Harris Is Vetting Pete Buttigieg

[babylonsister]

https://politicalwire.com/2024/07/24/harris-is-vetting-pete-buttigieg/

Harris Is Vetting Pete Buttigieg
July 24, 2024 at 2:16 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard

The Harris campaign is also considering Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as a possible running mate, NBC News reports.

GOP political strategist Mike Murphy said Buttigieg is the “smartest move” for Harris because he “says future vs. past the loudest.”

[Faux pas]

1. Yes Please!!!

[PeaceWave]

25. Mayor Pete as Secretary of Defense might be the better way to go.

[Tetrachloride]

57. communications director

[malaise]

99. THIS

He is brilliant

[TommyT139]

106. He is...

...but isn't Comms effectively a demotion?

Personally, I like him for Secretary of State, which includes a ton of security awareness. Also sticks it in the face of homophobic regimes

[muriel_volestrangler]

168. Though a shame to ask a young father to do a job with a lot of last-minute foreign travel (nt)

[Escurumbele]

127. I like that choice too, although he is doing such an incredible job as Secretary of Transportation that it

would be a shame to move him out from that department at this time when so much is going on there.

[Autumn]

2. Be still my heart!

[TheBlackAdder]

88. Hahaha! That'll really grind TSF's gears - America

[gay texan]

3. Yes!!!!!!!!!

Fuck yes!!!

[Docreed2003]

4. Love this!!

[Blue Owl]

5. With Pete....

The more you vet him, the more impressive he gets.

I know nobody is perfect, but he might be as close as it gets -- I've never read a bad or negative thing about Pete....

[Marcuse]

125. You haven't been reading RW media. A Kamala/Pete ticket would smoke out the racists and homophobes. It will be close.

[pinkstarburst]

6. Harris/Buttigieg 2024!!

[50 Shades Of Blue]

7. Dream ticket!

[Blue Thing]

8. He is brilliant

It would be a dynamic ticket

[EndlessWire]

47. And one that would make Donald sh*t his pants!! n/t

[aeromanKC]

74. Yes, but pretty low bar there.

[markodochartaigh]

82. And one that would make Donald sh*t his pants!!

I'll take "Things that the Secretary of Transportation have in common with a sneeze" for $100.

[multigraincracker]

9. The smartest person in politics.

Can you imagine him in a debate with Vance?

[edisdead]

12. And he brings nothing to the ticket but that

This would be a terrible move.

[Autumn]

23. Sure.

He brings nothing but youth, intelligence and decency.

[Attilatheblond]

44. And a very comfortable relationship with both Kamala and Doug

Pete and Chasten both became pretty good friends with Kamala and Doug.

One would assume Pete & Chasten would have to have had a long, serious talk about going on the ticket. Pete has young children now and wants to be there for them and his husband too. It would be a VERY serious consideration.

We know he loves our nation and its people. We know he has set his goal being to 'be useful'. But it would be a huge sacrifice and I would not hold anything against him if he declined the VP spot. He has time ahead for politics, his kids are only young now.

[BonnieJW]

119. Thats right

Not just young kids, they're toddlers. Only 3. They would never see him.

[consider_this]

134. uh... JFK had young kids

and other's too. None of our business. Is he qualified or not, that is our business - and the answer is YES!

[Cuthbert Allgood]

51. I mean, who wants that? Gross.

Some people are just ridiculous.

[edisdead]

54. He doesn't help put any state in play

He doesn’t help put any state in play and he has never win a statewide election. Having not served any meaningful elected office at a national level is a bad sign for someone who is one heartbeat away from the presidency.

He is wicked smart and is a great cabinet member and as a person on tv panels and talk shows.

[Autumn]

79. So? He has served a very important post in the Biden administration and done very well.

I think that's good enough. Did I mention vitality? How about self-confidence? Did I mention he is a former intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014? He is a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Oxford. Happily married and has two kids and a dog. I think that puts him ahead of about half of the people currently serving in elected office at a national level.

[HUAJIAO]

98. GREAT comment !!

MAYOR PETE !!!!!!!

[GPV]

136. Pete would be the best!

[James48]

182. Yes, he DOES put Michigan in play.

Pete moved to Michigan and is now considered a Michigan guy.

He can move Michigan into a win. It’s a toss up now.

I’m hoping for Pete.

