With Buttigieg remaining at the top of polls in Iowa, progressives are starting to ramp up their criticism of the two term mayor from South Bend, Indiana. The criticism of Buttigieg seems to fall into three categories: too moderate, lack of appeal to black Americans, and inexperience. Let’s look at each of these criticisms.
First, many progressive supporters have soured on Buttigieg over policy issues. At the beginning of the year, he indicated that he was “all for” a single payer Medicare for all system. However, at the end of the Summer and most publicly at the recent debates, Buttigieg has distanced himself from this approach, criticizing Warren and Sanders. Similarly, Buttigieg has also indicated that he will not make college education free for all, preferring a means testing approach that would force millionaires and billionaires to pay for their children’s college educations. Buttigieg’s amended positions have angered Sanders and Warren supporters. This week, Warren also publicly questioned what Buttigieg was hiding in relation to his consulting work for McKinsey & Co. as well as his failure to provide more transparency over his fundraising. In the words of one progressive media editorial, “Buttigieg is a sharp, corporate tool.” Then there are internet rumors that his work at McKinsey and brief service in the military is actually cover for Buttigieg having served in or as a contractor for the CIA. While there appears to be little more than conjecture to support this theory, the growing number of tweets pushing this theory highlight how much the rumor resonates with progressives. The bottom line is that progressives simply do not trust Buttigieg.
Second, Buttigieg’s record on diversity and, in particular, his relationship with black voters is challenged. As Mayor of South Bend, one of his first actions in 2012 was to fire South Bend’s black police chief, Darryl Boykins, in a controversial move. Since then, there have been multiple racially charged incidents in South Bend, including a high profile death of a black teenager in police custody this past Summer. The Sanders campaign has been highlighting the lack of black vote support for Buttigieg. If Buttigieg were to win the nomination, his weak support among both black and hispanic voters could cost him a chance to win the general election.
Finally, some critics are focused on Buttigieg’s lack of experience, having served as a mayor of a small mid-western community for two terms. Amy Klobuchar has brought his inexperience up, asking if a woman with so little experience would be perceived differently. Voters too seem to have reservations about whether the 37 year old former financial consultant is ready to take over the Presidency.
For now, Buttigieg has been able to effectively position himself as a center-left candidate, but the race appears to be entering a new phase with the progressive wing starting to target Buttigieg. Look for this trend to accelerate as we get closer to Iowa and New Hampshire.
NewEnglandPolitics.com 