On the urgent need to defend democracy, rebuild a government that works for more Americans, and find historical context for the challenges we face today.
Thanks so much, Sec.Pete! It was refreshing to listen to 2 extremely knowledgeable people who are able to intelligently and truthfully communicate to the American people.
Brilliant work and fantastic suggestions providing a vision for our future as a democracy.
Pete Buttigieg… you are such a beam of bright light in the darkness! And such a wise and articulate person. Help us get through these troubling times and please run for President!
He won’t win. His running might help steer us toward a better president. While being POTUS is an extraordinary place from which to make a difference in the nation and world, it is not the only place where a person can make a huge impact. He’d make an excellent senator or governor and even and especially an excellent Secretary of State. But he will not be elected president.
..."The times, they are 'a changin...." . He just might win if we want that to happen. Let's not pronounce it dead before it even has a chance to happen. I will definitely campaign for him and vote for him when he runs.
The most articulate, informed politician in the US today, but unfortunately, you are probably correct when you say he probably can’t be elected. Definitely our loss. Hopefully the next Democrat candidate will realize his value to the American public and use him according. I had hoped President Biden would have placed him in a more prominent role.
Unfortunately, and disgustingly true. I would vote for him in a heartbeat, no matter who was running against him...but the TWICE elected hateful, totally incompetent moron we have as a "leader" has taken away my faith in the intelligence and knowledge of my fellow citizens. The one thing that is none of anyone's business and doesn't affect any of us AT ALL, is enough to make him unelectable to the plurality of idiots who vote.
Many years ago, I was invited to a movie premiere: Sean Penn in HARVEY MILK. I walked out saying Penn would never win the Academy Award because he played a gay character.
When Barack Obama ran, I said: America is not ready for a Black man. I was wrong.
Gay man here as well. I saw Harvey Milk (no, not the movie!) when he rode atop a pink Cadillac convertible down Market Street on Gay Freedom Day in 1978, the day the rainbow flag was first unfurled at San Francisco's Civic Center. I found my place with 300,000 other raucous, loud, cheering, offbeat men, women, and those blurring the lines! Decades later, after the onslaught of AIDS and the passing of marriage equality (something I never even dreamed about back then), along came a presidential candidate who didn't just speak, but actually thought in complete paragraphs, who also happened to be gay. While I didn't support him because he was gay, I'd be a lying idiot if I said it didn't move me.
If we're all very lucky and very smart, Lieutenant/Mayor/Secretary Pete is going to play a powerful role in our country's future public life, close to the White House if not in it.
I think there are more reasons than this that Kamala lost. The way it played out, she was almost set up to lose. Totally unfair, but true. I so want to believe Pete could win. He is my absolute fave.
I’d support him unequivocally! As I’d support governor Gretchen Whitmer ! Mayor Pete, as a veteran I feel we are heading into a Civil WAR! I stand opposed to this NAZI Regime! I’m ready for call to ARMS! It worries me.. !! This isn’t the 60’s .. that was informational this is political takeover… !
Oh yes absolutely, I didn't want to suggest that it was only because she was a woman or black. It's just that for some people, it was a determining factor. And if you know that with only 200,000 more votes in the three blue wall swing states, she would have been president today, who knows? Perhaps it did end up making the difference between winning and losing... ?
OK EUWDTB, thanks to you (I marched today for the first time in many years) my sign said: No Kings, No Commanders, No Guardians, No Waterfords, No Way! I would not have thought of that were it not for you. Many ways to make a difference in this life! Merci!
Thank you for having been one of the more than 5 million people (compared to the meager 10,000 who showed up for Trump's ridiculous parade...) who protested against fascism today!!!!
And thanks also for your very kind words :-).
Aside from that, I don't think that Trump ever wanted or wants to be king (which would mean only one thing, namely that he wants to replace the current election rules determining who's the next president by a set of rules that make the job hereditary, so that the next president automatically becomes one of Trump's kids...).
