Pete Buttigieg on the Democrats’ Sweep of Congress, and Where They Go from Here

Though Pete Buttigieg, the former Secretary of Transportation and Indiana mayor, wasn’t on the midterms ballot, he campaigned for Democrats across the country in this election. Buttigieg’s ability to hold his own with red-state audiences and right-leaning media has made him an important voice for the Democratic Party, and he is a likely contender for the 2028 Presidential nomination. He talks with David Remnick about the Democrats’ historic rout; their mandate for the past two years of Donald Trump’s Presidency; and what potential 2028 candidates need to focus on.

Further reading and listening:

• “A Blue Wave Just Crashed on Trump,” by Benjamin Wallace-Wells 
• “Donald Trump’s Repudiation, America’s Revenge,” by Susan B. Glasser
• “Can Mayor Pete Be a Democratic Front-Runner?,” an episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour

New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour drop every Tuesday and Friday. Join host David Remnick as he discusses the latest in politics, news, and current events in conversation with political leaders, newsmakers, innovators, New Yorker staff writers, authors, actors, and musicians.

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