Why America is starting to listen to Pete Buttigieg

[elleng]

(CNN)On the same day a new CNN poll showed Iowa Democratic voters interested in older, well-established politicians with familiar names, a trio of young, lesser-known candidates made their case at a televised town hall at the SXSW festival in Austin.

Longshots John Delaney, Tulsi Gabbard and Pete Buttigieg each tried to display allegiance to some of the most unorthodox positions floating around the Democratic campaign -- but all three took pains to avoid going too far off the deep end.

Like all Democratic candidates, the SXSW town hall participants faced the challenge of presenting themselves as stable and experienced -- while also seeming prepared to fight for the sweeping changes in economic, social and foreign policy that the party's liberal base is demanding. The town halls showed the kind of tightrope Democrats must walk on the road to 2020.

Of the three town hall participants, Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, seemed to connect best with the crowd. No less an authority than David Axelrod, the manager of President Obama's historic 2008 campaign, said on Twitter that "I have rarely seen a candidate make better use of televised Town Hall than @PeteButtigieg.... Crisp, thoughtful and relatable. He'll be a little less of a long shot tomorrow."'>>>

https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/11/opinions/pete-buttigieg-cnn-town-hall-delaney-gabbard-louis/index.html?no-st=1552424396

[sfwriter]

1. I think he is so refreshing.

He is amazingly articulate. He is deft at taking tough question. He is well-rounded in his responses too. I'm backing him at the moment for what that's worth. Like he said, money tends to decide these things. It won't be the first time I backed a losing horse.

[Sherman A1]

2. I listened to him on Colbert

and if he is the nominee he will certainly get my vote.

[mobeau69]

3. I like his experience of having served in the armed forces on active duty in a combat arena.

His educational experiences and managerial experience as a mayor in a strong mayor system are also pluses.

[gateley]

9. I just go with my gut -- and I like this guy! nt

[Nanjeanne]

4. I'm glad America is catching up with me!

[TheRealNorth]

5. I am not there yet

I need to learn more about him before I can hop on the bandwagon. But, I am a free agent again since Sherrod Brown withdrew.

[gateley]

6. You know why I think?

Because he's actually talking like a real person, not a politician. Granted, I've only seen that blip about Pence, but I immediately liked him. And I thought that at the time -- he seems so REAL.

That's what brought me to Joe during the 2007 debates -- everyone else, including Obama, answered in political speak to varying degrees. I find that insulting. Oh yeah, Gravel was pretty real, too.

I wish the best for Buttigieg.

[elleng]

7. and no blip at ALL about pence, gate.

Watch the whole segment, if you can isolate it; it's GREAT!

He's REAL!

[gateley]

8. I'll see if I can find it. I'd like to see more of him. nt

[mobeau69]

10. Here you go:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/128719052

[gateley]

11. Thanks!

[gateley]

13. I watched and am VERY impressed. I can see why you are. nt

[patricia92243]

12. Reminds me of Bill Clinton with the clear, concise way of speaking that makes things understandable.

[gateley]

14. Oh, I think he's got it all over Bill Clinton. Just my initial reaction. nt

[AdamGG]

15. I like him, but think Beto might clog his lane in the primaries

They'll probably be competing for the same young, smart, passionate outsider guy votes.

Overall, if I was placing bets, I think that factor makes Biden a strong favorite for the nomination. Numerous candidates are going to be splitting progressive/alternative votes and Biden will have the experienced centrist lane pretty much to himself.

[elleng]

16. Hence a Biden-Buttigied or Beto ticket?