[W_HAMILTON]

40. He brings unmatched intelligence, combined with the military experience of Kelly and the charisma of Shapiro.

So, I would say he would bring quite a lot to the ticket.

Now, in terms of guaranteeing a state by adding him to the ticket, probably not like Shapiro would guarantee PA -- I'm not sure adding Kelly would even guarantee AZ -- but do either of those two guarantee ENOUGH states to win? I'm not sure they do. Shapiro would probably be the closest... But that means that you aren't guaranteeing an electoral win by adding any of them, so why not add the person that would check the most boxes? I would say Buttigieg definitely does that.

[edisdead]

66. Unmatched intelligence?

He is the smartest person in the world?

Almost all of the candidates are wicked smart and capable. He doesn’t have experience that a president needs.

[W_HAMILTON]

77. No, but he's the smartest person among those being currently vetted for VP.

Last edited Wed Jul 24, 2024, 05:03 PM - Edit history (1)

[phoenix_rising]

165. ⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️ So True! ⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️ n/t

[Autumn]

85. You know who else didn't have the experience that a president needs when she was chosen for VP?

Kamala Harris.

[phoenix_rising]

91. Nicely done! 👏

Mic drop

[nbsmom]

137. Kamala had already been elected in a statewide election. Twice. NT

[Autumn]

184. Kelly barely squeaked out a win for that seat in 2022. That seat would be up for grabs again in 2026

He's better kept in the Senate.

[Zeitghost]

144. She had won multiple State-Wide offices

Pete hasn't won a race outside a medium sized town.

That matters when we're trying to win elections.

[murielm99]

108. I have to agree with everything you have said, ed.

That is a reason not to choose Pritzker, either. Besides, we need JB right where he is in Illinois.

[Ninga]

111. Let's try Mensa level intelligence. Pete is whip

smart, quick on his feet, knows what he knows and is a terrific debater.
Pete as Kamala’s VP for 8 years will well prepare him for his 8 years.

[Cuthbert Allgood]

50. Yeah, and his serving in naval intelligence doesn't matter for anything.

JD Vance would make Pete look silly with his stint in the Marines.

Jesus. You don't have to like the guy, but acting like he brings nothing to the ticket just makes you look silly.

[edisdead]

59. Sorry but he doesn't

He cannot help win a state. In the razor thin margins that is the electoral college you have to have someone that can help bring a state.

He was a mayor. In his last presidential debate appearances he was easily shooed away by almost every other person on the stage. He is smart and he is a very good cabinet member. At this time that is pretty much his ceiling. Like or dislike the guy has nothing to do with it. He isn’t a good choice for the ticket.

[Celerity]

167. what you said is simply not true:

In his last presidential debate appearances he was easily shooed away by almost every other person on the stage.

You and I must have watched different debates, no one 'shooed' him away. It did not happen, not at all.

[Elessar Zappa]

171. He was the best in the debates.

Don’t know what debate you watched.

[Irish_Dem]

75. Young people love him.

That is not nothing.

LGBT in the US population is 14 million.
That is not nothing.

[bif]

114. Huh?

[agingdem]

129. agree...if the theme is "a new day" Pete is part of the past..

yes, he's a good Biden surrogate and he's great at taking on the Fox gasbags but he brings nothing to the table... whereas Shapiro brings Pennsylvania, a crucial "get"...

[Torchlight]

185. Seems an assertion that would be well sourced, yes?

I'd love to read the objective anlyses which support your allegation.

[Goonch]

10. 👇👇👇👁️👁️

[YoshidaYui]

27. I am sorry I have to agree

We need a team to defeat Trump at all levels -PA is a swing state, maybe the democratic Governor there.

[sagetea]

28. I see your point

but, at the same time, this is a moment to be bold. The future looks more like Harris/Buttiege than trump/vance.

sage

[dalton99a]

31. +1. Outstanding choice theoretically, but America is not there yet

A huge risk

[HUAJIAO]

180. Yes we are.

[FreeState]

60. Homophobic talking point

“A new Quinnipiac University poll finds that 70% of voters (including 86% of Democrats and independents who lean Democratic) say they are open to electing a gay president.”

That was from 2019.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/04/politics/poll-of-the-week-gay-president/index.html

Seeing these right wing homophobic talking points here is disgusting.

