Pod Save America Pete Buttigieg Thinks Democrats Can't Go Back
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Aug 10, 2025 
Pete Buttigieg, the former South Bend mayor and Transportation Secretary, shares insights on the future of the Democratic Party. He discusses how much of the current status quo should be restored and how to effectively message around Trump's broken promises. Buttigieg also reflects on JD Vance's rise to power and the values he's compromised. Additionally, topics include gerrymandering, the erosion of trust in political institutions, and the need for cohesive strategies to connect with changing voter demographics.
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Private Self-Censorship Signals Authoritarianism
- Pete Buttigieg warns private self-editing at media, universities, and firms signals a loss of freedom.
- That chilling effect is as consequential as direct government interference.
Rebuild Institutions For The 2020s
- Pete Buttigieg says Democrats should rebuild institutions suited to the 2020s, not simply restore 2024 systems.
- Voters want substantive change, not a return to failed status quo.
Fix The Systems, Not Mirror Trump
- Fix systems: pass fair-district laws, curb money in politics, and reform the court.
- Avoid replicating Trump's partisan use of power even to advance liberal policies.