Why it's time for a vice president who happens to be gay (and maybe because of it)

[phoenix_rising]

Pete Buttigieg is a highly respected, 'others-above-self' military veteran and family man. That's why Kamala Harris should pick him.

Advocate
Michael Dru Kelley
August 02, 2024

……….
Firstly, there is no Democrat more qualified than Pete Buttigieg to be vice president or even president. This highly respected, “others-above-self” military veteran and family man went from mayor of a small, Midwestern, conservative town to a serious presidential contender in 2020 to among the youngest and among the most successful cabinet secretaries in recent memory.

Regardless of his sexual identity, Buttigieg has risen above every obstacle and become an outstanding 42-year-old orator and statesman. He commands an audience on “kitchen table” subjects that every American can relate to, gay or straight. Fox News loves/hates to have him on because of his always calm, confident demeanor and succinct way of eviscerating lies told by the opposition. He speaks truth to power in settings where little truth exists. He’s also a gay, married father who faces online hatred from a small but vocal minority, who point out his sexuality to dehumanize him and advocate for his extinction.

Buttigieg’s sexual identity should be irrelevant or if anything, an asset. Pew found in a study that 61% of Americans — or a super majority — believe that same-sex relationships are good for society. Not just legal. Not just treated equally. Actually, “good for society.”

Despite the loud voices of the minority MAGA Republicans, America is beyond ready to have a vice president who is gay; he’s also married with small children at home, just like many American voters under the age of 45. Younger voters should like Buttigieg; studies have concluded that nearly 30% of American adults age 20-26 or Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+. The youth vote is viewed as critical to the 2024 election. Across the board, Kamala Harris will further energize her rapidly growing base, attract new voters and raise tens of millions more by adding Pete Buttigieg to the Democratic ticket.

https://www.advocate.com/voices/pete-buttigieg-vp

[Skittles]

1. no time like the present

[phoenix_rising]

2. I couldn't agree more! n/t

[msongs]

3. what does he bring to the campaign that it does not already have? nt

[phoenix_rising]

6. Glad you asked...

Pete would bring a lot to the campaign! For starters:

* Pete is the only other Biden administration official with experience in a national campaign. He balances the ticket and could help secure the upper Midwest. Currently residing in Michigan (a swing state), he was a successful mayor of South Bend and won in Iowa as a local politician. In addition to winning in Iowa, he also had a strong performance in the New Hampshire primary.

* He has the highest approval rating among all the potential VP candidates among Independent swing state voters.

* Pete is a veteran and speaks at least seven languages, including Arabic. In the current climate, a candidate who is fluent in Arabic, like Pete, would appeal to many Arab-American voters and potentially Muslim-American voters who have been feeling disenfranchised.

* He played a crucial role in passing the infrastructure bill, and together, he and Kamala could continue Joe’s work.

* Pete is a husband, a father, a Rhodes Scholar, graduated top of his class at Harvard. He’s a man of exceptional character. (For a story that truly captures who he is as a person, see link below):
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=19251799

* He is the Biden administration's top surrogate. He’s brilliant, young, good looking, charismatic, and young people are CRAZY about him. He’s a prodigious orator, unflappable, and excels at eviscerating right-wing arguments, while still remaining likable.

* Pete excels on television and is well-known for his media presence. Until recently, none of the other candidates have had national exposure, so many voters may not recognize them. Having a familiar face and nationwide name recognition is crucial, especially with less than 100 days until the election.

* Pete would create a seismic shift among younger voters, leading to record turnout, IMHO potentially transforming a blue wave into a blue tsunami! 🌊

[elleng]

4. Nope, sorry, superficial, and unrelated to the job.

imo

***The JOB of Vice President is to assume the responsibilities of President if/when the President is unable to do so (for various reasons.)

[phoenix_rising]

7. I beg to differ

…unless I misunderstand what you are saying. Sexual identity is just as significant as racial identity and gender identity, and with Project 2025 just a vote away, our lives and our families are on the line. As an openly gay man with a young family, the fight couldn’t be more personal for Pete. Hardly superficial or unrelated. Pete can effectively communicate the dangers of Project 2025 for his family and millions like his across the U.S. in a way that a straight person simply couldn’t. Similarly, Kamala can articulate the catastrophic impact of Project 2025's policies on women in a way that a man couldn't. That’s extremely powerful.

There is so much more I could say, but will stop here, as it’s very possible I misunderstood what you were saying. Apologies if that is the case.

[elleng]

9. Thanks for responding.

As I've just amended my response, the Job of Vice President is to assume the responsibilities of the President if/when the President is unable to do so (for one of various possible reasons.)

[phoenix_rising]

10. ...and also to serve as president of the Senate

But in modern times, the role of VP has typically been more expansive than that, so not sure I can agree with the premise.

I appreciate the time you took to clarify. We can definitely agree to disagree, with respect.

[pnwmom]

5. Since PA is still underwater, Shapiro might be the best choice. Otherwise, I like Kelly and Walz.

At 42, Buttigieg is still young. If Kamala and her VP can save the country from Trump, Buttigieg will have another chance in the future.

[phoenix_rising]

8. I firmly believe a Harris/Buttigieg ticket could save the country from Trump as well n/t

[pnwmom]

14. My father's partner, who has to deal with racism and homophobia every day of his life

doesn't think the country is ready to elect Buttigieg yet. I can't ask my dad because he passed away.

[phoenix_rising]

15. Sorry to hear about your dad 💔 n/t

[FakeNoose]

11. I want to live in a country where a leader's sexual orientation is irrelevant

As long as someone is a proven leader, and their goals and ideals match mine, they have my vote.

[consider_this]

12. and Pete seems unflappable...

you know if he is on the ticket, TSF and company will use the basest attacks (like racist shit and misogynist shit they are flinging about Harris) over his sexual orientation - and you know what - I think Pete would not be ruffled at all - I think he would shove it back in their face so hard to further point out the hate fueled idiots that they are - and that would be powerful!

We'd be very lucky to have Pete as a VP - that said, I am delighted with any of those that seem to be on her short list.
Go Dems!

[phoenix_rising]

13. Well said!!! 👏

I couldn’t agree more!! 🌊🌊