Buttigieg Takes On Homophobic Hecklers At Campaign Stop
Pete Buttiegieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana and a wild-card Democratic primary candidate, faced homophobic hecklers at a campaign stop in Iowa. Buttigieg is openly gay and married to his male partner.
But Buttigieg took the heckling in stride, using humor when responding to tough questions. When one audience member asked the candidate what he should say to his friend who thinks America isn’t ready for a gay president, Buttigieg responded, “Tell your friends I said ‘Hi.’”
Several anti-gay protesters were escorted out of the rally, which attracted 1,600 people from the Des Moines area and beyond. Buttigieg joked to the crowd that “coffee after church gets a little rowdy sometimes.” He responded to the hecklers by defending their right to free speech.
“We’re so dug-in, in such passionate ways, and I respect that, too. That gentleman believes that what he is doing is in line with the will of the creator. I’d do it differently. We ought to be able to do it differently,” Buttigieg said.
During the rally, Buttigieg said Trump engages in “identity politics” more than any candidate, and that Democrats should address it during the 2020 election. He also said Democrats should try harder to understand what draws voters to Trump’s message.
““We’ve got to acknowledge — without giving an inch on the racism or xenophobia that played a role in that campaign — we’ve got to also pay attention to the things that make people susceptible to that message and make sure we’re addressing them,” he said.
-
The 2024 Election Race Continues Between Joe Biden and Donald Trump With the 2024 general election drawing closer, President...
-
The Biden Administration’s Request for a New Texas Immigration Law Blocked The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the enforcement...
-
Has the State of USA Improved Since Trump’s Presidency or Gotten Worse? Given the current climate of the United...
-
In a surprise speech delivered from the White House, President Joe Biden addressed the recent special counsel’s report and...
-
Candidates Clash on Trump, Economic Policies, and Hot-button Topics in California Senate Race Four candidates vying for a U.S....
-
President Biden’s re-election strategy balances White House proximity with campaign focus in a unique approach to the upcoming election....
-
The Trump campaign is optimistic about winning the Iowa caucuses, anticipating a significant margin as a litmus test. A...
-
President Biden takes action in response to attack on U.S. service members Early Christmas morning, three U.S. service members...
-
Concerns Rise as Inner Circle Signals Retribution Against Opponents and Media Recent statements from key allies within Donald Trump’s...
-
President Biden invokes the Defense Production Act to strengthen American supply chains. In a strategic move to fortify American...
-
An alarming surge in harassment prompts security concerns, as court staff, including Judge Engoron and his clerk, grapple with...
-
Former First Lady’s Legacy Lives On in Dedication to Caregiving, Peace, and Mental Health Reform The Carter Center announces...