What he wants to be is a mafia boss and, so much more importantly, what the GOP coalition standing behind him wants is the end of democracy (defined as the constitutional separation of the three branches of government) and the installation of fascism, so a dictatorship, in the US.
"Fasces" means "bundle", in Latin. "Fascism" refers to any system of governance in which the Executive branch (the WH) bundles the powers of the legislative (Congress) and the judiciary into its own power, basically making their role merely "advisory", as VP Waterford literally wrote in a recent tweet.
So I do regret the fact that today was called NO KINGS DAY. It should have been NO DICTATORS DAY. Or, if you want to... NO WATERFORDS DAY! :-)
Anyhow, thanks again for being part of the resistance!
My state, Colorado, elected its first openly gay governor (Jared Polis) in 2018. He was re-elected for a second term in 2022.
I can honestly say that his sexual orientation was essentially a non-issue in those elections. Barely mentioned. I think a substantial number of voters weren't, and still aren't, even AWARE of his sexual orientation. It simply does not have much relevance to the major issues our state faces.
And yet -- I have been in Colorado long enough to recall when the voters passed a referendum in 1992 (later overturned as unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court) essentially legalizing discrimination against gay people.
So ... that's a hell of a change in attitude for one state in a mere 26 years, one generation! If Colorado can do it, our country can do it.
A lot has changed indeed. Proof: Scott Bessent, Trump's (creepy and dangerous) Sec. of Treasury, is gay, married, and has kids. So how can he support Trump's assault on gay people in the military etc.? No idea.
Fact is, most MAGA voters probably don't know this at all.
But it's one thing to be gay and single, or gay and in a position where you're never supposed to publicly show up with your spouse.
As president, however, spouses are supposed to play a highly visible role, so it would be impossible to run for president and have many people not even know that you're gay, I'm afraid...
Pete Buttigeig is beyond brilliant and possesses every excellent quality for presidential leadership. He happens to be gay and if this country can’t get past that after this Trump shitstorm, than my faith in humanity(what’s left of it) is gone. Obama won against all odds…and won. Hopefully the “humans” in this country will surprise us!
This country needs to wake up... LGBTQ+, POC, women, the disabled, or anyone that is not a white male "christian" are here to stay. The 50's aren't coming back, nor is manufacturing.
I love Pete Buttigieg, but I do not believe America is educated, nor as accepted as it needs to be to vote for Pete. I would vote for him, but don't believe most Americans are there. There is a large segment of our segment largely in the rural and red states that have not grown much emotionally or intellectually past the eighth grade. Sad, but true. Education is not equal and all the electronics have made the problem worse. Lois Irwin, a deep red state of Tennessee
I think it is more of an issue of our voting system being rigged. I believe we would presently be enjoying Kamala Harris as president ~ if our elections were not being tampered with. I also believe Pete could win the presidency “if” we can finally ~ block Russia & criminals from fixing our elections. Both are: presidential, powerful, energetic, honest, overly qualified, organized, and READY to serve as POTUS.
Unfortunately, I don’t think it is. This country failed to elect two extraordinary, uber qualified women, one a woman of color, to the presidency. This time around the pendulum swung to Trump because of all of those anti-trans ads that ran non stop during every sporting event and local news hour. What makes you think it would be any different 4 years from now? Pete Buttigieg is one of the most qualified people to consider for president. I just don’t think he is electable, much as I would want him to be.
No, not saying that, just asking a question. I wouldn't have asked if your last word in your post had been "again." If the Constitution permitted Obama to run again, though, I'd be hard put to chose between him and PB.
Wouldn’t the two of them , BO AND PB, collaborating as part of a movement to begin a new, more dynamic version of the principles of our Constitution be a dream team of innovation, adaptability, logic and human advancement? What a way to energize American voters!
Two weeks ago, Donald Trump puffed up his chest and gave Vladimir Putin a warning: move toward peace in Ukraine, or face consequences. Today, the deadline expired.
Putin responded the only way tyrants ever do—with blood.
