Pete Buttigieg, From ‘The Daily Show’ to Fox News, Is Kamala Harris’ Made-for-TV Surrogate

As a follower of Pete Buttigieg‘s political career, I can’t help but be impressed by his ability to adapt and thrive in the limelight. His recent interviews on various news shows, including Fox News, are a testament to his skill as a made-for-TV politician. His smooth debating style, unbroken rhythm of speech, and quick wit have captured the attention of not only Democrats but also Republicans and undecided voters.


During Pete Buttigieg’s interview on “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart on Monday, there was much discussion about the possibility of Buttigieg being considered for the vice-presidential nomination. Buttigieg didn’t reject this idea outright, instead comparing the process to the thorough examination one undergoes when preparing to adopt a child, a process he and his husband have experienced.

1. Buttigieg consistently demonstrates a unique talent for TV politics that sets him apart from his peers. Instead of being superficial or manipulative, he has an uncanny ability to maintain a steady and persuasive delivery in conversation, skillfully steering the discussion towards topics of his choosing. For example, when asked by Stewart why he continues appearing on Fox News, Buttigieg articulated the importance of engaging with voters from diverse backgrounds, seamlessly incorporating “that’s how I won Iowa” into the conversation in a subtle and almost subconscious manner.

During this unusual and tense political period, the appearances of Mayor Pete Buttigieg on Fox News, Governor Tim Walz’s repeated comments labeling the Republican ticket members as “odd,” and Governor Andy Beshear’s remark about JD Vance being a “not from here” vice-presidential candidate have become significant elements. In a rare situation due to Kamala Harris’ brief presidency campaign, these individuals can simultaneously support her bid while promoting their own interests. They serve as valuable surrogates and keep the spotlight on Harris, all while maintaining focus on themselves. Buttigieg also joined in the conversation, criticizing Vance’s transformation as “odd,” aligning with the party’s emerging narrative.

1. Is Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s interview on Fox News a commendable strategy to connect with undecided moderates or conservatives? Absolutely! His argument, as explained to Jon Stewart, that while he has doubts about the network’s intentions, their viewers are watching in good faith, is insightful. Might it also serve as an opportunity for him to demonstrate his resilience and political acumen? It certainly seems so, given his deft handling of the conversation on “Fox News Sunday,” where he skillfully maneuvered the discussion, delivering numerous counterpoints against Trump that left Shannon Bream speechless. Similarly, during his appearance on Bill Maher’s “Real Time,” which is more casual in nature, Buttigieg tactically adjusted his approach, effectively challenging Vance’s self-image and the tech industry’s backing of Trump with a charming demeanor.

Which is hardly a groundbreaking insight: All politicians are ambitious, perhaps few more so than the mayor of a small Indiana city who, on the basis of exactly that much electoral experience, decided to run for president. His run then was fueled, first, by his willingness to appear on-camera for any media outlet willing to have him (and, given the novelty of his story, from his sexuality to his Rhodes scholar/veteran background to the office he held, many were). Now, he’s being booked not because he’s Joe Biden’s Secretary of Transportation, an office in which his wins are by their nature small-bore and tangential to the grand sweep of presidential politics, but because he is known to be good on camera.

Currently, what sets Buttigieg apart – aside from his natural charisma on television – is the intrigue over how far this talent may propel him. Regardless of his political depth, in 2020 and beyond, it’s been his articulate and persuasive delivery that has captured attention. Whether chosen as Harris’ vice presidential candidate or not, he appears to maintain an exceptional status: The individual who convincingly portrays a Democrat on television with an authentic and compelling demeanor that many find hard to feign.

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2024-07-30 21:16