We’re now in the thick of the early race for the 2020 Democratic Presidential nomination. Back in 2016, seemingly an Orwellian lifetime ago, we had Hillary and Bernie. I was definitely Bernie, thinking that Hillary was not a very good candidate–good as she was on policy. This year, we have an
Let me back up to 2016 a minute with my “If only Biden had run…” (Chanted plaintively with a wistful gaze in my eyes.) Oh, Joe… With a deep sigh, I return to 2019. Biden has yet to announce, and the longer he waits, the less enamored I become as I hear other candidates talk, develop personal narratives, display (in varying degrees) substantial charisma. (And yeah, spout pandering platitudes that are as changeable as the spring wind here in Chicago.)
I leave it to you to judge Buttigieg for yourself, based on his fantastic Town Hall appearance on CNN last week at SXSW:
He’s good. He’s more than good. He’s the real deal. More substance than Beto, more straightforward and clear-spoken than Elizabeth Warren (who I completely admire and adore). Down-to-earth and calm but pulls no punches. He’s already made the cut for the first debate. And I can’t wait to see him spar with the entire field.
Can he win in November 2020 against the Orange Man? I suck in my breath and say…maybe. In the end, I think he would be an outstanding VP candidate to an older (Biden? Klobuchar?) candidate, primed and ready for 2028.