As the stakes get higher in the 2020 primary election, so do the attack on candidates who are perceived as the most credible threats.
At this time, former Mayor Pete Buttigieg falls into the aforementioned category. Over the past few months, the ex-South Bend mayor has risen in the polls and snagged celebrity endorsements from various figures in Hollywood. While these gains have helped him in the primaries, they’ve also opened Buttigieg up to attacks from rivals who are eager to knock him down a few pegs.
One of the latest forms of censure comes from none other than Joe Biden. Over the weekend, the former vice president released an ad that ultimately questioned Buttigieg’s level of experience and fitness to serve as commander-in-chief.
Needless to say, Buttigieg wasn’t at all pleased. The 2020 Democrat responded to the ad during a New Hampshire town hall in which he unleashed on “Washington politicians,” as documented by Washington Examiner.
Buttigieg vs. Washington Politicians
During his time in New Hampshire, the former South Bend mayor pushed back against the assertion that he lacks the experience to serve as president.
Due to his outlier status, Buttigieg’s campaign largely centers around the narrative that he would bring fresh, grassroots leadership to the White House. The 2020 Democrat furthered this narrative when criticizing “Washington politicians” such as Biden; although he didn’t directly name the former vice president.
According to Buttigieg, Washington politicians have consistently “reduced to a punchline” the plights of various communities. Citing rural areas, along with big, small, and industrial cities, the 2020 Democrat stated that his presidency would provide relief to these communities. Later on, Buttigieg also professed that in a general election against Trump, he would inform the president on “what communities from South Bend to Claremont” are experiencing.
An aide for Buttigieg’s campaign later stated that Biden’s attack ad is indicative of the former vice president’s stagnant position in the race rather than Buttigieg’s “perspective as a mayor and veteran.”
An Alternative to “Washington Experience?”
Buttigieg’s crusade against Washington experience and Washington politicians is likely to maintain as a recurring theme throughout his candidacy. The former South Bend mayor has repeatedly clashed with rivals who do possess the aforementioned Washington experience, such as Elizabeth Warren and now Joe Biden.
“Pete Buttigieg” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Gage Skidmore
In positioning himself as the anti-Washington experience candidate, Buttigieg has also attempted to brand himself as capable of reaching across the aisle. The former South Bend mayor talks a good game about wanting Democrats, Independents, and “future former Republicans” to join him; however, Buttigieg is on record attacking Trump supporters. On multiple occasions, the former mayor turned 2020 Democrat stated that Americans who favor Trump are “at best looking the other way on racism.”
What do you think about Pete Buttigieg’s take on Washington politicians? Do you think Biden’s attacks on Buttigieg’s candidacy will leave a lasting mark? Let us know in the comments section below!