[William769]

86. THANK YOU!

I cannot believe the people here agreeing with this shit.

[FreeState]

87. It's beyond disappointing n/t

[pinkstarburst]

133. It's disgusting. Why don't we just start saying we shouldn't

have a black woman at the top of the ticket while we're at it? *sarcasm* I thought we were supposed to be the party that wasn't full of bigots...

[Celerity]

173. +1

[William769]

107. That is just like saying

I have absolutely nothing against African Americans, or them moving in the future

It's a dog whistle.

[femmedem]

132. You handled that really well.

And welcome to DU!

(I think Pete being gay would probably only turn off people who were always going to vote for Trump anyway, but I don't know for sure, and I would never attack you because you think otherwise.)

[calimary]

147. I get that. Welcome to DU, ArgyBargy!

Seriously, I think Pete is pretty doggone terrific, SOOOO smart and VERY fit to make a great contribution to this country’s forward movement. And he’s young enough not to be done yet.

My main problem is: much of the country may not be ready for a candidate like him. Hell, I fear there are too many people not willing or ready to see a woman become President. So first things first. Might be smarter to break down one barrier at a time.

That said, both of them OR either of them would get my vote in a nanosecond!

[William769]

176. I am very disappointed.

[calimary]

178. I apologize. Didn't mean to disappoint you, William769.

I try to be realistic. And objective. And sometimes that disappoints me, TOO.

[EastBayGuy]

162. Thank you, I'm feeling the homophobia here, it's sickening

and a tad passive-aggressive

[Dem4life1234]

61. I agree with you

[Irish_Dem]

68. They said it was not smart to have a black woman in the top spot.

They were wrong.

[William769]

83. That damn dog is to old to hunt!

"Maybe someday, but not now". We went through that shit with Gays in the military & marriage equality.

What would you like on your pizza?

[William769]

112. I reject the premise of your question.

Your same argument could be used against Vice President Harris as it was against President Obama in 2008. Please take your dog whistle & go home.

[pinkstarburst]

139. Biden put a black woman on his ticket as VP

whether the country was ready for it or not. She was the best one for the job. And the democratic party is putting her as the nominee for President because she's the best damn one for the job. And I think we should not be the party of bigots who says being a gay man disqualifies you from being the VP if you are the best one for the job.

The truth of the matter is that we are not going to win the bigot vote anyway. Anyone who will not vote for a ticket with a gay man as VP wasn't going to vote for our ticket anyway because SPOILER ALERT that demographic won't be wild about the idea of a black woman as president either.

Putting Mark Kelly or Josh Shapiro or Andy Beshear on the ticket is not going to win us votes from people who don't like the idea of a black woman at the top of the ticket. We all need to stop kidding ourselves on that front.

[phoenix_rising]

101. Couldn't agree more!

We have to move and make it happen or it never will. The time is now! The naysayers are promulgating outdated notions that are no longer relevant. Millennials and GenZ are mobilized like never before, and they are the most LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly generations in history!

[HUAJIAO]

115. And why not NOW? If not now, the most important election in American history!!!! When???

Its 2024 for cripes sake. I'm 80 years old- straight white male and I am fucking tired of NOT NOW!!!!


There were blacks, gays and yes, even women in my 1961 high school class.-- 63 years ago.

Not aimed at you personally, but all the NOT NOWers.

[HUAJIAO]

128. I'm a calculated risk taker. Always have been.

No risk, no gain !!!!

I think it would blow the election wide open AGAIN, after Kamala had done it once already,

[pinkstarburst]

142. Young people are going crazy right now. And they love Pete.

[HUAJIAO]

151. Absolutely, I suspect Pete would also pick up support from not just the youngest, either!

[70sEraVet]

120. I love the idea, because it screams 'PROGRESSIVE'!

I'm scared of the idea, because it screams, 'PROGRESSIVE'!!
One glass ceiling at a time, please.

[HUAJIAO]

154. No. Why play it half way. TWP glass ceilings. Prove there IS NO glass ceiling any longer.

[Gore1FL]

160. I'm pretty sure the anti-gay crowd is voting for fascism. nt

[Upthevibe]

169. ArgyBargy.......

As a gay woman, I completely agree. We can't take ANY chances. I love Pete but this (IMHO) is way too risky. Your comment "Maybe someday, but not now" is how I feel 100%....

