The transportation secretary, one of several ambitious Democrats jockeying for prominence, gave advice in a speech but was coy about his own plans: “I know that I will make myself useful again later.”

Summary

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg urged Democrats to stay focused and avoid being consumed by outrage over Donald Trump’s return to prominence.

Speaking to young Democratic officials, he emphasized re-engaging with voters through personal connections rather than relying solely on social media, calling for a return to pre-digital campaign strategies.

Buttigieg also pledged to defend President Biden’s achievements, warning that Republicans, including Trump, might attempt to take credit for them.

He cautioned Democrats against being paralyzed by shock tactics and hinted at remaining active in politics, though he withheld specifics about his future.

  • @lennybirdEnglish
    17•11 hours ago

    Not them. For me, Buttigieg was my 3rd preference in the 2020 primaries. I like him. I think he has a grasp of what must be done. Fun fact, he wrote an essay that won a contest with the JFK library back in 2000, essentially praising Bernie Sanders. I think he has his own method by which he achieves a similar outcome, possibly.

    That said he isn’t who comes to mind to win in 2028 because while I think he’s one of the best debaters, I’m not sure if he’s the most charismatic. In this popularity contest, charisma matters. He kind of suffers from Al Gore syndrome in that way.

    I won’t be one of those gatekeepers claiming a gay guy can’t win, though. That just amplifies the bigotry more, and we shouldn’t get in our own way.