2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

What People Are Saying About Pete Buttigieg At Tonight’s PBS Debate in California

What People Are Saying About Pete Buttigieg’s Strong Debate Performance

“Every Candidate That Attacked Him Made Him Stronger And More Presidential...Strong, Transparent And Delivers Crisp, Newsy Soundbite” ... “Effectively & Powerfully Swinging His Military Experience” …”Incredible”...“When That Guy Swings, He Lands Hard Blows”...“He’s Doing A Helluva Job”…“Every Time He Gets Punched He Punches Back Hard”... “Brings The House Down”...“He's Saying A Lot Of The Right Things Tonight”

Jon Soltz @jonsoltz: One thing @PeteButtigieg learned in the Navy is not to bring a knife to a gunfight. Every candidate that attacked him made him stronger and more Presidential. They gave him the opportunity to show he can handle and beat @realDonaldTrump #DemDebate

Adrienne Elrod @adrienneelrod: There is not a political attack Mayor Pete hasn't responded to head on. He comes across as strong, transparent and delivers crisp, newsy soundbites.

Paul Rieckhoff @PaulRieckhoff: There is it. @PeteButtigieg effectively & powerfully swinging his military experience. He saves it like a haymaker. Doesn’t always land. But always dangerous. I pressed him on it on @angryamericans last week. Download it now & save it for after #DemDebate:

Ana Navarro @ananavarro: @PeteButtigieg looks like an altar-boy. But we are all learning not to be deceived by his baby-face. When that guy swings, he lands hard blows. #DemocraticDebate

Ben White @morningmoneyben: Probably the biggest win for Buttigieg here is that every time he gets punched he punches back hard. My guess is Dems worried about debates vs. Trump will like to see it.

Dan Pfeiffer @danpfeiffer: It's pretty amazing that just @PeteButtigieg just called for the correct, controversial, and important step of reforming the court and we just moved on without comment

Jim Kessler @ThirdWayKessler: Buttigieg clearly the target tonight. that ain’t easy and he’s doing a helluva job.

Nicholas Kristof @NickKristof: The clash between @ewarren and @PeteButtigieg was the most dramatic moment of the debate so far, and Buttigieg got the better of it. It has been an open question how these candidates would withstand Trump's attacks, and that exchange was a good sign for Buttigieg.

Dan Weeks @DemocracyDan: I spent years fighting #BigMoney corruption as director of #OpenDemocracy. I wish there was $0 in politics. But I gotta agree w/ @PeteButtigieg: we can't beat #Trump's $300m while tying our hands behind our back. #MayorPete's campaign reform plan would get big $$ out once elected

Mayor Nan Whaley @nanwhaley: I don't think bragging about Washington DC "action" is an effective way to win the hearts and minds of American voters. #DemocraticDebate

Mona Charen @monacharenEPPC: Mayor Pete is an incredible political talent.

Christopher Hale @chrisjollyhale: .@PeteButtigieg rightly notes that reparations isn’t a gift, but a step towards correcting a grave moral wrong. #DemDebate

Chris Johnson @chrisjohnson82: OK Buttigieg coming back with that answer on immigration, standing out with committing to reparations on children separated at the border and drawing powerful imagery of child wanting back his father who was deported.

Laura Hubka @LauraHubka: "Talk about coalitions'? "Let's talk about winning 80% of the vote as a gay dude in Mike Pence's Indiana"- @PeteButtigieg brings the house down.

Tampa Bay Times Buzzon Politics @politicstbtimes:In a back-and-forth with Sen. Amy Klobuchar on his "capacity to win," Mayor Pete Buttigieg brings up his success in the Democratic stronghold city of South Bend in Republican Indiana.

NARAL @NARAL: “It is critical that we have justices that understand that American freedom includes reproductive rights and reproductive freedom.” We couldn’t agree more, @PeteButtigieg. #DemDebate

Charles M. Blow @charlesmblow: Pete on reparations. I don't know who has been in Pete's ear, but he's saying a lot of the right things tonight. #DemDebate

Paul Rieckhoff @PaulRieckhoff: Good to see someone (@PeteButtigieg) focusing on the AUMF. It’s core. And too often neglected by all candidates and the media.

