The progression of the 2020 presidential election means that stakes are inevitably higher. Democrat candidates face greater pressure to connect with voters, outperform their opponents, and really do well in the polls. It goes without saying that certain candidates are having an easier time with this than others; in 2020 alone, multiple now-former contenders bowed out of the race due to low poll numbers, lack of capital, etc.
“Pete Buttigieg” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Gage Skidmore
Since the inception of his candidacy, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg has run an interesting campaign. Despite managing to snag certain celebrity endorsements from figures like Kevin Costner and Mandy Moore, Buttigieg’s campaign isn’t without its flaws. Aside from questionable policies, the ex-mayor continues to struggle with outreach to minority voters.
As a matter of fact, Washington Examiner reports that Buttigieg performs so poorly with Democrats of color that it’s impacting his ability to increase his base of supporters.
Why is Buttigieg Struggling with Minority Voters?
Throughout his campaign, Buttigieg has alleged that “white privilege” is real and racism is “woven into” American history. Yet, despite touting these pro-victimhood, leftist talking points, his campaign is still apparently not resonating with many Democrats of color. This is a voter bloc that Buttigieg will need if he hopes to win his party’s nomination for the presidency.
On Monday, the 2020 Democrat faced questions regarding his time as the mayor of South Bend and his subsequent actions. During a sit-down with Vice News, Buttigieg was asked about the near 50% loss of African-American police officers from South Bend during his mayoral stint.
Buttigieg responded by stating that the loss is “not where [he wanted] to be.” However, the Democrat candidate also pushed back, alleging that the leave of black officers didn’t have to do with racism.
In their piece, Washington Examiner confirms that multiple Democrats of color have expressed issues with Buttigieg. From simply “not connecting with him” to believing that Buttigieg has an evil “dark side,” the lack of trust is certainly there.
This issue has come up multiple times during the former South Bend mayor’s time as president. With the Iowa caucuses coming up in less than two weeks, only time will tell how much Buttigieg’s struggle to connect with minority voters hurts his campaign.
More on the “Pete for America” Campaign
Since the start of his candidacy, Buttigieg has attempted to cement himself as a pseudo-moderate Democrat. This is apparent in his repeated clashes with more progressive candidates like Elizabeth Warren and his interest in “Medicare-for-All-Who-Want-It.” Despite the argument that Buttigieg isn’t as radical as his other contenders (at least on the surface), his policies are still troublesome.
“Pete Buttigieg” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Gage Skidmore
From wanting to abolish the Electoral College to favoring the increase of taxes, Buttigieg’s campaign still runs opposite to what’s in the best interest of America. This is why the former South Bend mayor will not succeed in beating President Trump, even if the Democrat Party were to give him their party’s nomination.
What do you make of the former South Bend mayor’s disconnect with minority Democrats? Sound off with your thoughts down below in the comments section!