Instead of standing up to a war criminal, Trump turned his cruelty inward. He’s waging war on immigrants—deporting landscapers, roofers, nannies, and line cooks. Not criminals. Not threats. Workers. Fathers. Mothers. Neighbors. The kind of people who keep America running while Trump hides behind podiums and parades.
I had the chance to watch Pete Buttigieg’s recent conversation with Heather Cox Richardson, and I have to say.. it was phenomenal!! Both of them are incredibly thoughtful, articulate, and intelligent, and their exchange was a masterclass in clear, respectful communication. I especially appreciated how Heather would occasionally summarize Pete’s responses to ensure she fully understood him - a small gesture that shows how real dialogue should work.
What stood out most to me was Pete’s perspective on how the benefits of AI could (and arguably should) be shared with the American people. His argument is rooted in fairness: the immense profits AI will generate are only possible because of infrastructure built by public investment, especially the internet - which was funded in large part by U.S. taxpayers. Since these companies are building on a foundation we all helped create, Pete believes the public deserves a share in the upside. That’s a big idea, and while designing such a system would be complex, the principle behind it makes a lot of sense. If anyone can help shape that kind of future-oriented policy, it’s Pete; I think he clearly has both the vision and the competence.
I also deeply respect his honesty about the shortcomings in our government - particularly the outdated systems and technologies that prevent it from delivering on the will of the people. He’s absolutely right: issues like reproductive rights, fair taxation, and reasonable gun laws consistently have support from two-thirds of Americans, and yet, we can’t seem to pass them into law. That breakdown signals something deeper - maybe even the need for constitutional reform or new amendments to bring our system in line with modern democratic values.
Every time I listen to Pete Buttigieg speak, I feel like I walk away smarter and more hopeful. He has a rare ability to explain complex issues clearly, stay grounded in facts, and offer realistic solutions without losing his idealism. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend listening to him speak - and making up your own mind. But I truly believe you'll walk away just as impressed as I am. Pete is the real deal - and he's laying the groundwork for a smarter, fairer future!
I remember talking to Kellogg's employees that worked there during the decades when they had four 6-hour shifts per day that they said produced more results in 30 hours than when they switched to 40 hour work weeks. Originally started to keep more people employees (share the work available), they said they used the time to improves their educations and family quality of life. Though shorter work weeks can come in many forms, it also affects things like road traffic, or child care complications for longer workdays for some. The ones I talked to included some with grown children who would rather work four (or five) 10 hour days for more net pay, more liked the 30 hour workweek they remembered (I suspect, especially when they had younger children). In the U.S. it seems the major complication is the company supplied healthcare, compared to what all the other developed countries in the world manage to do better than we are doing.
I have dimmer hopes under this administration of them doing anything as well as most of the developed world, but do suspect once enough people realize how much worse it can become, they might find interest in articles like https://theweek.com/articles/454364/what-happened-sixhour-workday.
Thank you, Sec. Pete B! You are a bright light during these dark days. It gives me hope that smart people like you are still doing important work. I think one of your greatest assets is how unflappable you seem - calm, steady and clear-sighted. Keep up the good work!
Watched this yesterday on YouTube. You guys are fighting the good fight. In a time when everything feels desperate and terrifying, you have given me hope to push on. We are stronger together 💪🏻
I really respect both of you and the work you are doing to help us navigate the treacherous times we are in. Thank you for taking the time yesterday - I always appreciate your well-considered thoughts.
I thoroughly enjoyed your conversation. I hope you will run for President! I think you have the broad understanding of our complex world and the history of how we got here, the vision of what changes the US needs to make
moving forward, and the leadership experience necessary to lead our Country forward from the dangerous moment we are in right now.
Nobody's gonna like this but it needs to be said out loud. Mayor Pete -- if you're reading, ditch the beard. Keep the 'stache -- it adds character, class, a bit of mystery, sex appeal -- and sets off those piercing cerulean eyes and tie. But the scraggly beard? By unanimous vote within my gay circle...it's gotta go. Good luck!
Pete impresses me as one of, if not the, brightest people in America. Sadly, however, a large portions are not and only care about prejudice and talking about one's neighbor.