[sop]

11. Buttigieg would be my choice.

[Mike Nelson]

13. There is a thought...

... that throwing gay into a mix that already includes Asian, black, and female would be "too much" for American voters. I don't agree. We have already had black and female (Hillary did get the most votes). I think Pete could even increase excitement, engagement, and voters. Also, it would be great to see him debate Vance!

[jayschool2013]

36. A First Gentleman and a Second Gentleman

Last edited Wed Jul 24, 2024, 09:30 PM - Edit history (1)

Doug and Chasten hosting state dinners.'

I love it.

MAGA heads would explode over the ticket: A woman who hasn't given birth, and a man who has two children with his husband.

It's time for the 21st century to begin.

[Irish_Dem]

70. OMG how cool.

Damn right.

I am ready for the 21st century.
Tired of going back to previous centuries.

[Drummer1]

14. The problem with Buttigieg as VP candidate...

...is that he wouldn't bring any swing state constituency with him, much as I admire and respect him.

[EndlessWire]

65. LOL!

He'd probably bring in the entire country's gay vote! While we must concern ourselves with the EC, we are not going to win on the basis of one guy bringing in one state, which isn't guaranteed, anyway. We are going to annihilate and nullify Trump's MAGA base, and overwhelm them with all the voting by a huge Blue vote up and down the ticket.

We need to grow up. In Europe, it is no big deal to elect a woman. We can join the rest of the world and show our true leadership. An all inclusive ticket might be best. Trump will exhaust himself trying to run down Buttigieg; he'll see it as something he can exploit. Heck, we should be so lucky as to have a qualified gay guy to pair off with Kamala. And Pete is no wilting flower. Trump should be afraid of him. That's what we want, to beat Trump in every way possible.

[NickB79]

89. Are we really worried about losing the gay vote to Trump?

Are there THAT many Log Cabin Republicans out there?

And are there THAT many LGBT members that are planning on sitting this election out, after all the hateful rhetoric directed their way?

Besides which, there aren't many swing states with LGBT populations large enough to swing from R to D this Nov.

Winning more gay votes in California or New York doesn't actually improve our chances of winning this fall.

[Ninga]

105. Not worried at all. I think it would be a brilliant

pick.

[EastBayGuy]

170. If the Irish can vote for Gay man...

My Mom was from Cork and for us Leo Varadkar's election was a real sign that the Catholic church has lost its grip on the country!

[Irish_Dem]

73. 14 million people in the US identify as LGBT.

That is 6% of the US population.

We could go to each of the swing states and look at the numbers there.
Simple math.

[ZonkerHarris]

76. aren't most of them already voting blue though? I know there are Log Cabin Republicans but how many?

[Irish_Dem]

78. We don't know if they were going to vote or not.

Young people were not in the mood to vote before.

Also how many closet GOPers will cross party lines to vote for Pete.

We would need to gather some data before we can speak accurately.

I am sure Kamala's campaign is crunching numbers as we speak.

[Irish_Dem]

113. Have you actually looked at TikTok?

I have.

And I have talked to young people who were not going to vote.

Young people who are not LGBT.

The youth vote wants PB.

[pinkstarburst]

145. TikTok is going INSANE for Pete

That momentum should not be discounted.

[sanjermane]

156. I think that's the most important point

I was going to ask the young ones in the family what they see on Tik Tok, so thanks. I think that's where we find indications of the energy and momentum we have and want to continue.
If I prayed, I'd be doing a novena for Pete right now.

[badhair77]

143. And they all have families and friends. They don't come alone.

[phoenix_rising]

116. Pete and Chasten live in MI, a swing state n/t

[Doodley]

15. He is one of the best communicators. Anti-woke heads woud explode!

[sinkingfeeling]

16. Good.

[H2O Man]

17. I hope not.

[Celerity]

22. why?

[H2O Man]

35. Fair question.

I make two lists for each possible VP ...... what do they add to the ticket, and what potential negatives do they bring. I recognize that a lot of good people like him, and that there is an emotional appeal. It is possible that he could gain some votes among independents. But I think that the vast majority of those who would like him on the ticket are already solud votes.

I do not think he would be as positive as any of the governors being considered. I do not think his crendentials for potentially being president are strong. I do not think he would be likely to win any of the important states for the ticket. Hence, I think it would be better to pick a governor as VP, and elevate Pete to a higher position in the Harris administration.

