About three years ago I was having a conversation with friends about US politics and who was the "heir apparent" since they seemed to finally be running out of Bushes and Clintons and Michelle Obama had zero interest in running for President. I told them to remember the name Cory Booker because he was going places...fast. Smart, strong convictions, a fantastic orator. He was, and is, extremely impressive. By far my favorite for a 2020 run for president at the time. And then.....
Fast forward two years and one day on The View I listened to a young man speak. He was thinking about running for president. A Rhodes Scholar, a Navy Intelligence Officer and Afghanistan War veteran all by the age of 37. Two terms as Mayor of South Bend Indiana who just happens to speak five or six languages and is a pianist...pretty impressive I thought.
He talked about what his United States would look like. Healthcare for everyone and a better education system. Transgender people back in the military. Foreign policy based on diplomacy not threats of war. A sensible, well thought out, intelligent plan to bring the country back to normalcy.
This young man wasn't boisterous and spoke evenly and clearly. You could tell he didn't speak without thinking and that the words he used were what he believed. There was no arrogance or attitude. Just self-confidence. Quite refreshing compared to their current leader.
While others spoke about taking away student debt and universal drug plans with no way to pay for it, he took a more measured approach and had ways to lessen costs to make things more affordable. A much-needed dose of reality. All of these things added together made him a serious contender before he even decided to be one.
By now you know this impressive man is Pete Buttigieg. You've heard the name. Everyone can pronounce it now. He's been center stage in the first debate and is raising money hand over fist. Town halls and CNN interviews are the norms. His face is everywhere. And his popularity is increasing.
Being Canadian I don't get a vote in US elections. If I did Mayor Pete would be my first choice. He speaks about his faith, uncommon for Democrats, and does something 99.9% of all politicians would never ever do...take responsibility when he thinks he has done something wrong! How refreshing is that??
And it doesn't hurt that his husband is absolutely delightful!
Ang
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