Pete Buttigieg Responds On 'The View' With Grace To Homophobic Iowa Voter Who Wanted To Switch Her Vote After Learning He Was Gay
A clip from the Iowa caucuses went viral several days ago on Twitter when an Iowa voter who signed a card to support Pete Buttigieg found out for the first time that he is gay and tried to withdraw her support.
Buttigieg recently went on The View, where he responded to the clip in an inspiring way.
hoooo boy this is a fun 2 minutes https://t.co/EGL61nI0NL— Robbie Couch (@Robbie Couch) 1580841761
Many online condemned the women in the clip for her closed-mindedness.
Good God. So ignorant and homophobic. Caucus voter finds out Buttigieg is gay, wants to withdraw her vote for him… https://t.co/UtQYKpfVkx— Sia Kordestani (@Sia Kordestani) 1580832940
But not long after, Buttigieg appeared on The View and responded to the woman's withdrawal of support.
Buttigieg toldThe View's cohosts:
"Well, what I want her to know is that I'm running to be her president too...Of course, I wish she was able to see that my love is the same as her love for those that she cares about, that my marriage means as much to me as hers if she's married."
Buttigieg continued:
"But if she can't see that, and even if because she can't see that, she won't vote for me, I am still, if I am elected president, going to get up in the morning and try to make the best decisions for her and the people that she loves as I will work to serve every American, whether they supported me or not."
@TheView @PeteButtigieg This clip gave me chills. I could watch it over and over and I’m a Canadian!— Beesting (@Beesting) 1581011030
On Twitter, many were inspired by Buttigieg's conciliatory tone.
@TheView @PeteButtigieg great interview, with the future President!!!!!— paul seguin (@paul seguin) 1581015208
Asked about the Iowa caucus goer who withdrew her support for @PeteButtigieg after she found out he’s gay, Buttigie… https://t.co/aUQpXrZAgN— Maureen Groppe (@Maureen Groppe) 1581006189
Bernie Sanders and Buttigieg emerged from Iowa with an almost perfect tie.
Sanders had an edge over Buttigieg in the popular vote, and after many Biden and Klobuchar voters realigned to Pete, Buttigieg took a small lead in pledged delegates.
Pete Buttigieg tells The View's Meghan McCain that if a woman has to make the decision to terminate a pregnancy, "I… https://t.co/lHRamnDT3q— DJ Judd (@DJ Judd) 1581008784
.@PeteButtigieg was on The View today and was asked about the Iowa voter who rejected him because he’s gay. Watch P… https://t.co/mIuJzUCKda— Jordan Gill (@Jordan Gill) 1581022575
Many people who haven't supported Pete were impressed by his words.
Buttigieg on The View. Mayor Pete's *response* is worth watching and that voter can go take several seats. Mayor… https://t.co/ApqppKKY9f— Jim Osman (@Jim Osman) 1581017100
A voter asked what Buttigieg told the protestor when he leaned in, he said, “I told him that I respected him & that… https://t.co/4G633Qzte9— Priscilla Thompson (@Priscilla Thompson) 1578882504
With Pete Buttigieg one of the frontrunners coming out of Iowa, his words matter now more than ever.
And he's used this opportunity to bring our country together rather than split it apart as a certain President might.
Young Pete Buttigieg Asked A Question At A 2003 MSNBC Presidential Town Hall—And He Clearly Took The Answer To Heart
2020 Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg appeared on Hardball this past Monday, June 3, to answer questions about his policy ideas. One question, however, came from the most unlikely of places: Buttigieg's own past.
While recording the episode of Hardball, host Chris Matthews surprised Buttigieg with an unearthed clip from 2003 of a young Buttigieg, then a student at Harvard, asking a question a similar Hardball College Tour.
