The Daily The Candidates: Pete Buttigieg
Nov 22, 2019
Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend and 2020 presidential contender, shares his journey from a young political enthusiast to an openly gay candidate. He reflects on the complexities of balancing his personal identity with public service and reveals the challenges of running for office in a conservative environment. Buttigieg candidly discusses his coming out during a re-election campaign, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in politics. His experiences illuminate the intersections of ambition, identity, and advocacy amidst societal expectations.
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Early Political Interest
- Pete Buttigieg's interest in politics began in childhood, fostered by politically engaged parents.
- In college, he realized that political figures were "just people", making a political career seem attainable.
Conflicting Identities
- Buttigieg felt a tension between his political ambitions and his sexuality.
- Growing up in Indiana, he believed he could be either a politician or openly gay, not both.
Suppressing Sexuality
- Buttigieg realized his sexuality in middle school but suppressed it throughout college.
- Despite dating women, he couldn't ignore his true feelings and the internal conflict intensified.
