I hated Buttigieg because he went back on his progressive roots and disappointed his socialist father
Buttigieg was always a technocratic cypher. He relied mostly on his access to elite schools, and background as a “McKenssyite” to get access to the stage. His primary credentials were being a one time mayor of a college town, and his elitist access that being a McKensie fellow afforded. When it seemed inconvenient to be a progressive, he was no longer a progressive. My central issue with him as a candidate was simply that he had not run-in and won a state or federal election. Its a soft-requirement I’ve had for a while is that you at least need to show me you can win elections. Him going on to spoiling the progressive tickets when and where necessary and being rewarded for that with his position as Transportation Secretary, was just insult to injury.
I love Buttigieg and his VP debate versus Vance would be fun to witness, but is the US ready for a black female presidential candidate with an openly gay VP? I seem to have been wrong about how much racism and sexism would hinder Kamala so maybe it’s not an issue? I still fear it would be too much
I don’t like all Kelly’s positions, but helping potentially win AZ would be important and for undecideds and simple minded people the astronaut factor is not to be underestimated. He seems like a very “safe” and sensible pick.
Yes, we need to stop proactively enforcing a bigoted worldview because you think there’s a secret well of untapped bigots ready to be set off by any choice that isn’t straight white or male. “I’m not bigoted, but we need to acquiesce to bigoted sensibilities” leads to the same result as just being bigoted.
The people who would be so incensed by a non-straight VP already know who their candidate is, and if the reaction to Harris is to be believed, they won’t be able to keep in the slobbering homophobia that will turn off people who may have had a mild prejudice but still balk at the ugly open bigotry of the Republican base.
Dude I thought America would never elect anyone but old white men but they elected Barack Obama. I’m pretty sure Pete’s being gay is less of a problem for the right than a smart black man as the literal president.
I guess, but like Harris to Biden, the top of the ticket has a much worse story on that front (Crime Bill > AG misdeeds > poor oversight of a PD). Buttigieg’s story just wasn’t that important, it was only made important because when your one qualification is being mayor, you better have been the most perfect mayor there ever was. I suppose there’s potentially a reinforcement effect, but if “cop” was a major concern on Harris we’d be seeing a lot more active and organized protest.
I hated Buttigieg because he went back on his progressive roots and disappointed his socialist father BUT I wish she would pick him.
My money though is on Kelly or Shapiro because they need AZ and PA.
Buttigieg was always a technocratic cypher. He relied mostly on his access to elite schools, and background as a “McKenssyite” to get access to the stage. His primary credentials were being a one time mayor of a college town, and his elitist access that being a McKensie fellow afforded. When it seemed inconvenient to be a progressive, he was no longer a progressive. My central issue with him as a candidate was simply that he had not run-in and won a state or federal election. Its a soft-requirement I’ve had for a while is that you at least need to show me you can win elections. Him going on to spoiling the progressive tickets when and where necessary and being rewarded for that with his position as Transportation Secretary, was just insult to injury.
Yeah, him being rewarded for stopping a Bernie Sanders presidency was infuriating.
For context about his father…
https://jacobin.com/2020/03/pete-buttigieg-joseph-father-legacy-antonio-gramsci-bernie-sanders
Fascinating read. It actually makes me want to buy Buittigieg’s fathers book.
I love Buttigieg and his VP debate versus Vance would be fun to witness, but is the US ready for a black female presidential candidate with an openly gay VP? I seem to have been wrong about how much racism and sexism would hinder Kamala so maybe it’s not an issue? I still fear it would be too much
I don’t like all Kelly’s positions, but helping potentially win AZ would be important and for undecideds and simple minded people the astronaut factor is not to be underestimated. He seems like a very “safe” and sensible pick.
Yes, we need to stop proactively enforcing a bigoted worldview because you think there’s a secret well of untapped bigots ready to be set off by any choice that isn’t straight white or male. “I’m not bigoted, but we need to acquiesce to bigoted sensibilities” leads to the same result as just being bigoted.
The people who would be so incensed by a non-straight VP already know who their candidate is, and if the reaction to Harris is to be believed, they won’t be able to keep in the slobbering homophobia that will turn off people who may have had a mild prejudice but still balk at the ugly open bigotry of the Republican base.
Dude I thought America would never elect anyone but old white men but they elected Barack Obama. I’m pretty sure Pete’s being gay is less of a problem for the right than a smart black man as the literal president.
Only if they’re Republicans.
I’m maybe biased towards Beshear, but I feel like it’s between him and Kelly.
Kelly seems like an incredibly sensible pick for appeal to ‘undecideds’.
My worry about Buttigieg is that his past in South Bend runs the risk of reinforcing or even lending legitimacy to the “she’s a cop” narrative.
I guess, but like Harris to Biden, the top of the ticket has a much worse story on that front (Crime Bill > AG misdeeds > poor oversight of a PD). Buttigieg’s story just wasn’t that important, it was only made important because when your one qualification is being mayor, you better have been the most perfect mayor there ever was. I suppose there’s potentially a reinforcement effect, but if “cop” was a major concern on Harris we’d be seeing a lot more active and organized protest.
Not enough McKinsey consultants in the White House.
The smear campaign against Shapiro has been intense the past few days. It’s impressive.
Is it really a smear campaign, or is it just people stating the facts about his positions and policies?
As I see it, they are attacking him while simultaneously ignoring other contenders’ similar stances, even when pointed out by others.
Feels like smear to me.