[cilla4progress]

39. I fully agree.

My 1st choice is Whitmer. I wonder if some would also argue against her, with 2 women on the ticket? My response is who would NOT vote for the ticket (who otherwise would) with 2 women on it?

I support balance based more on geography. And I agree with you, H2O Man, that a governor would be stronger than a mayor.

Pete for Secretary of State?

[H2O Man]

43. Yes!

If I get started talking about Gov. Whitmer, the chances are that I won't stop for at least twelve hours ..... and I have to run to the grocery store. Then bring my grandson the new toys I got him, which might result in hours of playing. I think that she is one of the faces of our party on the national level for years to come.

[llmart]

48. You do know that Pete lives in Michigan right?

[Cuthbert Allgood]

52. Shh. Don't interrupt with silly facts.

He's on a roll.

[cilla4progress]

53. I heard him say so on the news last night.

I wonder where?

[llmart]

153. He lives in Traverse City.

Upscale city on Lake Michigan. His spouse is from there. The city is known for it's cherry orchards and cherry festival in July. Very beautiful area and touristy in the summer.

[cilla4progress]

166. Wonderful!

Some neighbor friends of ours moved there.

I bet Chasten's family is a big help with the twins!

[llmart]

183. I don't know where you are but it's a great place to go on a vacation.

But not in winter.

[thesquanderer]

102. Only since 2022, and has never held office there.

I don't think Michigan residents would be looking at him as "one of their own" or someone familiar to them to the same extent that any of the governors or senators being mentioned are in their respective states, and less likely than those others to be enough to significantly tilt the state in their direction.

Which isn't to say I think he'd be a bad choice. And I like setting him up for the top spot 8 years from now.

[llmart]

148. Speaking as a Michigander...

I have known he lives here since he moved here. It was all over the local news when he did. Most everyone I come into contact with think he's great. However, I'm not sure if the country as a whole would accept him yet. Governor Whitmer will be leaving office and he may be able to win that election if he chose to run. If anything, I think Whitmer would be a terrific VP and the country would probably be more open to having two women. Most of the women I know are always saying that it's time the old, white men let the women run the country since they are more collaborative and no big egos.

[Auggie]

80. Agree

[H2O Man]

149. There are numerous others

who bring a lot more to the ticket.

[Auggie]

164. Yup

Kelly looks like he could KO Vance with one punch.

[H2O Man]

172. Right.

I think Kelly would bring the most to the ticket. That's not saying he is or isn't my favorite -- just that I think he adds the most, and has the fewest potential negatives.

[msfiddlestix]

18. He's my fantasy pick, but it ain't gonna happen. I predict a straight male with great creds

Could be Senator Kelly, or one of the Gov's.
I feel like the weight of this election cycle is exceedingly heavy enough..
just my opinion of course.

I'm so pumped Kamala Harris will be at the helm, I almost don't care who her VP, pick will be, but of course that's not quite true. I just want it to be as smooth sailing as possible.

[CoopersDad]

20. Yay! We need a public transit minded administration.

I mean I love my EV but know that public transit is better.

[ananda]

21. Oh, fantastic!

He is such a good speaker.

[Attilatheblond]

37. One of the BEST speakers, if not THE BEST, but on the ticket or not,

he will be speaking and campaigning.

When speaking for the Harris campaign, or any down ballot DEM, he will be sure to say he is speaking as himself, not as Sec Transportation. He is serious about observing Hatch act. He is VERY precise on any TV interview which hat he is wearing at that moment, Sec Transportaion or Pete. That's why he told Rachel to call him Pete the other evening when she interviewed him re Biden passing the baton to Harris.

[AlexSFCA]

24. It is highly likely he will be selected as her running mate

They won’t risk AZ senate seat (would trigger special election) or key governorships - Shapiro, Bashear and Whitmer. The resistance from the right against Harris/Buttigieg ticket will be insane, scares me to even think about it.

[cilla4progress]

41. Here's what would happen if Kelly were selected:

Democrat Gov. Katie Hobbs would then make an appointment to serve the remainder of Kelly’s Senate term.

