General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBREAKING: Pete Buttigieg announces Presidential Exploratory Campaign
https://www.facebook.com/petebuttigieg1/videos/617459875357538/Good morning:
The show in Washington right now is exhausting: the corruption, the fighting, the lying, the sense of constant crisis it has to end. But we cant just revert to where we were a few years ago, trying to tinker with a broken system. This is a season for boldness, and we need to focus on the future.
I want you to be among the first to know that I am considering a presidential campaign, and Ive officially launched an exploratory committee.
Watch our new video and share with your friends and family:
Pete for America Video
This is my eighth and final year as Mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Over the last decade, our community has seen extraordinary changes, going from a city written off as dying to one that stands as living proof that the industrial Midwest can create a better future by leaving aside nostalgia and resentment, solving problems to help bring everyone a better everyday life.
Time and again, South Bend has beaten the odds and the expectations. But now I am worried about our country -- especially for members of my generation.
What will America look like in 2054, when I reach the age of the current president? How will we look back on 2020?
My generation is the generation that experienced school shootings beginning when I was in high school, the generation that fought in the post 9/11 wars, the first generation to have to deal with the reality of climate change, and the first generation not to be better off than our parents materially -- if nothing changes.
Only a forward focus -- untethered from the politics of the past and anchored by our shared values -- can change our national politics and our nations future.
We value freedom knowing it means more than cutting regulation: youre not free if you cant sue a credit card company that gets caught ripping you off, or walk down the street without being profiled on the basis of your skin color, or marry the person you love.
We value security knowing it means more than what goes on at the border: it requires real strategies for 21st-century threats like cybersecurity, election security, and climate security.
And we value our democracy, the foundation of our national life, that is under attack from hostile foreign powers and from cynical political tactics. Thats why our democracy must be defended and broadened, with real and bold reforms.
I am aware of the odds we would face if we proceed to mount a national campaign. But I am exploring this run because I can offer a different experience and perspective than anyone else. And I believe that at a moment like this, underdog campaigns will go further than the establishment would normally allow, when it comes to bold ideas that can truly meet the threats and opportunities coming our way.
hlthe2b
(102,546 posts)what an incredible uphill battle this one has as a Democratic candidate....
D_Master81
(1,823 posts)Uphill battle for sure, but after I laughed out loud when Trump was announcing in 2015 I will never say never. I think he does have a national future, just not sure this is the time yet.
Takket
(21,705 posts)As others have said he has a real uphill battle. A lot of huge hats in the ring already.
pamdb
(1,333 posts)And again, who?
brooklynite
(94,985 posts)NewJeffCT
(56,829 posts)but, jumping from mayor of a small city to President is a HUGE leap.
Would love to see him try for Senator or Governor of Indiana first - if he can do that, he would be ready to take the next step after that.
I'm not one to make fun of names because of my last name, but his last name may be difficult for people to handle as well.
Mr. Quackers
(443 posts)as a racist con artist reality show employee becoming president.
NewJeffCT
(56,829 posts)is light years ahead of Donny on the intellectual scale, Trump was a nationally known figure from his long running (though low rated) TV show.
bearsfootball516
(6,377 posts)Doesn't stand much of a chance in the primary, although he may be doing this with the intent to gain a little national exposure and land a cabinet seat, assuming the Democratic nominee beats Trump.
NewJeffCT
(56,829 posts)hoping for a cabinet slot?
Nanjeanne
(5,005 posts)Will have an interesting perspective. I look forward to seeing what he brings to the field.
underpants
(183,031 posts)I remember hearing about him a few years ago. Seems like a really good guy and potentially a great candidate
George II
(67,782 posts)....a relative?