(Moira Donegan): Pete Buttigieg is the darling of the donor class. The debate was a reminder why

[arenean]

From Moira Donegan in The Guardian:

The South Bend mayor was in his typical form in the Democratic debate: heavy on rhetoric and light on specifics

".... the surging candidate of the moment is Pete Buttigieg, the young mayor of South Bend, Indiana, a noncommittal moderate who has pulled ahead in the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

When Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren was newly in the lead, the November debate featured strenuous attacks on her from the left and right, and many observers, including me, predicted that Buttigieg would face similar scrutiny from his opponents in Wednesday’s debate. But he did not: the other contenders pulled their punches regarding Buttigieg, and for most of the debate made only oblique references to his inexperience and dismal poll performance among the crucial demographic block of black voters.

It is not clear why Buttigieg was not subject to the attacks that Warren was, but it is hard not to suspect that the other candidates were more comfortable attacking the progressive and outspoken Warren, a woman who has defined the terms of the ideological debate in the primary thus far and shifted the party decidedly to the left, than they were attacking the soft spoken male polyglot from South Bend.

For his part, Buttigieg was in his typical form, seeming to adapt to his new role in the top tier of early state candidates as if he has been expecting to be president since childhood. His answer to every question was plotted and delivered in a slow, emotionless recitation, as if he had practiced his sentences before, in a mirror. He was heavy on rhetoric and light on specifics, as befits the darling of the donor class. He pledged to bring the country together but did not explain how. His statements, like his affect, seemed to have been designed by an algorithm to make no commitments and risk no offense."

Full story: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/21/pete-buttigieg-is-the-darling-of-the-donor-class-the-debate-was-a-reminder-why

[BeyondGeography]

1. I think Yang is talking about Pete

when he says he’s not running because he fantasized about being President.

[Sherman A1]

3. Yang has clearly stated on multiple occasions why he is running

it is about the future for his and other's children.

[Thekaspervote]

2. Having 2 polls one in IA and a very questionable poll in NH does not make him a top tier candidate

And zero Ntl polls...top tier candidate... not!!

[Sherman A1]

4. He about 3 steps ahead of everyone else in the field in his vision and thinking

as based upon his policy proposals https://www.yang2020.com/policies/

[Renew Deal]

9. I don't disagree but,

There are around 8 candidates that wish they were doing as well as Buttigieg right now.

He’s in perfect position. He’s within striking distance with 2 months to go. Klobuchar, Harris, and others will probably never get there.

[dsc]

5. or maybe they saw what happened in 2004

Remember when Dean was flying high and Gephardt went after him, they both sank giving Kerry and Edwards the 1 and 2 slot. Being the attack dog rarely is a good thing in a more than two person race. There ends up being a third choice which everyone decides to take.

[Renew Deal]

8. I agree

I think the answer is more strategic than the writer is allowing themself to think.

[TidalWave46]

6. The underlined part is where I think we have seriously gone wrong.

Rhetoric is the Presidents greatest asset. We don’t need specifics. At all. We do need a general understanding of their positions. Screw the details. We are looking for a leader. Fringe constituencies who can’t win a damn thing nationally want you to think it’s all about the details.

[Renew Deal]

7. The same was said about Obama

This article has a very clear bias, so it makes it hard to separate opinion from insight. I think the reason why attacks on Buttigieg were more subtle is that the candidates were afraid of elevating him. They don’t know how he will respond, and he might look like the top dog if they do.

[ritapria]

10. Pete is leading in Iowa New Poll confirms

From Iowa State /Civiqs : Pete 26% . Warren 19% .. Bernie 18%.. Biden 12 %.. Klobuchar 5%.. Yang 4%.. Steyer 2%.. Harris 2%.. Gabbard 2 % ... Pete was at 25% in CNN /Des Moines Register Poll ...That finding has been confirmed by this poll.

[Funtatlaguy]

11. Pete's best attribute.

He speaks plainly and clearly.
He doesn’t stumble and fumble searching for the correct word.
He is always coherent.
Refreshing.