We might have an openly gay man in the Oval Office in under two years. Pete Buttigieg, who came out as gay during his tenure as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, is in the running for the 2020 Democratic presidential bid.
Related: Homophobes are already coming for openly gay 2020 candidate Pete Buttigieg
And in a recent Reddit discussion, fellow gays appraised Buttigieg’s platform and his potential. Here are some of the responses from that thread, edited lightly for grammar and clarity.
“Not sure about his chances”
I recently saw an interview he did on Morning Joe and he blew me away with his answers. He comes across as very educated and well-spoken. And he’s not running on solely being the first gay president, which I like. In fact, he barely mentions it unless someone brings it up. I’m not sure about his chances, though, [as he is] up against some very big names in a crowded field.
“Good at hearing both sides”
He’s awesome! I’m a Hoosier, too, but I don’t live in South Bend. Watching him navigate Planned Parenthood wanting to come into an area with a huge Catholic university in a blue city in a red state was really interesting. He’s definitely good at hearing both sides and coming to a reasonable compromise for both of them. But I don’t know how far he will get this go-around, but I think this is the start of his national political career.
“The real deal”
My best college buddy is doing his doctorate at Notre Dame and lives in the same neighborhood as Mayor Pete. Although [my buddy is] probably more of a classic conservative if you really get down to his core — he absolutely despises the current Republican party for their anti-intellectualism and science denial — he still has a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for Buttigieg. He seems to be the real deal.
Related: 8 reasons Pete Buttigieg should be president. Seriously.
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“Better suited as a running mate”
I like him and largely agree with him, but I think at this point in his career he’s better suited as a running mate to a more experienced candidate.
“Exposes the Republican-lite candidates”
I like people like him in the Democratic primary because it exposes the Republican-lite candidates.
“Not enough experience.”
Good message, but not enough experience to be president. I feel the same about Beto [O’Rourke].
“Discount Bernie”
He’s basically a discount Bernie. He holds nearly the same political positions — with less commitment.
“Too bland”
Too bland.
Dat “Butt”
His name just had to have “butt.” Sigh. I can’t wait to hear all the so-funny ads and jokes about him.
rbernard
Personally, I like Pete Buttigieg.
He is a progressive.
He speaks and governs in a way that is reasonable to independents and accessible to open minded republicans.
I think Pete is a good, decent, capable guy who would represent our team well and could do the job.
Pete Buttigieg could do it so long as he had the resources of the Democratic Party and a strong campaign organization.
The only problem is the haters.
Look how they behaved under Barack Obama and reacted by anointing the ascension of Donald Trump as their response.
Can you imagine how they would react to a Pete Buttigieg and how they would act out?
ModeI
Agree! Pete Buttigieg is nice!
MacAdvisor
Where does he find “open minded republicans (sic)” to be accessible to?
iamru2
Some of us look beyond sexual orientation and skin color!
MacAdvisor
To his excellent progressive and pragmatic record?
@NYCBear
Yes. You are right. One the one side – gay president will be great, one the other side – sexual orientation should not be the only reason to be president.
fur_hunter
This young man has his $H!T together and would make an incredible president. I am glad he is running and it took brass ones to do what he is doing. Unfortunately, I doubt the country is ready for someone who is gay. People will not see his credentials, accomplishments and merits. All they will see is…GAY. That is sad but it is truth.
Brian
He will obviously never win, but I hope he makes it far enough to be considered a serious contender so the novelty will be gone the next time a gay man runs.
God help him if he really is a discount Bernie, he’ll be toast if the only thing that sets him apart is being gay.
Rock-N-RollHS
Unfortunately, won’t make the final round, but like him and would vote for him. (Sh*t, I’ll vote for anyone who ain’t Trump.)
Rancybreece
Mayor Pete is the real deal. . He answers questions directly and without equivocation. As an articulate and intelligent individual he will give the Democratic field a run for their money. . His experience bring disparate factions together in South Bend and having a played a major role in turning that city around says a lot about his potential to do the same thing on a national. I am reading his book “Sortest Way Home” and am convinced that he has the potential to be a major voice on the national scene for many years to come even if does not win the. He is refreshing g and reasoned, represents himself and other millennials well. That he is gay and openly so is secondary to his goal of addressing the issues that are driving us apart . Needless to say LGBTQ issues are a big part of his agenda and he is committed to advancing LGGBTQ rights as well of other communities who have been disenfranchised. A Harvard and Oxford grad, manament conalta t, a naval reservist who has served in Aphganistan and serving two times as major he has accomplished more in his 37 years than most running for president
truthseeker
I don’t know. I don’t see any difference between the 2020 Democrat candidates. They’re all basically versions of Bernie Sanders but with a different gender, sexual orientation, or skin color.
So it’s basically which face do you want to see advocating for some type of higher taxes, regulations, globalism, and free stuff
Aromaeus
Discount bernie is pretty accurate. A lot of the current candidates are pretty much taking pieces of Bernie’s platform and trying to rebrand themselves. The problem is Bernie has a 40+ year history of being for these values while the others don’t. I’ll take the guy whose been on the right side even when it wasn’t politically convenient.
Lazycrockett
It would do the LGBTQ community a great service to see Pete on the debate stage, but to do that he needs to have 65,000 grassroot donors. So if you wish throw a couple dollars towards that at pete for america. com not spaces.
OzJosh
He’s about a million times smarter than the current White House incumbent (not that that’s hard), extremely articulate and likeable. And I love that his name is pronounced “booty-judge”!
Billy Budd
What is a Butt Gig?
Josh447
LoL right? Definitely an advertising issue. His Butt Gig could blow his political stride in this race. The guy should really have changed all or part of his last name prior to entering politics. I can’t imagine he hasn’t thought about it.
The memes will come and we’ll finally get our answer as to what a Butt Gig is. Or maybe a reporter will ask him straight out.
Enquiring minds wanna know.
JessPH
I saw his interview with Colbert and he is very articulate and intelligent. A stark contrast to the orange stain currently in the White House.
jcoberkrom
He’s bright and articulate. And pretty much right on the issues. However, He needs more seasoning. I look forward to voting for him in the future.
brickdr66
Not enough experience! Look who’s in the office now.
brickdr66
Also Ronnie Kroell is running.
Daggerman
..WOW! We desperately need someone who is sensitive to the human condition, and can come up with new ideas to help America . Trump certainly does not have these values!
evanxx
I’ve been studying the many Democratic candidates as they launch their campaigns for the 2020 Presidential run. Each of them had some special qualities that caught my eye. Then I studied the resume of Pete Buttigieg after seeing him on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The list of his accomplishments is astounding especially considering his young age! I have to admit, he seems almost superhuman in his abilities. In fact, he makes Captain America seem like an under-achiever. Being a Veteran wins bonus points with me. I would hate to speak after him on the debate stage; he’s tough act to follow.
Talltom@45
He should have changed his last name before entering politics.