Watch Pete Buttigieg Ask A Question During Hardball College Tour In 2003 | Hardball | MSNBCyoutu.be
The old clip shows Buttigieg asking a question to former Democratic majority leader Dick Gephardt about young people engaging in politics. Gephardt urges all the young people in the audience to get involved as soon as possible—advice Buttigieg, the youngest Presidential candidate in the race, obviously took to heart.
@hardball @PeteButtigieg That’s a great moment— justwithaguitar (@justwithaguitar) 1559607882
Viewers were astounded the Hardball team managed to track down the old clip.
@hardball @PeteButtigieg Bravo to your producers who dug this up!— Joshua Grotheer (@Joshua Grotheer) 1559607162
@hardball @PeteButtigieg Kudos to the Hardball team!— One_Spy_Girl (@One_Spy_Girl) 1559607991
@hardball @PeteButtigieg That was great.— Troubles (@Troubles) 1559606777
Buttigieg seeing himself from 16 years ago up on the screen was probably the last thing he expected.
@hardball @PeteButtigieg Pete’s reaction is priceless!— MMiller (@MMiller) 1559609087
The clip also had many viewers missing Dick Gephardt.
@hardball @NBCNews @PeteButtigieg I was one of those young people in 2003 working as a field organizer on Dick Geph… https://t.co/qVAqD5Qwh3— Amy Sholis (@Amy Sholis) 1559618336
Fortunately, the entire Gephardt family was watching and threw their support behind Buttigieg!
@hardball @PeteButtigieg Thanks for making @dickgephardt grandsons Truman and Ernest scream for joy! Really fun to… https://t.co/9KykukCQOn— Tricia Gephardt (@Tricia Gephardt) 1559609169
@TriciaGephardt @hardball @PeteButtigieg @dickgephardt @mattgephardt Hey Truman and Ernest!— Chasten Buttigieg (@Chasten Buttigieg) 1559610599
@Chas10Buttigieg @hardball @PeteButtigieg @dickgephardt @mattgephardt Waking up to a message from you will send the… https://t.co/h3Znzq666W— Tricia Gephardt (@Tricia Gephardt) 1559612542
The moment, showing how composed Buttigieg even was as a college student, was undeniably adorable.
@hardball @PeteButtigieg Mayor Pete is impressing me...👍👍👍👍— Leighann🏁 (@Leighann🏁) 1559607595
Twitter just wanted to pinch young Mayor Pete's cheeks!
@hardball @PeteButtigieg Cute moment. Love #MayorPete— P.D. White 🇺🇦🌻 (@P.D. White 🇺🇦🌻) 1559606823
@hardball @PeteButtigieg This was actually the best thing I’ve watched like in forever— well (@well) 1559607005
It was also touching to see that Gephardt's advice was taken to heart so thoroughly!
@hardball @PeteButtigieg I loved that. Tears are streaming down my face and my heart is joyful. ❤️😊— Gregory Maldonado (Dr. M) (@Gregory Maldonado (Dr. M)) 1559606112
Then, in yet another surprise twist, Gephardt himself made a special appearance via satellite!
Special @hardball moment at the @PeteButtigieg town hall — @dickgephardt joins live via satellite. Buttigieg asked… https://t.co/bQvLZxKcmL— Jesse Rodriguez (@Jesse Rodriguez) 1559606100
@hardball @PeteButtigieg Full circle experience 🥺♥️♥️♥️♥️— MONSTERS NATION (@MONSTERS NATION) 1559607732
The 2020 Presidential race is far from over, but Mayor Pete Buttigieg seems to be making a good impression wherever he goes.
It seems Pete Buttigieg has an unlikely ally in a Democratic competitor.
The openly gay South Bend Mayor knew he had an uphill battle when he announced his bid to run in the 2020 presidential election, but nothing could discourage the relatively unknown Democratic candidate from running.
He quickly proved to have a foothold in the race as his popularity spiked and ably demonstrated he could hold his own in shutting down anti-gay hecklers.
According to CNN reporter DJ Judd, Buttigieg was interrupted on at least four occasions while speaking at the Dallas County Democratic Party dinner on Friday.
