I’ve been meaning to write this for a while; not just to say thank you, but to let you know how much your words and leadership have meant to me personally!
I’ve watched your podcasts, talk show interviews, Substack posts, pretty much everything about you – and you deliver this message, so simply and powerfully, what government should be: something that makes our everyday lives easier. That’s stuck with me in a way few political messages ever have. You said it better than I ever could - that good governance means we don’t have to worry about whether the roads are safe enough to drive our kids to school, or whether the school is doing its job teaching them the skills they’ll need. That we don’t have to second-guess the water coming from our taps or the air we breathe, because someone finally stood up to polluters. That we can come home to the partner we love, marry who we choose, and if they need an abortion, access the healthcare they need - because that’s what freedom and dignity truly mean.
It’s one of the most “sticky” political messages I’ve ever heard - and I mean that in the best way. It lingers because it’s real. Because it's about actual people’s lives. And that’s what most Americans want at the end of the day: a government that works in the background, protecting their freedoms, their families, and their futures without adding noise or fear or chaos to their daily lives!
That’s what I admire about you most - your craftsmanship with language. It is honestly unlike anyone else I’ve listened to. You’re not just a brilliant speaker, you’re a brilliant communicator. You cut through the noise and deliver messages that stick, because they’re grounded in real life, not slogans or spectacle. You show that there’s substance behind the surface - and that intelligence, empathy, and clarity still have a place in public service! You also don’t make a mockery of politics. You lead with class, style, and elegance.
As someone from the Midwest like you, I feel a certain pride watching you lead. You represent the best of what this country can be: thoughtful, inclusive, solutions-focused, and quietly powerful. And I just wanted to reach out to say thank you - and to offer something, even if it’s small.
I’m 24 years old, and I care deeply about the future of this country. I’ve spent the last few years learning about issues that matter; not through pundits or party lines, but through listening to leaders like you. What I’ve realized is that the Democratic Party has the right policies and the right values, but often struggles with clear, compelling messaging that connects with younger audiences. That’s where I believe I can help.
I don’t have your resume or your brilliance - but I do have a sense of how to bring people my age into the conversation in a way that feels authentic and energizing. I see how the right message can shift hearts and open minds… because it’s happened to me! Your words made me care more, pay more attention, and want to do more.
Working with you in any capacity would be an honor - even just to share some ideas on how we can make the message as strong as the mission. You’ve already done more than most could dream of doing, and yet you continue to serve with humility and conviction. That inspires me, and I know I’m not the only one.
Thank you again for being a voice of reason and heart in a time when both are in short supply. I’ll be following and supporting wherever your path takes you next and if there’s ever a chance to help you along that path, I’d be ready in a heartbeat.
Apologies in advance for commenting this across your Substack posts to get your attention.
There is such a need right NOW for you to gather w other young people and join midwestern septuagenarians and older on street corners, in town halls and especially at the anti-Trump parade protests June 14. We would love for you to come toting speakers blaring Bruce Springsteen’s songs pro-democracy speeches to energize young, old and those of all ages just waiting to be goaded into activism, perhaps for the first time. We seniors (class of 1969) sincerely want you all there with us! You are the future and your leading this youth initiative would certainly be great on your résumé to work for Pete Buttigieg!
Young people like yourself from all parts of the US need to do this so please spread the word. We cannot allow Trump’s BBB to become reality nor for his upcoming parade to succeed!
Marta, as a fellow septuagenarian (South Bend Central class of '69) I understand what you are saying and totally agree with you. Because I came from South Bend, and my son's wife worked with Pete while he was Mayor, and they both are acquainted with he and Chastain personally and tell me he is what we see - smart, easy to talk to, down to earth, and he cares. This is what we need - someone who is younger, understands there are problems that need to be addressed in order to bring the Dems back to life, and is comfortable going out and speaking to people in all different walks of life. This invigorates all of us! I hope he does run again.
Great, I hope you and many like you get a chance to work with PB, your analysis/observation seems right on. People like you are the future and you make this old warrior hopeful
Pete, I would love to see you as our president someday. Thank you for your service.
I recall your proposal to establish a national service corps to build community, and also provide a means by which people could pay off their student loan debt. Currently, we are witnessing the erosion of our safety nets. I think this would be a good opportunity for Democratic leaders to promote service projects that fill the gaps left by the current administration, inviting citizens to participate, and reminding people what the Democratic Party stands for.
Pete’s voice is one we must embrace. On the other hand I am not sure that running for President is the best idea. Let’s not forget the atmosphere he and others would be running in. The last election and behavior since has shown that there are far too many hateful, selfish. Ignorant and mean spirited people dominating our country. I never want his voice to be silenced
I have more faith in the human spirit. I say, go for it and find out. Pete can be trusted to bow out and support another candidate if he does not see a clear path to victory. ✌️
I'm not likely to vote for you Pete but I do hope & pray that someone like you gets the nomination for the Democrats, and 2028 is an election between two normal people representing their parties. Let the Trump, Clinton, Biden, Obama era be DONE!
