Pete Buttigieg Addresses the Democratic National Convention, Promotes Positive Politics

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg opened his speech at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night with a reference to his recent appearances on Fox News, stating, ‘I’m Pete Buttigieg, and you might recognize me from Fox News.’

He criticized former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, describing Vance as someone who believes that individuals without children do not count. Buttigieg stated, ‘Choosing a guy like JD Vance to be America’s next vice president sends a message, all right: doubling down on negativity and grievance.’

Buttigieg referred to this approach as a ‘politics of darkness,’ in contrast to what he believes Americans seek in today’s political climate. He recounted a speech in 2021 where Vance commented that individuals without children lack a commitment to the future of the country.

He shared his experience from his deployment to Afghanistan, noting that many service members without children still had a tangible commitment to America’s future. He said, ‘But let me tell you, our commitment to the future of this country was pretty damn physical.’

Buttigieg expressed his belief in a politics that is ’empowering and uplifting,’ criticizing Republican messages that portray opponents as enemies.

‘I believe in a better politics, one that finds us at our most decent, and open, and brave,’ he declared. He spoke about the progress in his own life, where he and his husband, Chasten, are raising two children in Michigan.

He emphasized, ‘This November we get to choose. We get to choose our president, we get to choose our policies, but most of all, we will choose a better politics, a politics that calls us to our better selves and offers us a better every day.’

Buttigieg highlighted the significance of the upcoming election, stating that it represents a chance to move beyond the ‘politics of darkness’ associated with Trump.