John Haltiwanger @jchaltiwanger: Buttigieg is probably strongest when he's talking about foreign policy. He's only one so far to mention the 2001 AUMF, which authorized the Afghanistan invasion and essentially gave Bush, Obama, and now Trump carte blanche to wage `war against "terrorists" worldwide. #DemDebate

David Plouffe @davidplouffe: @BarackObama lost a congressional primary to Bobby Rush 2-1 eight years before he was elected President of the United States. The past is the past. Question is do you have the talent and broad appeal to meet THIS moment. Electability should not be viewed thru a rear view mirror.

Blake News @blakehoundhell: Gotta say, Pete is really good at parrying attacks. He's better when he's thinking on his feet than when he's reading a rehearsed speech.

John Haltiwanger @jchaltiwanger: Buttigieg is probably strongest when he's talking about foreign policy. He's only one so far to mention the 2001 AUMF, which authorized the Afghanistan invasion and essentially gave Bush, Obama, and now Trump carte blanche to wage war against "terrorists" worldwide. #DemDebate

Pete for America Announces Significant Investment in Nevada, Launches First Statewide TV Ad

Pete for America Announces Significant Investment in Nevada, Launches First Statewide TV Ad
Media Buy Will Also Include Spanish Radio and Digital Ads

LAS VEGAS, NV — Today, Pete Buttigieg released his first statewide television ad in Nevada. This is the beginning of a significant media buy in the state, which also includes Spanish radio and digital ads.

The new 30-second television spot, “Had To” lays out Pete’s vision for a new approach to politics, and focuses on how, as president, Pete will bring Americans together to tackle the challenges that Washington has ignored.

Pete for America also announced its first Spanish radio and digital ads in Nevada. In “Primer Día Sin Trump,” Pete describes the day after Trump leaves office and vows to be a president that would unify our dangerously divided country, while tackling our nation’s most urgent issues. “Primer Día Sin Trump” will run statewide on Youtube and Spotify, as well as on select radio stations in Las Vegas.

Watch “Had To” HERE

Watch “Primer Día Sin Trump” HERE

This significant investment in Nevada comes as Pete returns to the state for his eighth trip on Friday, December 20. Momentum for Pete continues to grow in Nevada. With the most campaign offices of any candidate (10), one of the largest teams in the state (55), and a growing army of volunteers, Pete for America is engaging caucus-goers from Las Vegas to Elko and from Reno to Pahrump to win the caucuses on February 22.

Read the full transcript of “Had To” below:

Serving in Afghanistan, we had to be united in our mission.

After corporate greed ripped apart the rust belt, my city had to find a way forward.

Whenever I visit Nevada, I hear the frustration with politics so broken for so long.

We keep sending politicians to Washington to fight for us, but then when they get there, they seem more interested in the part about fighting, than the part about us.

I'm Pete Buttigieg, and I approve this message, to insist we tackle our challenges together, because we have to.

Read the full transcript of “Primer Día Sin Trump” below:

I want you to picture the first day after the Donald Trump presidency.

This particular brand of chaos and corruption will be over… But these big issues, from the economy to health care, will not have disappeared.

I'm running to be the president who will turn the page and unify our very polarized country while
tackling the issues that are going to be just as urgent then as they are now.

Quiero que imagines el primer día después de la presidencia de Donald Trump.

Esta marca de caos y corrupción habrá terminado... Pero estos grandes problemas, desde la economía hasta la atención médica, no van a haber desaparecido.

Yo me estoy postulando para ser el presidente que da vuelta la página y une a nuestro país tan polarizado mientras abordamos los problemas que en ese momento serán tan urgentes como lo son ahora.

Pete Buttigieg to Campaign in Iowa on December 22-23, 2019 *Updated

Mayor Pete Buttigieg to Return to Iowa on December 22-23, 2019

DES MOINES, IA - Mayor Pete Buttigieg will return to Iowa on December 22 to hold town halls in Indianola, Perry, and Fort Dodge. On December 23, Pete will sit down with the Des Moines Register Editorial Board and attend a meet and greet in Ankeny. This will mark his twentieth trip to Iowa this year. He has already visited 44 counties and held over 100 events across the Hawkeye State.

Academy Award Winner Kevin Costner to Endorse Pete Buttigieg at Town Hall in Iowa

DES MOINES, IA –– Actor, director, producer and two time Academy Award Winner Kevin Costner will be introducing and endorsing Mayor Pete Buttigieg ahead of his town hall in Indianola, IA this Sunday.