I was pleased to hear intelligent conversation from both you and Heather. When we are in the midst of chaos we need to be reminded that there are precedents and there is a brighter future. I was especially interested in your suggestion that we can rebuild perhaps something better, something more attuned to our present time.
I am an old woman now but I am trying to live long enough to see you and other likeminded young people running the government. I am encouraged by you, AOC, Jasmine and other young people. It’s time for us old folks to let go and let you all make a government that is better for all of us. I wish you the very best.
I loved your conversation with Ms. Richardson! It was epic, and enlightening, no question about it. Much appreciated, much deserved, and much needed, Mr. Buttigieg! FYI, I subscribed to her Substack, and sent her a meaningful, purposeful message, as well. Hope I can have a wonderful conversation too!
Both you and Heather Cox Richardson are national treasures. I thank you both for your measured and accurate portrayals and accounts of the disaster that is unfolding in our country, and for your thoughtful insights as to how we every day Americans can contribute to peacefully
Thanks so much, Sec.Pete! It was refreshing to listen to 2 extremely knowledgeable people who are able to intelligently and truthfully communicate to the American people.
Brilliant work and fantastic suggestions providing a vision for our future as a democracy.
Complete sentences are nice... Not to mention people who sound like... I don't know... grownups? Who know what they are talking about?
Keep this being shared every where
What a relief to hear intelligent people discussing the issues with calm and thoughtfulness. Thank you.
Pete Buttigieg… you are such a beam of bright light in the darkness! And such a wise and articulate person. Help us get through these troubling times and please run for President!
Really please run. I would vote for you 💜
He won’t win. His running might help steer us toward a better president. While being POTUS is an extraordinary place from which to make a difference in the nation and world, it is not the only place where a person can make a huge impact. He’d make an excellent senator or governor and even and especially an excellent Secretary of State. But he will not be elected president.
..."The times, they are 'a changin...." . He just might win if we want that to happen. Let's not pronounce it dead before it even has a chance to happen. I will definitely campaign for him and vote for him when he runs.
The most articulate, informed politician in the US today, but unfortunately, you are probably correct when you say he probably can’t be elected. Definitely our loss. Hopefully the next Democrat candidate will realize his value to the American public and use him according. I had hoped President Biden would have placed him in a more prominent role.
me, too
Unfortunately, and disgustingly true. I would vote for him in a heartbeat, no matter who was running against him...but the TWICE elected hateful, totally incompetent moron we have as a "leader" has taken away my faith in the intelligence and knowledge of my fellow citizens. The one thing that is none of anyone's business and doesn't affect any of us AT ALL, is enough to make him unelectable to the plurality of idiots who vote.
I am a gay man.
Many years ago, I was invited to a movie premiere: Sean Penn in HARVEY MILK. I walked out saying Penn would never win the Academy Award because he played a gay character.
When Barack Obama ran, I said: America is not ready for a Black man. I was wrong.
Now I ask, is America ready for a gay man?
irwinjayasher.com
Gay man here as well. I saw Harvey Milk (no, not the movie!) when he rode atop a pink Cadillac convertible down Market Street on Gay Freedom Day in 1978, the day the rainbow flag was first unfurled at San Francisco's Civic Center. I found my place with 300,000 other raucous, loud, cheering, offbeat men, women, and those blurring the lines! Decades later, after the onslaught of AIDS and the passing of marriage equality (something I never even dreamed about back then), along came a presidential candidate who didn't just speak, but actually thought in complete paragraphs, who also happened to be gay. While I didn't support him because he was gay, I'd be a lying idiot if I said it didn't move me.
If we're all very lucky and very smart, Lieutenant/Mayor/Secretary Pete is going to play a powerful role in our country's future public life, close to the White House if not in it.
Why on earth didn't you support him?
He did supporg him but not simply cos he was gay is what he's saying. Politics always more imp than identity imho
Maybe I should have said "just because..."
Thanks for clarification.
To be honest: if America wasn't ready for a black woman, why would it be ready for a gay white man?
But I SO hope that I'm wrong on this...