2. Responsible and consistent action - how would you build this country through the AI revolution, multilateralism, and UN sustainability goals like climate change?
3. Political leadership- what is your capacity for building consensus towards sweeping pro-social change amongst all stakeholders?
4. Trust- how will the left hold the left accountable?
Holding the right accountable does not interest me from politicians. Free press serves this function. What is the left willing and able to offer alternatively?
Overt lying and by omission for manipulation and political strategy or self-protection and political survival or to maintain win-lose power and corrupt advantages disguised as policy and national security is the norm. These "competitive" tactics lack character to the detriment of humanity. How might the left model healthy competition, elevation over exploitation?
Survival and existential crisis rival an exploitive American Dream. The same American Dream for 248 years. A lie that every person has the freedom and opportunity to succeed when laws are designed for some at the exclusion of others. The American Dream urgently needs transformative growth. No "again." This does not make America great.
Pete = articulate, energetic, rational, empathetic, practical, natural leader. I hope that when America is past this phase of willful ignorance, pseudo-intellectualism and worshiping a self-obsesses man-child, someone like you may again have an opportunity to lead with a calm, level head and an empathetic heart. So glad you're out there Pete, fighting the good fight. Talk to anyone who will listen. Rational people know that's what it takes.
If a lawsuit is “Dead bang wrong” and just being used as a distraction or political stunt, shouldn’t the bringer of the suit be charged a penalty or at least the cost of the proceedings as a punishment for bringing something frivolous?
Dear Secretary Buttigieg,
I’ve been meaning to write this for a while; not just to say thank you, but to let you know how much your words and leadership have meant to me personally!
I’ve watched your podcasts, talk show interviews, Substack posts, pretty much everything about you – and you deliver this message, so simply and powerfully, what government should be: something that makes our everyday lives easier. That’s stuck with me in a way few political messages ever have. You said it better than I ever could - that good governance means we don’t have to worry about whether the roads are safe enough to drive our kids to school, or whether the school is doing its job teaching them the skills they’ll need. That we don’t have to second-guess the water coming from our taps or the air we breathe, because someone finally stood up to polluters. That we can come home to the partner we love, marry who we choose, and if they need an abortion, access the healthcare they need - because that’s what freedom and dignity truly mean.
It’s one of the most “sticky” political messages I’ve ever heard - and I mean that in the best way. It lingers because it’s real. Because it's about actual people’s lives. And that’s what most Americans want at the end of the day: a government that works in the background, protecting their freedoms, their families, and their futures without adding noise or fear or chaos to their daily lives!
That’s what I admire about you most - your craftsmanship with language. It is honestly unlike anyone else I’ve listened to. You’re not just a brilliant speaker, you’re a brilliant communicator. You cut through the noise and deliver messages that stick, because they’re grounded in real life, not slogans or spectacle. You show that there’s substance behind the surface - and that intelligence, empathy, and clarity still have a place in public service! You also don’t make a mockery of politics. You lead with class, style, and elegance.
As someone from the Midwest like you, I feel a certain pride watching you lead. You represent the best of what this country can be: thoughtful, inclusive, solutions-focused, and quietly powerful. And I just wanted to reach out to say thank you - and to offer something, even if it’s small.
I’m 24 years old, and I care deeply about the future of this country. I’ve spent the last few years learning about issues that matter; not through pundits or party lines, but through listening to leaders like you. What I’ve realized is that the Democratic Party has the right policies and the right values, but often struggles with clear, compelling messaging that connects with younger audiences. That’s where I believe I can help.
I don’t have your resume or your brilliance - but I do have a sense of how to bring people my age into the conversation in a way that feels authentic and energizing. I see how the right message can shift hearts and open minds… because it’s happened to me! Your words made me care more, pay more attention, and want to do more.
Working with you in any capacity would be an honor - even just to share some ideas on how we can make the message as strong as the mission. You’ve already done more than most could dream of doing, and yet you continue to serve with humility and conviction. That inspires me, and I know I’m not the only one.
Thank you again for being a voice of reason and heart in a time when both are in short supply. I’ll be following and supporting wherever your path takes you next and if there’s ever a chance to help you along that path, I’d be ready in a heartbeat.
Apologies in advance for commenting this across your Substack posts to get your attention.
With admiration and respect,
Dylan Z. Woebkenberg
Nicely put! I hope you get your chance!
This made my day! Thank you!
