January 1, Buttigieg Presidential Buzz Reaches the White House

Although Pete Buttigieg’s being buzzed about as President Joe Biden’s potential heir, he says he’s not thinking about what comes next.

“I’d say the other thing that I’m really enjoying about this job, although it’s very demanding and obviously requiring a lot, is that this is the least I have had to think about campaigns and elections in about a decade and that’s a very good thing,” Buttigieg told Politico.

Speaking about the buzz around his name as a potential Democratic presidential nominee in 2028 — or 2024, if Biden opts not to run — Buttigieg says he’s not thinking about it. Still, others inside the West Wing are suggesting it.

“Nobody in the West Wing shuts that down,” one insider reportedly told Politico. “It’s very open.”

The outlet says some frustrated staffers find the chatter to be disrespectful to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Amid reports of an emerging rivalry with Harris, Buttigieg said: “We work extremely well with the vice president’s team, and I’m proud to be part of the Biden-Harris team and this administration.”

Source:

The Buttigieg presidential buzz has penetrated the White House

Photo by Gage Skidmore