In these early stages — yes, despite this being the fifth primary debate, these are still the early stages — the perception of success gets treated as if it’s the real thing. Bafflingly, this seems to have the supporters of other candidates spooked. At a Bernie event yesterday, Sanders surrogate Nina Turner blasted Buttigieg, saying he ‘can’t take care of the black folks’ in his city.
‘When a black woman says to you over the shooting of a black man in your city … “I’m not going to vote for you for president”, and you say to this black woman, “I didn’t ask you for your vote,” I don’t think you are in any position to be the president of the United States of America.’
Others have grumbled about the fact that only 8,000 people have ever voted for him. Yet by treating Buttigieg like the contender we’re told he is, his opponents further propel his candidacy.
But as legendary fictitious rock manager Ian Faith would say, Buttigieg’s appeal is rather selective: Black Leader in Pete Buttigieg’s Hometown Endorses…Biden for President. Pete’s in Trouble.