As the newly re-energized Democratic campaign for president rolls out in support of presumptive nominee Kamala Harris, surrogates for the party and the candidate are making the rounds on television news programs. And most of them are exhibiting a measure of optimism and excitement that hasn’t been seen since the Obama campaign of 2008.
Among the surrogates braving the hostile environs of network and cable news are several who are also on the short list to be chosen as Harris’ vice-presidential running mate. They include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, to name a few. All of whom would be outstanding candidates and leaders. But one of whom stands out as spokesperson with the unique gift of being able to tame the wild beasts of Fox News.
Secretary Buttigieg has appeared on Fox News several times, and always manages to deliver a message that actually stumps the Trump-fluffing Fox interviewer. He expresses himself so plainly and compellingly that it’s even possible that he can get through to some of Fox’s viewers. And in an interview this Sunday Buttigieg demonstrated that ability in grand form. What follows are few choice excerpts from the interview (and a thread of the videos)…
“The idea that somebody hasn’t been tested or vetted when they have been vice president of the United States for nearly four years just doesn’t make any sense. [Harris] is in obviously one of the most visible leadership roles in the country and she’s demonstrated both her effectiveness in that job and a vision for the country that Americans agree with. And that’s the real reason I think she’s going to win.”
“[Trump] actually did keep two promises: He kept his promise to destroy the right to choose in this country, and he kept his promise on tax cuts to the rich … he lies all the time.”
“Unlike Republicans who in Trump’s personality cult will take a look at Donald Trump and say he’s perfectly fine even though he seemed unable to tell the difference between Nikki Haley and Nancy Pelosi, even though he’s rambling about electrocuting sharks and Hannibal Lecter. Even though he is clearly older and stranger than he was when America first got to know him, they say he’s strong as an ox, leaps tall buildings in a single bound. We don’t have that kind of warped reality on our side.’
“Crime is down under Joe Biden and crime was up under Donald Trump. Now, I don’t know how often that gets reported on this network, so if you’re watching this at home, do yourself a favor and look up the data.”
Throughout most of this interview, Buttigieg had to cope with host Shannon Bream repeatedly interrupting him with attempts to push Republican lies. And he smacked down her bullshit.
Buttigieg may not be at the top of the VP short list. He doesn’t have the ability to bring along a victory in a swing state. And being gay will probably (and unfortunately) be seen as too much of a progressive lean on the Democratic ticket. But there is no one better to face independent, and even right-leaning, voters on the campaign trail. He can continue a sort of residency at Fox News, while holding rallies in swing states such as Michigan and Wisconsin, and other Midwest neighbors to his home of Indiana.
Buttigieg would also be a good candidate for another Cabinet post in the Harris administration. He has experience and credentials that would qualify him for Housing and Urban Development, Education, Veterans Affairs, and Health and Human Services. And although he doesn’t have a background in journalism, he might make a darn good Communications Director.