[pinkstarburst]

150. Actually, the person appointed would have to run for

reelection in both 2026 and 2028

[nbsmom]

163. Clearly you don't put much stock in the vetting team

In case you missed what others have shared here:

- the Democratic governor would replace Kelly. This person would serve until the next general election.
- Pennsylvania's LT governor is also a Dem
- Andy Beshear is already serving his second term
- Michigan's LT governor is also a Dem

[AlexSFCA]

187. wrong. AZ has special elections - would be 2026 for Kelly's replacement

usually super low turnout favoring GOP. Younger folks sit those out.

[LeftInTX]

189. No

A. When a vacancy occurs in the office of United States senator or representative in Congress by reason of death or resignation, or from any other cause and except as provided in subsection D of this section, the vacancy shall be filled at the next general election. At such an election the person elected shall fill the unexpired term of the vacated office.

C. For a vacancy in the office of United States senator, the governor shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy. That appointee shall be of the same political party as the person vacating the office and, except as provided in subsection D of this section, shall serve until the person elected at the next general election is qualified and assumes office.

D. If a vacancy in the office of United States senator occurs more than one hundred fifty days before the next regular primary election date, the person who is appointed pursuant to subsection C of this section shall continue to serve until the vacancy is filled at the next general election.

https://www.azleg.gov/ars/16/00222.htm

[nolabear]

26. I'd love him as VP!

I’m not sure he’d get the most votes and I favor Kelly but I sure wouldn’t complain.

[rso]

29. RSO

Pete is outstanding, but I think the most important consideration is the electoral map and Pete does not help us there. But Kelly, Shapiro, Cooper are popular governors who would make sure we carried their particular swing State..

[FreeState]

56. Michigan is a swing state

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/07/08/pete-buttigieg-michigan-resident-politico-reports/10015102002/

[rso]

186. RSO

I don’t think Pete has held office in Michigan, Indiana is where he served, and our chances in Indiana are extremely slim. But if we want to focus on Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer would be the best VP candidate.

[liberalmuse]

30. I hope he's the one.

There are a lot of LGBTQ+ in all states yearning for more representation. Also, he ticks the white male/ex-military box. He might even draw som Fox viewers since they have him on there a lot.

[ismnotwasm]

32. Omg--a dream.

Let it be so!

[splunge63]

33. grand slam, slam dunk

please, please, pretty please! don't let fear sway you from Pete, Kamala. he's the one

[Bev54]

34. We can be sure Vance would not debate Mayor Pete - I am not sure there is any republican that would want

to debate him.

[lark]

38. Woohoo!!

I think Mayor Pete would be an excellent choice.

[ms liberty]

42. He and Elizabeth Warren are my dream picks

[lizardkingjr]

45. He's the best communicator

that the Democrats have on their bench -- which is deep full of good communicators!

[bagimin]

46. Even the very gay Stephanie Miller says

not this time.

[maxsolomon]

49. The former mayor of South Bend Indiana doesn't help cement any Swing States

They need to triangulate this choice. Tetrahedron it.

[Irish_Dem]

67. Geography is only one variable in the algorithm.

Each variable carries a specific weight.

I don't know how much weight is given to geographical location in the Harris calculations.

[NoMoreRepugs]

55. Happy Pete is being considered. I fully trust the Harris team to make the right choice.

[OneGrassRoot]

58. Young people REALLY want him...

Heck, we old people really want him too!

If she picks him Vance should just resign from the ticket. 😂😂😂

[Irish_Dem]

63. I'm old and would love to see him the VP of the US.

He is one of the brightest stars in the Dem firmament.

[OneGrassRoot]

69. Absolutely. And I think Fox viewers...

are familiar with him and probably begrudgingly like him too.

[Irish_Dem]

71. He regularly beats the pants off the GOP on Fox.

They have to respect him for going on Fox and then doing a good job.

[Irish_Dem]

62. I'm so happy.

This is who I like for the spot, but perhaps it is it a dream.

[proud patriot]

64. Yay

I just love him

[phoenix_rising]

72. Yes! And BS to all the naysayers!

We’re ready for a gay VP if we say we are! We have to move and make it happen or it never will! As Rev Al Sharpton said in response to the statement: “I don’t know if America is ready for a Black Woman to be President.”

Rev Sharpton: “America wasn’t ready for us to be off the plantation. It’s not about what the country is ready for, it’s about what WE are ready for!”