Sunday, December 22

12:30 PM CT: Town hall in Indianola
• Location: Indianola High School | 1304 E 1st Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
• Public RSVP here https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforpete/event/174629/
• Doors open at 12:00 PM

2:30 PM CT: Town hall in Perry
• Location: The McCreary Community Building | 1800 Pattee St., Perry, IA 50220
• Public RSVP here https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforpete/event/174633/
• Doors open at 2:00 PM

6:45 PM CT: Town hall in Fort Dodge
• Location: Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium | 800 N 32nd St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
• Public RSVP here https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforpete/event/174634/
• Doors open at 6:15 PM

Monday, December 23

10:30 AM CT: Pete Buttigieg meets with the Des Moines Register’s Editorial Board

3:00 PM CT: Ankeny Meet and Greet
• Location: Private residence

South Bend Elected Officials Endorse Pete Buttigieg for President

South Bend Elected Officials Endorse Pete Buttigieg for President

SOUTH BEND, IN — Today, 11 current and former prominent South Bend city officials announced they are endorsing Pete Buttigieg for President of the United States. In an op-ed in the South Bend Tribune, the local leaders cite his record as Mayor of South Bend, including raising household incomes, empowering diverse leaders in city government, and transforming neighborhoods.

The endorsers include:

• Former City Clerk Kareemah Fowler
• City Clerk Dawn Jones
• Councilmember Gavin Ferlic (At-Large)
• Councilmember John Voorde (At-Large)
• Council President Tim Scott (1st District)
• Councilmember Sharon McBride (3rd District)
• Councilmember Jo M. Broden (4th District)
• Council-elect Rachel Tomas Morgan (At-Large)
• Council-elect Lori Hamann (At-Large)
• Council-elect Troy Warner (4th District)
• Council-elect Sheila Niezgodski (6th District)

Pete Buttigieg Campaign Announces Fundraisers Will Be Open and Names of People Raising Money Will Be Made Public

Buttigieg Campaign Announces Fundraisers Will Be Open and Names of People Raising Money Will Be Made Public

South Bend, IN –– Today, Mike Schmuhl, campaign manager for Pete for America, released the following statement:

“In a continued commitment to transparency, we are announcing today that our campaign will open fundraisers to reporters, and will release the names of people raising money for our campaign. Fundraising events with Pete will be open to press beginning tomorrow, and a list of people raising money for the campaign will be released within the week.

“From the start, Pete has said it is important for every candidate to be open and honest, and his actions have reflected that commitment. He is the only current presidential candidate who has released the names of people raising money for his campaign, and we will continue to release additional names as more people join our growing effort. Moreover, he will be one of the few candidates to allow reporters access to his fundraising events.

“Our campaign strives to be the most transparent in the field. Pete has held three multi-day bus tours with reporters that were completely on the record, has previously released the names of people who have fundraised for our campaign, and made public 12 years of tax returns, which includes all of the mayor’s professional working life since he finished his education. Pete has also committed to restoring press briefings in the White House.

“No other candidate for president has released the entirety of their tax returns since their education concluded. No other current candidate for president has released the names of people raising money for their campaign. There are important differences in this race among Democratic candidates, from creating a choice of affordable health care choices for all to removing cost as a barrier to college for those who need it, but transparency shouldn't be one of them.

“We plan to continue to talk about the issues that matter most to voters, because Pete is more interested in bringing people together to solve the critical issues facing America. This election is about defeating Donald Trump and uniting the country the day after this president leaves office. Pete is the best candidate to beat Trump, and we remain focused on doing just that in 2020.”

VoteVets Endorses Mayor Pete Buttigieg for President

VoteVets Endorses Mayor Pete Buttigieg for President, In Its First Presidential Endorsement Ever

“Veterans like Pete can win voters in the purple and red areas of the country that other Democrats cannot.”

“Pete is also someone who has the experience, as a war veteran, to be an exemplary Commander in Chief…”

WASHINGTON, DC – The largest progressive group of veterans in America, VoteVets PAC, representing over 700,000 veterans, military families, and their civilian supporters is today endorsing Afghanistan War veteran and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg for President of the United States.