Judd tweeted:
"One yelled 'Marriage is between a man and a woman!' Another yelled 'Repent!"
Pete Buttigieg has been interrupted four times here in Dallas by protesters. One yelled “Marriage is between a man… https://t.co/4p9aHs7SUz— DJ Judd (@DJ Judd) 1556930876
Buttigieg, who married his husband Chasten last June, held his own without escalating the tension and reminded the crowd of his time serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves for seven months in Afghanistan.
The 37-year-old mayor responded:
"...I packed my bags for Afghanistan, to defend that man's freedom of speech..."
Buttigieg is also a known Episcopalian and responded to one of the interruptions by quoting from a passage of scripture.
"I'm just thinking of that scripture that says bless and do not curse."
@HI4Pete @PeteButtigieg They’re giving him an opportunity to shine even brighter against their darkness.— MJ🌻 (@MJ🌻) 1556930966
Now, former Texas representative Beto O'Rourke came to Buttigieg's defense and told haters to back off with their hateful attacks.
"Texans don't stand for this kind of homophobia and hatred. Mayor Pete, we are grateful you came to Texas and hope to see you and Chasten back again soon."
Texans don’t stand for this kind of homophobia and hatred. Mayor Pete, we are grateful you came to Texas and hope t… https://t.co/0omSyALy7d— Beto O'Rourke (@Beto O'Rourke) 1556941962
During his campaign in Iowa, O'Rourke explained why he defended his political rival.
O'Rourke, who unsuccessfully ran for the Texas Senate against Republican senator Ted Cruz, told reporters on Saturday:
"I'm a proud American, I'm a proud Texan, and the hatred directed towards Pete Buttigieg last night was not reflective or representative of my state or of this country, so I wanted to call it out immediately, first and foremost."
@BetoORourke talks about defending @PeteButtigieg after anti-gay hecklers interrupted his Dallas rally. “The hatre… https://t.co/29ylXhdgFF— Briana K. Stewart (@Briana K. Stewart) 1557016105
Despite being dual contenders for the Democratic nomination, O'Rourke was praised for his support of Buttigieg.
@cmclymer @BetoORourke This is how we have to play it, Dems. Robust debate, but ultimately stand together to defeat… https://t.co/D0rGcqi2Wg— 🏳️🌈 Jeff McKown 🏳️🌈 (@🏳️🌈 Jeff McKown 🏳️🌈) 1556955951
@BetoORourke Thank you, Beto for having Mayor Pete’s back. Both of you are good guys!— Barbara Malmet (@Barbara Malmet) 1556972613
It's going to be a tough call to make in the crowded field of running Democrats.
@architects4pete @TheBetoPlace @BetoORourke This makes me happy. I’m not sure who I’m gonna vote for yet. Pete and… https://t.co/n8mU9wCaYX— El Dei (@El Dei) 1556953234
@BetoORourke I’m a huge supporter of you both. Thanks for the amazing words and attitude. Love it! ❤️❤️❤️ #SameTeam 🇺🇸— Kim (@Kim) 1556942349
@BrianaKStewart @BetoORourke @PeteButtigieg I love all of these candidates...Pete is my guy but I am so energized b… https://t.co/CFCxJHeGej— Lori Davis 🐝 ✈️ (@Lori Davis 🐝 ✈️) 1557078834
The attending crowd at Friday's dinner chanted "Pete!" to drown out the protesters as they were escorted from the room. But the interruptions were not a first for Mayor Pete.
Last month at a campaign rally in Iowa, Buttigieg faced religious anti-gay protesters by members of a group led by Randall Terry, an anti-gay and anti-abortion advocate.
After they chanted "Sodom and Gomorrah," Buttigieg said, "The good news is, the condition of my soul is in the hands of God, but the Iowa caucuses are up to you."
On Saturday, O'Rourke continued speaking out against hatred.
