from Northern Indiana. Thanks for the great conversation!
A thinker and a grown-up. Pete’s ability to bridge all sorts of divides is astounding.
Excellent interview!! It’s always a pleasure to hear what Pete Buttigieg has to say!!!!! We need more honest, intelligent, proactive & gifted communicators, like him, in our American politics!!!!!
Democrats are not evil and therefore they could not fathom doing what evil republicans are doing. So Dems were not in the head space to believe Reps would allow trump to destroy our country. Republicans are evil, democrats are not.
I agree with the sentiment that it is difficult to imagine doing something so wrong, when you yourself would not do so, but I don't agree that republicans are evil - despite the evidence that many are acting in ways that are evil: with malice, cruelty, and vengefulness. I think that for most republicans it is more nuanced, and due to being misguided or? I don't really have an answer, I just don't think it's so black and white.
I would have voted for him when he ran for President and only like him more and more as time goes on. He's articulate, humble, and a straight shooter. Plus, he's wicked smart and sees the big picture very well while still being a nice guy at the individual level.
Point so important.. the DNC and the Party are not the same! They have different roles
Yes! Lina Khan did a fantastic job at the FTC, and we need a slate of civil servants who work the way she does. And yes, our agenda needs to directly address inequality and AI, but it must be based on what humans actually need, which is good jobs. Handouts are needed, but they do not satisfy.
Thank you Anand for having Pete on the INK. I appreciate Pete so much and have incredibly high hopes for his inclusion in America today and our tomorrows‼️
I hate that messaging matters, but I find this messaging and that of most Democrats still too reserved and overly polished. Too vague. Too soft. Can we be more real, more direct, less afraid of pissing someone off.
I just heard Scott Galloway for the first time and he definitely is a great mess of important truths
My Lyft driver this morning told me that he had just been laid off by FEMA. He was trying to decide whether to just retire instead.
As expected, he's doing the no drama Obama response to questions. "Let's not look back and look forward". He said he doesn't want to lay blame.
We need to kick out the DNC/old guards like Pete and get a Bernie/AOC leader who knows how to fight against a new generation of Republicans who want an autocracy. It's not business as usual. Ask Ruth if his responses are what is needed to fight autocracy.
He needs to point out what Trump is doing, what he did and how he was blocked (if he was) and how he would do things today.
He's talking about bringing change (sounds familiar). DNC/Democrats are over confident and thinking they have it made for 2026. There may not be a 2026 and he may be arrested like judges or mayors- think about that! Where is his outrage about a major being arrested.
He's too powerful and happy. Why is he on this show? Had to turn it off.
Preach! I think Harris also sounded too joyful and her slogan we’re not going back completely missed all the things we have lost that people wish we still had…
Wow!
Fantastic discourse….you t o are a dynamic duo….everyone needs to hear this conversation!!!!
It brings me such comfort to hear Secretary Buttigieg and your deeply thoughtful, relevant and probing questions, Anand.
Thank you!!