“The number one priority has to be beating Donald Trump,” said Jon Soltz, Iraq War Veteran and Chairman of VoteVets. “If Donald Trump wins another term, it is no exaggeration to say this Republic may not survive. In the 13 years VoteVets has been in existence, we have come to see one thing repeated time after time: Veterans can win voters in the purple and red areas of the country that other Democrats cannot. We saw that in 2018 in tough congressional across the country, we saw it two weeks ago in VA state legislative races and in many other places. We need a candidate who will win. Bar none, Pete gives us the best shot at doing just that. It is time to rally around him, and stop the walking, talking national security threat that is Donald Trump.”

“Pete is also someone who has the experience, as a war veteran, to be an exemplary Commander in Chief, because he understands and has experienced the unique global security challenges we face right now, and he has the personal understanding of our veterans’ needs. His executive experience as Mayor, and his proven ability to think outside of the box to revitalize communities is exactly what veterans and all Americans need in a president right now. We could not be more proud to stand with him, and eagerly await the day when this new generation of American leadership is sworn in,” added Kate Hoit, Iraq War Veteran and Senior Adviser to VoteVets.

Accepting the endorsement, Pete Buttigieg said, "In uniform, I learned that when Americans from different backgrounds are brought together for a common purpose, we form the strongest fighting force in the world. I'm honored to have this endorsement from my fellow veterans as we seek to take on our nation's most urgent challenges and pick up the pieces and put the country back together after Trump."

VoteVets announced it would be immediately cutting a maximum donation check to Pete 2020, and would utilize its social media networks and email list to support his campaign’s message. Further plans to energize veterans and military families across the country will be unveiled as the campaign moves ahead.

Pete Buttigieg for America Announces First Statewide Television Ad in South Carolina “Welcomed Me"

Pete Buttigieg for America Announces First Statewide Television Ad in South Carolina “Welcomed Me"

SOUTH BEND, IN — During Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s visit to South Carolina this week, Pete for America announced its first statewide television ad set to run on Tuesday in South Carolina. The Buttigieg campaign is only the second campaign to be on television in South Carolina, and the buy is part of a $2 million media investment in the Palmetto State.

Pete for America has also opened four offices across the state and has quickly grown to 40 full-time staff on the ground to bolster organizing efforts and political engagement.

Using excerpts from Pete’s speech at the Liberty and Justice Dinner, the new 30-second spot “Welcomed Me," touts Pete’s message of a new kind of politics which, instead of pushing Americans even further apart, rallies us together behind bold ideas to solve our urgent challenges. The ad highlights some of those ideas, including Pete’s agenda to invest in the economic empowerment of working and middle-class Americans.

WATCH "WELCOMED ME" HERE

Read the full transcript of the ad below:

In our White House, you won’t have to shake your head and ask yourself, “Whatever happened to ‘I was hungry and you fed me. I was a stranger and you welcomed me’?”

When I say we’ve got to unify the American people it doesn’t mean pretending that we’re all the same.

It means unifying around issues from wages and family leave to gun violence and immigration.

The hope of an American experience defined not by exclusion but by belonging.

I am Pete Buttigieg and I approve this message.

Pete Buttigieg to Campaign in Iowa on December 6-8, 2019 ***Updated

Mayor Pete Buttigieg to Campaign in Iowa on December 6-8, 2019 ***Updated

DES MOINES, IA - Mayor Pete Buttigieg will return to Iowa today for a series of town halls and events across eastern Iowa. This will mark his nineteenth trip to Iowa this year.

On Friday, Pete will hold a town hall and attend the Iowa Farmers Union Annual Convention’s presidential forum in Grinnell and then speak at the Local America Presidential Forum hosted by U.S. Conference of Mayors and Accelerator for America in Waterloo. On Saturday, he will hold a town hall in Mount Vernon, attend the Teamsters Presidential Forum in Cedar Rapids, and then hold an additional town hall in Davenport. On Sunday, Pete will hold town halls in Washington and Coralville.

Momentum for Pete continues to grow in Iowa. Last week, Pete turned out large crowds at a number of town halls across western Iowa, including 2,100 people in Council Bluffs. Earlier this month, Pete for America had "a show of organizing force greater than any other candidate" at the Iowa Democratic Party's Liberty and Celebration Dinner. After the dinner, Pete embarked on a three-day, eight-county bus tour where over 3,000 Iowans turned out in rural counties across northern Iowa. On the bus tour, there was "very clear momentum" behind the campaign — as Pete drew hundreds to his town halls in towns across northern Iowa.