"I think we have to set the example. We can't just call out intolerance and hatred, we have to show that we don't just tolerate one another, we embrace one another."
He added:
"We're stronger when we are together."
That's how we run a good, clean race! We hope these two continue to be allies as we try to pick the 2020 Democratic candidate.
Oprah Has The Most Adorable Nickname For Pete Buttigieg—And We're Totally On Board With It
Oprah Winfrey made it very clear that she will not be running for president, despite everyone's wishful thinking.
She did, however, give her endorsement of Mayor Pete, a.k.a., the South Bend Mayor and 2020 presidential candidate, Pete Buttigieg.
However, the Queen of all media referred to him with her own nickname, and it's sticking.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 65-year-old media executive and philanthropist discussed upcoming projects and commented on the crowded list of Democrats running in the race.
And while on the topic of Democratic candidates, Winfrey mentioned she was doing some research by reading up on the presidential hopefuls to determine how she will use her voice in support.
Among her required reading materials was Pete Buttigieg's latest book.
"Right now, I'm studying the field. I'm reading Shortest Way Home by [Pete Buttigieg], I call him Buttabeep, Buttaboop."
"The name's either going to really hurt or [really help]—I think it's going to help, actually."
THR cover: @Oprah Winfrey talks '60 Minutes' exit, 'Leaving Neverland' backlash and Mayor Pete "Buttabeep, Buttaboo… https://t.co/dw59zk8ZfA— The Hollywood Reporter (@The Hollywood Reporter) 1556629211
Oprah, the name is sticking.
@merica @SBILaura @PeteButtigieg You know you’re *in* if Oprah has given you a nickname. #PeteForAmerica— Violet Newstead (@Violet Newstead) 1556649770
As a part of her new collaboration with Apple to bring original content to the upcoming Apple TV+ service, Winfrey told THR that she visited their headquarters.
Steven Spielberg was with her, and it was there when she first tried to introduce "Buttabeet, Buttaboop" into parlance.
""Just the other day, I was at Apple with Spielberg and we were in the hallway talking about, 'What are we going to do?' And I said, 'Have you heard of this Butta guy?' He goes, No, Butta-who?' I go, 'Buttabeep, Buttaboop. Look him up.'"
Oprah: "Just the other day, I was with Steven Spielberg and we were in the hallway talking about, 'What are we goin… https://t.co/ngF2K3xk3R— Future POTUS Pete (@Future POTUS Pete) 1556650610
@pete_potus That should be his campaign slogan from now on - "Buttabeep, Buttaboop, Buttigieg"— Evaqui 🐝 🍷🚂✈️ (@Evaqui 🐝 🍷🚂✈️) 1556651566
The former talk show host, who was notorious for giving away cars like they're going out of style, said she occasionally has the itch to interview "people who are of the culture."
"Last year, I would've wanted to sit down and have a conversation with Christine Blasey Ford. Right now, I'd probably want to sit down and talk to Butta."
Winfrey may not be running for president, but she sure is channeling a lot of that potential energy towards someone else.
So far my favorite thing today is that @Oprah calls Mayor Pete “Buttabeep, Buttaboop” ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️— Busy Philipps (@Busy Philipps) 1556647491
@merica @tsteph92 @PeteButtigieg @PeteButtigieg is there a new T-shirt in the works?— Val 🇺🇸 (@Val 🇺🇸) 1556674109
Looks like Mayor Pete is on a list of Oprah's Most Favorite Candidates! #PeteButtigieg2020 https://t.co/xUi4VlYP0g— SCRIBEMOON (@SCRIBEMOON) 1556687233
So what does Buttigieg think of his new moniker? He doesn't seem to mind one bit.
Buttigieg, who recently had lunch with Winfrey at the home of a mutual friend, told WGBH in Boston on Tuesday:
"In the car on the way over, somebody just said that Oprah mentioned me, which is arguably a bigger deal than coming in second in a poll."