I think there are more reasons than this that Kamala lost. The way it played out, she was almost set up to lose. Totally unfair, but true. I so want to believe Pete could win. He is my absolute fave.
I’d support him unequivocally! As I’d support governor Gretchen Whitmer ! Mayor Pete, as a veteran I feel we are heading into a Civil WAR! I stand opposed to this NAZI Regime! I’m ready for call to ARMS! It worries me.. !! This isn’t the 60’s .. that was informational this is political takeover… !
Oh yes absolutely, I didn't want to suggest that it was only because she was a woman or black. It's just that for some people, it was a determining factor. And if you know that with only 200,000 more votes in the three blue wall swing states, she would have been president today, who knows? Perhaps it did end up making the difference between winning and losing... ?
I hear you. God knows this is a racist, misogynist country. I feel like JD Vance would love to implement The Handmaids Tale.
OK EUWDTB, thanks to you (I marched today for the first time in many years) my sign said: No Kings, No Commanders, No Guardians, No Waterfords, No Way! I would not have thought of that were it not for you. Many ways to make a difference in this life! Merci!
Thank you for having been one of the more than 5 million people (compared to the meager 10,000 who showed up for Trump's ridiculous parade...) who protested against fascism today!!!!
And thanks also for your very kind words :-).
Aside from that, I don't think that Trump ever wanted or wants to be king (which would mean only one thing, namely that he wants to replace the current election rules determining who's the next president by a set of rules that make the job hereditary, so that the next president automatically becomes one of Trump's kids...).
What he wants to be is a mafia boss and, so much more importantly, what the GOP coalition standing behind him wants is the end of democracy (defined as the constitutional separation of the three branches of government) and the installation of fascism, so a dictatorship, in the US.
"Fasces" means "bundle", in Latin. "Fascism" refers to any system of governance in which the Executive branch (the WH) bundles the powers of the legislative (Congress) and the judiciary into its own power, basically making their role merely "advisory", as VP Waterford literally wrote in a recent tweet.
So I do regret the fact that today was called NO KINGS DAY. It should have been NO DICTATORS DAY. Or, if you want to... NO WATERFORDS DAY! :-)
Anyhow, thanks again for being part of the resistance!
YES WE CAN!!
I've been calling him JD Waterford Vance for a while already now...
So yes! VP Waterford!
My state, Colorado, elected its first openly gay governor (Jared Polis) in 2018. He was re-elected for a second term in 2022.
I can honestly say that his sexual orientation was essentially a non-issue in those elections. Barely mentioned. I think a substantial number of voters weren't, and still aren't, even AWARE of his sexual orientation. It simply does not have much relevance to the major issues our state faces.
And yet -- I have been in Colorado long enough to recall when the voters passed a referendum in 1992 (later overturned as unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court) essentially legalizing discrimination against gay people.
So ... that's a hell of a change in attitude for one state in a mere 26 years, one generation! If Colorado can do it, our country can do it.
A lot has changed indeed. Proof: Scott Bessent, Trump's (creepy and dangerous) Sec. of Treasury, is gay, married, and has kids. So how can he support Trump's assault on gay people in the military etc.? No idea.
Fact is, most MAGA voters probably don't know this at all.
But it's one thing to be gay and single, or gay and in a position where you're never supposed to publicly show up with your spouse.
As president, however, spouses are supposed to play a highly visible role, so it would be impossible to run for president and have many people not even know that you're gay, I'm afraid...
🙏
I believe it is. Or at least the more enlightened among us. MAGA not so much.
Yes, of course.
Pete Buttigeig is beyond brilliant and possesses every excellent quality for presidential leadership. He happens to be gay and if this country can’t get past that after this Trump shitstorm, than my faith in humanity(what’s left of it) is gone. Obama won against all odds…and won. Hopefully the “humans” in this country will surprise us!
This country needs to wake up... LGBTQ+, POC, women, the disabled, or anyone that is not a white male "christian" are here to stay. The 50's aren't coming back, nor is manufacturing.
Yes we are ready.
Yes!!
