Pete Buttigieg’s next test: Winning over minority voters
Democratic presidential candidate former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg embraces Hannah Brown at the Nevada Black Legislative Caucus Black History Awards brunch Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Buttigieg AP
He faces a steep climb.

So far, Pete Buttigieg has made it look easy.

The once little-known former mayor of a midsize Midwestern city vaulted over a former Vice President and several U.S. Senators in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire presidential primary. The 38-year-old’s fresh face, intellect and turn-the-page message won votes across many demographic groups in the kickoff states.

Now the promise of his candidacy is colliding with the reality of the central question about his viability: Can he win among minority voters who form the critical foundation of the party’s base?

Associated Press


One comment

  • JD Miller

    February 18, 2020 at 5:53 am

    Pete himself has said that Black voters have the most the lose if 45 is re-elected. And as the least known candidate, the Buttigieg campaign needs to prove people will vote for him. In reading your article, it seems clear that the main reason for the continuous attacks on Pete are not his past demoting of a black police chief who apparently broke the law, but Pete’s sexual orientation. And it is not necessarily an issue of homophobia (although it is for some) but on whether people will actually vote for a gay man. Pete has proven in Iowa and New Hampshire that people will vote for the candidate that inspires them with his leadership and policy proposals. That will continue in Nevada as well. I am not sure when people will be assured that it is Pete’s commitment to service and his ability to draw in like-minded people to a Buttigieg Administration that will win him the Oval Office, but I hope it is soon. For the sake of our Democracy, I hope it is soon.

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