Hot off the heels of Wednesday’s Democratic debate in Nevada, former mayor of South Bend Pete Buttigeig visited the University of Southern California for a town hall meeting hosted by the local Fox11 News Station, on Thursday.
A crowd of 1,200, mostly comprised of USC students, filled Bovard Auditorium to attend the town hall meeting. Buttigieg discussed points of his platform and students were given the opportunity to ask the presidential candidate questions.
Moderator Elex Michaelson, from Fox 11, asked Buttigieg if his lack of anger and animation hurt him in debates and the public eye. Citing issues like the current political climate, lack of tolerance in America and the way people treat each other, Buttigieg noted how important it is to not get angry and animated at things that “piss him off.”
The former mayor of South Bend did not hesitate to criticize President Trump’s treatment of others. Buttigieg stated the need to have someone else in office over the incumbent, as well as the need to stop him from controlling the discussion in future debates.
“We need to deny him the power to change the subject,” he said.
Additionally, Buttigieg suggested that President Trump’s stock market centered approach to determining how well the economy is functioning is a biased one.
“If you got a building with your name on it not far from Wall Street,” Buttigieg said, “I’m sure the economy and the stock market look like the same thing.”
He did not stop there, adding that the economy needed to support everyone, not just those at the top.
“If we really want a strong economy, we need to make sure it is working for all of us.”
Compared to the rest of the Democratic candidates still in the race, Buttigieg leans conservative in regards to his economic policies. A major point of contention amongst Democratic candidates is Senator Bernie Sanders’ proposal of “Medicare for All.” Buttigieg counters saying it should be, “Medicare for all who want it.”
Regardless of his differences with the other Democratic candidates, in his closing remarks, Buttigieg acknowledged that, “This is our only shot to beat Donald Trump,” and when referring to the 2020 election said, “We have to get this right.”
While Buttigieg mentioned Trump throughout the town hall, he took a few minutes to focus on mental health and substance abuse. While discussing the matters, Buttigieg’s opinion on the gravity of the matters was evident.
Referring to the need for classroom resources and calling it a systemic issue that requires national attention and intervention, he said, “We’ve got to use powers of the presidency and federal powers to close these gaps.”
Though the question was not directly referencing USC’s own battle with these issues, the topic of mental health and substance abuse hits close to home. Three USC student deaths last semester were confirmed to be accidental fentanyl overdoses, according to a CBS Local News report published on Wednesday night. In addition, three student deaths were linked to suicide.
Not all of Buttigieg’s comments were rooted in serious issues. He also took the time to acknowledge the students at USC, especially the ones aspiring to be politicians themselves.
“[The] biggest advice I would have is to not get too caught up on what your path is going to be.”
He included that it is important not to overlook participating in local government when getting started.
Being a small market politician himself, Buttigieg knows the struggles of starting off. For him, one of his biggest hurdles he had to overcome was getting people to accept him for who he was.
One thing that separates Buttigieg from the rest of the pack is his identity and sexuality. Buttigieg acknowledged the possibility of being the first homosexual president in American history and how some may be hesitant to accept him.
“Most people will judge you based not on who you are, but on the difference you make in their life.”
He added that if he were to be elected, his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, would be referred to as, “The First Gentleman.”
Buttigieg’s next challenge will be the Nevada caucus this Saturday where he will need to shine bright if he wants to remain relevant in the Democratic discussion.