Friday, December 6:

4:30 PM CT: Town hall in Grinnell
Location: Harris Center, 1114 10th Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112
Public RSVP here https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforpete/event/165335/
Doors open at 4:00 PM

5:30 PM CT: Mayor Pete Buttigieg Speaks at Iowa Farmers Union Annual Convention
Location: Hotel Grinnell, 925 Park St, Grinnell, IA

8:00 PM CT: Mayor Pete Buttigieg speaks at Local America Presidential Forum
Location: Cedar Valley SportsPlex, 300 Jefferson St, Waterloo, IA

Saturday, December 7:

1:00 PM CT: Town hall in Mount Vernon
Location: Thomas Commons, Orange Carpet at Cornell College, 810 Commons Circle Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Public RSVP here https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforpete/event/164509/
Doors open at 12:30 PM

3:30 PM CT: Mayor Pete Buttigieg speaks at Teamsters Forum
Location: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 50 2nd Ave Bridge, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

7:00 PM CT: Town hall in Davenport
Location: Danceland Ballroom, 501 1/2 W 4th St, Davenport, IA 52801
Public RSVP here https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforpete/event/165834/
Doors open at 6:30 PM CT

Sunday, December 8:

11:45 AM CT: Town hall in Washington
Location: Washington Middle School, 313 S 4th Ave, Washington, IA 52353
Public RSVP here https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforpete/event/166050/
Doors open at 11:15 AM CT

1:30 PM CT: Town hall in Coralville
Location: Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 300 East 9th Street, Coralville, IA 52241
Public RSVP here https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforpete/event/165840/
Doors open at 1:00 PM

Pete Buttigieg Returns to New Hampshire on December 5-6, 2019

Pete Buttigieg Returns to New Hampshire on December 5-6, 2019

SOUTH BEND –– On Thursday and Friday, Pete will return to New Hampshire for a series of events. 

Thursday, December 5

11:30 AM ET: Town Hall at New England College in Henniker, NH
• Location: Simon Center Great Room at New England College, 98 Bridge St, Henniker, NH 03242
• Members of the public can RSVP here https://www.mobilize.us/newhampshireforpete/event/164836/

2:30 PM ET: Town Hall in Milford, NH
• Location: Milford Town Hall, 1 Union Square, Milford, NH 03055
• Members of the public can RSVP here https://www.mobilize.us/newhampshireforpete/event/165745/

7:00 PM ET: Town Hall in Exeter, NH
• Location: Exeter High School, 1 Blue Hawk Dr, Exeter, NH 03833
• Members of the public can RSVP here https://www.mobilize.us/newhampshireforpete/event/165748/

Friday, December 6

8:00 AM ET: New Hampshire Public Radio’s The Exchange Candidate Forum with Pete Buttigieg

New York Congresswoman Kathleen Rice Endorses Pete Buttigieg for President

New York Congresswoman Kathleen Rice Endorses Pete Buttigieg for President

SOUTH BEND, IN — Today, U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice (NY-04), announced her endorsement of Pete Buttigieg for President, citing his ability to unify Americans behind the bold solutions we need to move our country forward:

"2020 is the most consequential election in our lifetime, and I want to fight for a candidate who represents me and my constituents, who can unite our country, and who has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump,” said Rice. “For me, that candidate is Pete Buttigieg. Pete has demonstrated an unmatched ability and willingness to reach voters from across the political spectrum. He has introduced bold, yet commonsense policies that will address both our nation's long- and short-term challenges, and has avoided the divisive rhetoric that too often derails these important conversations. Pete represents the new voice and fresh perspective that our party and our country needs right now, and I'm proud to endorse him."

Rep. Kathleen Rice represents New York's 4th Congressional District, which covers parts of Nassau County, NY. She was first elected to Congress in 2014 and currently serves as the Chair as the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations and as a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Rice began her career in public service as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, NY. In 2005, Kathleen ran for District Attorney of Nassau County, NY, where she defeated a 31-year incumbent and became the first woman elected District Attorney in Long Island history.

Rep. Rice’s endorsement directly follows U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Merrillville) announcing his support for Pete Buttigieg yesterday.