With Oprah's adorable endorsement, "Buttabeep, Buttaboop" could close the gap in the tightening race to Washington.
Dustin Lance Black Says That He Actually Sees Some Of Harvey Milk In Pete Buttigieg—And He Has Some Advice For The Rising Political Star
As the well known South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg is becoming a prominent figure in the 2020 presidential election, civil rights activist Dustin Lance Black wants to make something clear as members of the LGBTQ community get acquainted with the gay candidate.
Black, who is a screenwriter and won the Academy Award for Milk (2008), was asked to comment on the concerns Buttigieg faces from the LGBTQ community in an interview with British program AM to DM.
Most notably, an article on Outline wrote a profile about Buttigieg in which he was described as "the most palatable gay man in America," and why that was a problem.
While promoting his new book, Mama's Boy: A Story From Our Americas, Black was asked if there were any similarities between Buttigieg and the late Harvey Milk – the first openly gay elected official in the history of California as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
He said:
"Absolutely — certainly in the theme of 'You gotta give them hope,' meaning you have to elect gay people. That was Harvey Milk's speech because that sends a message of hope."
Black is also a founding board member of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), a non-profit organization that supports the plaintiffs in Hollingsworth v. Perry, which were a series of federal court cases that legalized same-sex marriage in California, beginning in 2009.
He believes Buttigieg isn't deceiving the public and that his persona is an authentic one.
"I actually don't doubt that that's who Mayor Pete really is. It doesn't seem like an act to me. I'll leave it to other people to see if that's an act."
"That's certainly a way some folks in the LGBTQ community are."
Everytime I see Pete Buttigieg's name I can't help but think about how proud Harvey Milk would be.— ✨Lowes-bian Rose ✨ (@✨Lowes-bian Rose ✨) 1554740830
Black, who is married to British diver Tom Daley, relates with Mayor Pete as they both live "traditional" lives.
"I'm probably included in many ways in that more traditional-looking life. I'm married, I have a husband, I have a kid."
"But I also want to make it clear, and I hope Mayor Pete makes it clear, that not everyone needs to live a life that looks like his life. That's not the point."
@billyeichner @PeteButtigieg Pete Buttigieg = Harvey Milk.— Nancy (support your public library!) Schultz (@Nancy (support your public library!) Schultz) 1552278367
The 44-year-old hopes that the manner in which Buttigieg presents himself to the public doesn't send a message that everyone in the LGBTQ community must adopt "heteronormative" a lifestyle.
"I hope that he's working and fighting for all LGBT people to live as diverse ... lives as we'd like to live, and in no way should this be about having to appear heteronormative, as they say."
Although Black initially chose to root for the gay candidate, he encouraged everyone to listen to all viewpoints as we follow the road to 2020.
"Unless I'm wrong, it's April of 2019. I am listening. This is the time for us to listen, to pay attention, to assess who we feel really means it when they're talking about equality, and I think Mayor Pete's right up there for me. I adore him, but I do think it's the time for us all to really listen carefully."
If it wasn't for Milk paving the way for equal rights in the gay community, we may not have someone like Buttigieg with the fortitude to carry the torch.
April 14 was a defining moment when Pete Buttigieg officially announced he is running for president.
Thanks to Harvey Milk and the LGBT trailblazers for allowing the @PeteButtigieg @Chas10Buttigieg moment to happen l… https://t.co/BOylrqYDgB— Carlos Cardona Lebron🇺🇦🕊 (@Carlos Cardona Lebron🇺🇦🕊) 1555338573
Stonewall, Assassination of Harvey Milk, AIDS epedimic, DADT, DOMA, Prop 8, Pulse Shooting led us to the moment. Th… https://t.co/mZO4VZh26g— Michael Dean Shelton (@Michael Dean Shelton) 1555356821
You can watch the full video of Dustin Lance Black's interview on AM to PM on YouTube, below.
Dustin Lance Black's Advice For Young LGBT Peoplewww.youtube.com