Is Pete Buttigieg the Frontrunner for Kamala Harris’s Running Mate?

The speculation around which candidate will become Kamala Harris's running mate for a potential 2024 presidential election continues to gain momentum. Among the names tossed into the mix is Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and more recently, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. However, the debate over his suitability rages on, fueled by questions about his governance experience and personal attributes.

Competency and Liberal Endorsement

The liberal base has historically been known to value competency in its political leaders. However, when evaluating Buttigieg, his tenure as the Secretary of Transportation has not been without criticism. His previous background includes serving as mayor of a city with a relatively small population of 100,000. While he excelled in this role, many now question whether such experience is sufficient to serve as Vice President.

One might wonder, could Buttigieg, described as a disaster in his previous position, ascend to the position of second in command to the President? Some critics argue that his experience does not seem to measure up to the demands expected of a VP, and that a top candidate should demonstrate a track record of effectiveness in high-profile positions.

Attitudes and Prejudices

A key factor in determining the suitability for the role of VP is public perception and the potential biases that may influence the decision-making process. Purely competency-based consideration is not always the primary driver. There is a prevalent belief in the political system that women, non-whites, and homosexuals should not be chosen as running mates. This belief stems from the belief that such a selection would shift the balance of the ticket to appease specific demographic groups.

Some argue that Buttigieg's candidacy is unlikely due to these deeply ingrained biases. For instance, many political analysts suggest that Harris will aim to pick a candidate who balances the ticket ideologically, demographically, and regionally. This reasoning further narrows the pool of potential running mates and raises doubts about Buttigieg's prospects.

Opinions on Buttigieg's Future as a VP

While there is skepticism about Buttigieg's competitiveness for the VP spot, others express support for his potential role. Advocates of his candidacy argue that despite his limited international experience, his proven adaptability and quick learning abilities make him a strong candidate. The position of Vice President would provide an opportunity for him to gain broader experience and potentially represent the country more effectively in future roles.

However, concerns about homophobia in the U.S. remain a significant hurdle. Many believe that his sexual orientation, while a positive attribute in some circles, could make him an unviable candidate given the societal prejudices that still exist. Consequently, some believe his appointment to a position outside the electoral spotlight, such as Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, could help him gain the necessary experience and exposure without facing the direct scrutiny of being a running mate.

In conclusion, while the debate over Pete Buttigieg's suitability for Kamala Harris's running mate continues to unfold, the political landscape remains complex. Competency, public opinion, and demographic considerations all play crucial roles in shaping the final choice. Although Buttigieg may not be in the running as of now, his potential impact and the debate surrounding him serve as a window into the intricate dynamics of political selection processes.