There is such a need right NOW for you to gather w other young people and join midwestern septuagenarians and older on street corners, in town halls and especially at the anti-Trump parade protests June 14. We would love for you to come toting speakers blaring Bruce Springsteen’s songs pro-democracy speeches to energize young, old and those of all ages just waiting to be goaded into activism, perhaps for the first time. We seniors (class of 1969) sincerely want you all there with us! You are the future and your leading this youth initiative would certainly be great on your résumé to work for Pete Buttigieg!
Young people like yourself from all parts of the US need to do this so please spread the word. We cannot allow Trump’s BBB to become reality nor for his upcoming parade to succeed!
Marta, as a fellow septuagenarian (South Bend Central class of '69) I understand what you are saying and totally agree with you. Because I came from South Bend, and my son's wife worked with Pete while he was Mayor, and they both are acquainted with he and Chastain personally and tell me he is what we see - smart, easy to talk to, down to earth, and he cares. This is what we need - someone who is younger, understands there are problems that need to be addressed in order to bring the Dems back to life, and is comfortable going out and speaking to people in all different walks of life. This invigorates all of us! I hope he does run again.
Great, I hope you and many like you get a chance to work with PB, your analysis/observation seems right on. People like you are the future and you make this old warrior hopeful
Possible Presidential candidate for 2028? Hopefully.
Very well put!!
Pete, I would love to see you as our president someday. Thank you for your service.
I recall your proposal to establish a national service corps to build community, and also provide a means by which people could pay off their student loan debt. Currently, we are witnessing the erosion of our safety nets. I think this would be a good opportunity for Democratic leaders to promote service projects that fill the gaps left by the current administration, inviting citizens to participate, and reminding people what the Democratic Party stands for.
Pete’s voice is one we must embrace. On the other hand I am not sure that running for President is the best idea. Let’s not forget the atmosphere he and others would be running in. The last election and behavior since has shown that there are far too many hateful, selfish. Ignorant and mean spirited people dominating our country. I never want his voice to be silenced
I have more faith in the human spirit. I say, go for it and find out. Pete can be trusted to bow out and support another candidate if he does not see a clear path to victory. ✌️
Good point Molly, thanks for your thought….l really like Pete,he has so much of what we need in our sad predicament
That sounds like a good idea. Esp. Mayor Pete. I'd love that.
People are afraid to take risks. Period. Courage is a muscle that can get stronger. Those who don't exercise courage don't have any/much.
Great Interview!!
I didn't know who you were on your first run. Ill vote for you now.
I'm not likely to vote for you Pete but I do hope & pray that someone like you gets the nomination for the Democrats, and 2028 is an election between two normal people representing their parties. Let the Trump, Clinton, Biden, Obama era be DONE!
This is a smart brave politician. High intellectual and emotional IQ. Not pretend high IQ.
He’s so calm and reasonable. And sane. I love it!
I hope I get to live long enough to see you become all your meant to be!! Push on Pete!!
Why on God’s green earth do I receive notifications from you? Substack needs to fix their algorithm.
Consider yourself lucky
Yes please! Run for president!!!
This interests me:
1. Project 2050 - what is your vision?
2. Responsible and consistent action - how would you build this country through the AI revolution, multilateralism, and UN sustainability goals like climate change?
3. Political leadership- what is your capacity for building consensus towards sweeping pro-social change amongst all stakeholders?
4. Trust- how will the left hold the left accountable?
Holding the right accountable does not interest me from politicians. Free press serves this function. What is the left willing and able to offer alternatively?
Overt lying and by omission for manipulation and political strategy or self-protection and political survival or to maintain win-lose power and corrupt advantages disguised as policy and national security is the norm. These "competitive" tactics lack character to the detriment of humanity. How might the left model healthy competition, elevation over exploitation?
Survival and existential crisis rival an exploitive American Dream. The same American Dream for 248 years. A lie that every person has the freedom and opportunity to succeed when laws are designed for some at the exclusion of others. The American Dream urgently needs transformative growth. No "again." This does not make America great.
Love you Pete! You are a bright star in our dark night.
Pete = articulate, energetic, rational, empathetic, practical, natural leader. I hope that when America is past this phase of willful ignorance, pseudo-intellectualism and worshiping a self-obsesses man-child, someone like you may again have an opportunity to lead with a calm, level head and an empathetic heart. So glad you're out there Pete, fighting the good fight. Talk to anyone who will listen. Rational people know that's what it takes.
If a lawsuit is “Dead bang wrong” and just being used as a distraction or political stunt, shouldn’t the bringer of the suit be charged a penalty or at least the cost of the proceedings as a punishment for bringing something frivolous?
I think Pete needs to meet James Talarico (Tx rep). They are both thoughtful well spoken guys.