Fogbow

‘Outsider’ Buttigieg plays a skillful inside game, positioning himself for the future
By Sean Sullivan, Tyler Pager and Seung Min Kim Today at 10:00 a.m. EDT

Over Mexican food one recent evening, Pete Buttigieg told war stories from his presidential run to a small group of senators — including one who would have been an implausible dinner companion 18 months ago. At the table was Amy Klobuchar, his archnemesis on the campaign, who shared her own memories from the trail. The conversation was good-natured, according to a participant. It wasn’t the first time this year that Buttigieg had broken bread with Klobuchar. In March, Klobuchar joined Buttigieg for lunch and a dog walk, according to an aide with knowledge of the event — a far cry from the days of trading bitter insults on live television. “I wish everyone was as perfect as you, Pete,” Klobuchar said mockingly in one debate last year. “But let me tell you what it’s like to be in the arena.”

Six months into his tenure as President Biden’s transportation secretary, Buttigieg has not only entered the arena, he is standing at center court and schmoozing with players on both teams. A former South Bend, Ind. mayor who embraced the outsider mantle as a candidate, Buttigieg has quickly morphed into a quintessential Washington insider. He has used his position at the center of the high-stakes infrastructure talks to mend old rifts, strengthen existing friendships and build new alliances. His smooth debut has taken on greater significance as Democrats confront tough questions about the future of the party leadership. Biden says he intends to run for reelection, but as he nears his 79th birthday, that is no sure bet for many Democrats. Vice President Harris, Biden’s heir apparent, has had a rocky first few months on the job, prompting some Democrats to question her ability to pick up the baton.

Buttigieg’s networking is unfolding against that backdrop. He has struck a bond with the famously irascible Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) and joined Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) on a bike ride. He visited House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter A. DeFazio (D-Ore.) on his houseboat, bringing a bottle of liqueur for his host. He was spotted grabbing tacos with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). As the infrastructure talks heated up, he asked a friend, Sen. Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.), for a scouting report on the senators hammering out the deal. “What can you tell me about how it came together? And how do they know each other? Who is closer to the White House and who is not?” Coons remembered Buttigieg asking him. “He’s adapted well so far,” added Coons, who said he has known Buttigieg for a decade.

This article is based on interviews with two dozen Buttigieg aides, associates and others with knowledge of his activities. Many spoke on the record, but some would only talk on the condition of anonymity to describe private discussions. Buttigieg declined to be interviewed. In a statement, his spokesman Ben Halle said Buttigieg is “honored to serve on the President’s Jobs Cabinet.” As a chief salesman for the bipartisan infrastructure plan that passed the Senate last Tuesday, Buttigieg has emerged the most visible member of the cabinet, and he is expected to play a prominent role as the talks shift to the House. Buttigieg and Harris are the only two primary rivals Biden brought into his administration. He is omnipresent on television and across the country, pitching new investments in railways and electric vehicles. He has become a fixture at dinners, Zoom meetings and photo-ops with boldface names. He gives out his number freely to members of Congress and frequently trades text messages with them.

Just 39, Buttigieg was a surprise sensation in the 2020 presidential race — an openly gay candidate who rose from obscurity to the final stage of the Democratic primary, preaching moderation and optimism. He has stayed in touch with members of his powerful donor network, parts of which have stuck together and put their money behind new causes. Many are hopeful that Buttigieg will run again, and his name routinely comes up in conversations about future elections.

Lani wrote: ↑Tue Aug 17, 2021 4:36 pm Happy news! And Gawd knows we need some happy news.

Patagoniagirl wrote: ↑Sat Sep 04, 2021 11:52 am Its TWO! They had one of both! Penelope Rose And Joseph August.

MN-Skeptic wrote: ↑Fri Sep 10, 2021 4:10 am

Patagoniagirl wrote: ↑Sat Oct 02, 2021 9:19 am I don't understand why Biden doesn't have Pete out talking infrastructure right now!

p0rtia wrote: ↑Sat Oct 02, 2021 9:28 am

Patagoniagirl wrote: ↑Sat Oct 02, 2021 9:19 am I don't understand why Biden doesn't have Pete out talking infrastructure right now!

Totally agree. But that said, it appears that both infrastructure bills are wildly popular already across the country--it is the brokenness of our gov't that is the problem, and Pete can't do squat about that. yes/no?

Patagoniagirl wrote: ↑Sat Oct 02, 2021 9:49 am

p0rtia wrote: ↑Sat Oct 02, 2021 9:28 am

Patagoniagirl wrote: ↑Sat Oct 02, 2021 9:19 am I don't understand why Biden doesn't have Pete out talking infrastructure right now!

Totally agree. But that said, it appears that both infrastructure bills are wildly popular already across the country--it is the brokenness of our gov't that is the problem, and Pete can't do squat about that. yes/no?

Perhaps. Maybe. Dont know. I just miss him.