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.

  • @MrMcGasion
    2•6 hours ago

    Quite a few of the other Primary candidates were/are even more unqualified. It’s a valid point that a presidential candidate should be someone with experience (and the humility to accept that they don’t have the experience). But if otherwise good people never put themselves out there as candidates because they don’t feel like they have enough experience, we’ll be stuck with more geriatric old men like Biden and Trump running things forever. At some point a little audacity to think “I work well under pressure, and I’m more qualified than half the other candidates, why not give it a shot” can be a good trait, at least it’s getting out there and getting busy trying to make the world better rather than what most of us do in assuming someone more qualified will run and then being disappointed by our available choices.