I couldn’t agree with him more! We ARE ready, and in my opinion Pete is the best, most capable candidate. We can’t afford to risk losing a Senate seat in a battleground state, and Pete and Chasten (and their beautiful children) live in MI, a swing state. He proudly served as an officer in the navy and was deployed to Afghanistan. His unparalleled talent and his brilliance more than compensate for any perceived lack of experience in winning elections. He is by far the strongest, most capable, most gifted communicator I have ever seen, bar none. His talents and accomplishments are innumerable. I can’t imagine passing up the best, most ideal candidate because of outdated, self-limiting beliefs holding us back. We are better than that! He is by far the most exciting, most capable candidate, and we are ready!!

Edited to add that Millennials and GenZ are mobilized like never before, and they are the most LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly generations in history! Adding Pete would ignite the enthusiasm to new heights and set the ticket on fire! 🔥

[crimycarny]

81. News article says choice is down to 2 (Shapiro and Kelly)

I have no idea how "accurate" this information is. Sounds more like they are guessing than having any real information. For what it's worth:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/kamala-harris-vp-pick-shapiro-kelly-b2584650.html

I have gone back and forth with Kelly versus Buttigieg. I just love love LOVE Pete Buttigieg. But my gut feeling is that Kelly would be a better choice due to the short amount of time and the need to get Independents on board. Independents may feel someone like Kelly balances out the ticket. Independents may see Buttigieg leaning the ticket more to the left than they are comfortable with (not saying he would, I mean the perception that he would). On the other hand, he got a standing ovation on a Fox News Townhall...so who knows! I'm sure Harris's team is privy to internal polling that will guide them towards the best choice.

One other area Kelly helps with is the border, since he comes from a border state. The GOP is doing all they can to make the whole "Border Czar" thing stick to Kamala (no matter how untrue). It's yet to be seen if they'll be able to make that stick, but Kelly as VP would help to negate that attack.

I'd like to see Buttigieg as Secretary of State. He would be great and it could be a stepping stone to a run in 8 years.

[nbsmom]

158. Of course Mayor Pete should be considered. He would be a remarkable VP.

But I'm still having flashbacks to this:

?si=loqXFq7VaC5yAmzZ

[phoenix_rising]

174. The world has changed a lot since then

Would love for that woman to have a biblical discussion with Pete. As a man of faith, he meets religious people on their level and can quote biblical passages more fluently than most preachers. She wouldn’t have a chance.



Edited to emphasize the irony, as people like this don’t think twice about voting for closeted cases like Lindsey Graham all the time. For most rational people, honesty and authenticity is an asset, not a deal breaker.

[crimycarny]

175. OMG--first time I've seen this

Wow, just...wow. The ignorance is jaw-dropping.

I believe without a doubt that, given enough time, Pete could win over people who might not know him well. I just don't know if ~100 days is enough time and that's why I'd like to see him in a more visible role, like Secretary of State, during a Harris Presidency.

[BaronChocula]

90. F. Mike Murphy

That's my name for him. Of course Sec'y B is being vetted and he's a great communicator.

But F. Mike Murphy.

[nycbos]

92. The problem we had in 2016 was the party had no bench.

We have a very large bench now. I would love Secretary Pete. But I also think Shapiro, Kelly, Cooper, and others would be solid choices. It’s a good problem to have

[SunSeeker]

93. I adore Pete, but we need Pennsylvania. Shapiro is the smarter move. nt

[BobTheSubgenius]

94. I have been waiting for the day when Mayor Pete would make a move at the national level.

I mean, a Cabinet Secretary casts a pretty long shadow, but he is much bigger and better than even that. America would be LUCKY to have him as President one day.

[travelingthrulife]

96. I would love this

He has great ability to defend progressive policies on regressive tv shows. He can handle the bigotry as well.

[epreic01]

97. I think he's great.

I don’t worry about him being gay. Honestly I worry about some of the bad headlines as far as transportation the past few years. Not his fault and I’m glad we have him there. But it would draw negative attention and idk if we have time to turn that narrative around.

[twodogsbarking]

100. Pete was my pick but living in Pa I know how great Shapiro is. We will see.

[Deep State Witch]

104. If Not VP

Then Secretary of State or Secretary of Defense. Or UN Ambassador.