I love Pete Buttigieg, but I do not believe America is educated, nor as accepted as it needs to be to vote for Pete. I would vote for him, but don't believe most Americans are there. There is a large segment of our segment largely in the rural and red states that have not grown much emotionally or intellectually past the eighth grade. Sad, but true. Education is not equal and all the electronics have made the problem worse. Lois Irwin, a deep red state of Tennessee
Lotta 8th graders know way better than the grownups do, regardless of education!
I think it is more of an issue of our voting system being rigged. I believe we would presently be enjoying Kamala Harris as president ~ if our elections were not being tampered with. I also believe Pete could win the presidency “if” we can finally ~ block Russia & criminals from fixing our elections. Both are: presidential, powerful, energetic, honest, overly qualified, organized, and READY to serve as POTUS.
You ask that after seeing what America elected twice?
Is America ready for a Woman????
I cannot understand why Trump was elected over Harris!
Unfortunately, I don’t think it is. This country failed to elect two extraordinary, uber qualified women, one a woman of color, to the presidency. This time around the pendulum swung to Trump because of all of those anti-trans ads that ran non stop during every sporting event and local news hour. What makes you think it would be any different 4 years from now? Pete Buttigieg is one of the most qualified people to consider for president. I just don’t think he is electable, much as I would want him to be.
I'd love to say yes, but I think it's still too soon, given our troubled times. Pete MUST be your President... one day.
I wish we were
Big fan of PB. Should have been (should still be) president. How nice it would be to have a thoughtful, articulate, measured, mature adult as POTUS!
Just asking here, but did you not think Obama was thoughtful, articulate, measured, and mature?
Of course I did. But that was then. This is now.
No, not saying that, just asking a question. I wouldn't have asked if your last word in your post had been "again." If the Constitution permitted Obama to run again, though, I'd be hard put to chose between him and PB.
Wouldn’t the two of them , BO AND PB, collaborating as part of a movement to begin a new, more dynamic version of the principles of our Constitution be a dream team of innovation, adaptability, logic and human advancement? What a way to energize American voters!
I'll be second in the line of support, right after you! Where do I sign up?
Two weeks ago, Donald Trump puffed up his chest and gave Vladimir Putin a warning: move toward peace in Ukraine, or face consequences. Today, the deadline expired.
Putin responded the only way tyrants ever do—with blood.
Instead of standing up to a war criminal, Trump turned his cruelty inward. He’s waging war on immigrants—deporting landscapers, roofers, nannies, and line cooks. Not criminals. Not threats. Workers. Fathers. Mothers. Neighbors. The kind of people who keep America running while Trump hides behind podiums and parades.
https://substack.com/profile/264063488-open-letters-by-mersault/note/c-125174723
Ow it seems that Mike Johnson is calling for a censure of Padilla.
And the appellate court sided with Trump to keep the National Guard federalized.
Booo!
Supposed to have been “Now.”
I had the chance to watch Pete Buttigieg’s recent conversation with Heather Cox Richardson, and I have to say.. it was phenomenal!! Both of them are incredibly thoughtful, articulate, and intelligent, and their exchange was a masterclass in clear, respectful communication. I especially appreciated how Heather would occasionally summarize Pete’s responses to ensure she fully understood him - a small gesture that shows how real dialogue should work.
What stood out most to me was Pete’s perspective on how the benefits of AI could (and arguably should) be shared with the American people. His argument is rooted in fairness: the immense profits AI will generate are only possible because of infrastructure built by public investment, especially the internet - which was funded in large part by U.S. taxpayers. Since these companies are building on a foundation we all helped create, Pete believes the public deserves a share in the upside. That’s a big idea, and while designing such a system would be complex, the principle behind it makes a lot of sense. If anyone can help shape that kind of future-oriented policy, it’s Pete; I think he clearly has both the vision and the competence.