[SunSeeker]

124. THIS. He would make a brilliant SOS.

That would tee him up nicely for a presidential run.

[bif]

109. I'm a Pete-nick all the way!!!

[Kalifornia9]

118. Not good timing.

Pete and Chasten have 2 toddlers at home.

[dchill]

121. One can hope.

And probably should.

[mindfulNJ]

122. For those who say that we aren't ready

for Pete, I say bunk. I would have said the same thing a week ago but after the events of the last few days I say LET"S DO IT.


What a dream team!!!

[ColinC]

126. Not a fan. I'm still team Josh.

[TygrBright]

130. OMG... THUNDER TICKET! That would be SO awesome.... n/t

[AllaN01Bear]

131. ohm myyy!

[elocs]

135. It's nice that she is vetting him, but let's be real with going for one electoral milestone at a time.

Electing a woman of color is that milestone and really is as much as we can ask for now and expect to win. It's too important to win this election and not push our chances too far. There was a time, not long ago, that you wouldn't even see an openly gay male as a cabinet member That time is coming, but not in this election.

[Lulu KC]

138. YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY!!!!!!!

[Susan Calvin]

140. I adore him, but

For a number of reasons I want Mark Kelly.

[FloridaBlues]

141. Is she considering or actually vetting? Do we know for sure.

My bet is still a Governor from a purple state.

[Oopsie Daisy]

146. This is very exciting!!

[Aviation Pro]

152. Good man, honorable man

But not this year. I see him as our candidate in 2032 after he serves as a Senator or Governor of, hopefully, Indiana, but right now he won't be able to carry that ruby red, Cult state this year.

I think that all the candidates being vetted are great, but what's at play here is misdirection so the Cult expends valuable resources trying to counter the complex, multi-layered strategy of the Democrats.

My money is on either Kelly or Shapiro.

[soul kitchen]

155. Buttigieg Buttigieg Buttigieg

Sounds good!! They should use it 😀

[Mz Pip]

157. Secretary of State

not VP.

We are trying to get undecided voters, voters who are conservative enough to even be considering Trump. I’m not sure those people are ready for that.

Stick with Kelly.

[returnee]

159. Mrs returnee and I were just now saying the same thing.

It’s the bold move, consistent with Biden stepping aside and putting Kamala at the top of the ticket. And it’s not just youth, which is important. He is crazy smart, sharp, quick witted, an eloquent speaker, and keeps his cool under fire. He also has a military background. The only drawback I see is limited political background, relative to some others on the short list. We must insist gay is not a negative.

[walrus314]

161. Certainly qualified...

Pete certainly has what it takes to be VP, and presumptive candidate. However, even with the recent bump, it boils down to swing states, which Pete wouldn't bring anything in directly from having hometown roots.

Granted Vance also did nothing for Trump bc Trump cannot figure out how to do anything right, so maybe it's a wash.

[LakeArenal]

177. I would love someone from the Midwest. Pete is a great choice.

I wanted him VP years ago.

[markpkessinger]

179. I've been saying for the past few days . . .

. . . that Buttigieg, with his sharp wit, superb verbal skills and command of the issues would be the most effective on the campaign trail of the names that have been mention. My only worry -- and it pains me to say this as a gay man myself -- is that a gay man on the same ticket with a mixed race woman might be a tad too much diversity for some voters.

[James48]

181. Yes!!!! Pick PETE!!!

Please make Pete the next Vice President!

We need a good military background guy from Indiana/ Michigan. He will play well here, and will help Harris win.

[BrightKnight]

188. I don't get the political calculation but he is clearly very bight.

[radical noodle]

190. I don't think anyone could be a better spokesperson

for her agenda. He's almost universally well liked and explains complicated things in such an easy way that those average independents and people on the fence can relate to. Not only that, but the young people would really get behind them. And I love the way he's able to put Fox hosts in their place.

Remember that a lot of people laughed at his chances in 2020 and then he won the most delegates in the Iowa caucus. No one should count him out as not being able to win people over.

Those who won't vote for a gay man probably will be voting for trump anyway.

Okay, I'm biased. He's been a favorite of mine since 2020.

[wildflowergardener]

191. He would be my choice

Charismatic, a good spokesman. As mentioned the homophobic people are probably already voting for Trump already. More well know than any of the other choices I have heard about. Military.