I also deeply respect his honesty about the shortcomings in our government - particularly the outdated systems and technologies that prevent it from delivering on the will of the people. He’s absolutely right: issues like reproductive rights, fair taxation, and reasonable gun laws consistently have support from two-thirds of Americans, and yet, we can’t seem to pass them into law. That breakdown signals something deeper - maybe even the need for constitutional reform or new amendments to bring our system in line with modern democratic values.
Every time I listen to Pete Buttigieg speak, I feel like I walk away smarter and more hopeful. He has a rare ability to explain complex issues clearly, stay grounded in facts, and offer realistic solutions without losing his idealism. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend listening to him speak - and making up your own mind. But I truly believe you'll walk away just as impressed as I am. Pete is the real deal - and he's laying the groundwork for a smarter, fairer future!
I remember talking to Kellogg's employees that worked there during the decades when they had four 6-hour shifts per day that they said produced more results in 30 hours than when they switched to 40 hour work weeks. Originally started to keep more people employees (share the work available), they said they used the time to improves their educations and family quality of life. Though shorter work weeks can come in many forms, it also affects things like road traffic, or child care complications for longer workdays for some. The ones I talked to included some with grown children who would rather work four (or five) 10 hour days for more net pay, more liked the 30 hour workweek they remembered (I suspect, especially when they had younger children). In the U.S. it seems the major complication is the company supplied healthcare, compared to what all the other developed countries in the world manage to do better than we are doing.
I have dimmer hopes under this administration of them doing anything as well as most of the developed world, but do suspect once enough people realize how much worse it can become, they might find interest in articles like https://theweek.com/articles/454364/what-happened-sixhour-workday.
Thank you Heather and Pete! 💙💙
Thank you, Sec. Pete B! You are a bright light during these dark days. It gives me hope that smart people like you are still doing important work. I think one of your greatest assets is how unflappable you seem - calm, steady and clear-sighted. Keep up the good work!
Watched this yesterday on YouTube. You guys are fighting the good fight. In a time when everything feels desperate and terrifying, you have given me hope to push on. We are stronger together 💪🏻
Incredibly astute conversation that gives us a clear picture of what is happening and best practices for moving ahead. A thousnd thanks to you both.
I really respect both of you and the work you are doing to help us navigate the treacherous times we are in. Thank you for taking the time yesterday - I always appreciate your well-considered thoughts.
Mayor/ Secretary Pete,
I thoroughly enjoyed your conversation. I hope you will run for President! I think you have the broad understanding of our complex world and the history of how we got here, the vision of what changes the US needs to make
moving forward, and the leadership experience necessary to lead our Country forward from the dangerous moment we are in right now.
Nobody's gonna like this but it needs to be said out loud. Mayor Pete -- if you're reading, ditch the beard. Keep the 'stache -- it adds character, class, a bit of mystery, sex appeal -- and sets off those piercing cerulean eyes and tie. But the scraggly beard? By unanimous vote within my gay circle...it's gotta go. Good luck!
--Queer Eye for the Queer Guy
I don’t like the beard either but admire his intellect.
I vote to keep the beard until he begins campaigning
Pete impresses me as one of, if not the, brightest people in America. Sadly, however, a large portions are not and only care about prejudice and talking about one's neighbor.
I was pleased to hear intelligent conversation from both you and Heather. When we are in the midst of chaos we need to be reminded that there are precedents and there is a brighter future. I was especially interested in your suggestion that we can rebuild perhaps something better, something more attuned to our present time.
I am an old woman now but I am trying to live long enough to see you and other likeminded young people running the government. I am encouraged by you, AOC, Jasmine and other young people. It’s time for us old folks to let go and let you all make a government that is better for all of us. I wish you the very best.
I loved your conversation with Ms. Richardson! It was epic, and enlightening, no question about it. Much appreciated, much deserved, and much needed, Mr. Buttigieg! FYI, I subscribed to her Substack, and sent her a meaningful, purposeful message, as well. Hope I can have a wonderful conversation too!
Both you and Heather Cox Richardson are national treasures. I thank you both for your measured and accurate portrayals and accounts of the disaster that is unfolding in our country, and for your thoughtful insights as to how we every day Americans can contribute to peacefully
fighting back.