Report: Buttigieg being discussed as potential Biden successor

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Pete Buttigieg is being openly discussed as a potential successor for President Joe Biden, according to a report by Politico.
• Some West Wing staffers of color believe that the chatter is an insult to VP Kamala Harris.
• In a recent interview, Buttigieg stressed he has a strong work relationship with Harris.

Pete Buttigieg had become a household name through his 2020 presidential campaign that saw him soar in Iowa and New Hampshire. He eventually exited from the Democratic primaries to give way to now-President Joe Biden.

At only 39 years old, the former South Bend, Indiana mayor has already sought the highest office in the land. Now, Buttigieg is seen as a potential successor to Biden in 2028. Or maybe even earlier in 2024 if Biden will not seek reelection.

Buttigieg was confirmed as US Transportation secretary in February. He recently told Politico that he has not thought much about electioneering since getting settled in Washington.

“I’d say the other thing that I’m really enjoying about this job, although it’s very demanding and obviously requiring a lot, is that this is the least I have had to think about campaigns and elections in about a decade and that’s a very good thing,” he said late last week.

However, while Buttigieg has been focused on his Cabinet post, some in the West Wing have already raised his name as a future Democratic presidential nominee.

“Nobody in the West Wing shuts that down,” an individual with knowledge of the situation told Politico. “It’s very open.”

The chatter about Buttigieg has reportedly “frustrated” several staffers of color who see it as an insult toward Vice President Kamala Harris.

According to Politico, some of Buttigieg’s former 2020 staffers are pondering whether a potential challenge to Harris would be wise. The Black vote in the Democratic presidential primary process is important.

During NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Buttigieg brushed off any talk of a rivalry with Harris. When the secretary was asked if coverage of Harris’s political standing had any effect on their relationship, he rejected the idea.

“No, because she and I are part of a team that is disciplined and doesn’t focus on what’s obsessing the commentators. We’re too busy with a job to do,” he said.

“We have been assigned by the president to take on — literally — projects and legislation of generational significance. There’s no room to get caught up in the parlor games, and I’m proud to be part of the Biden-Harris team,” he added.

Buttigieg touted the newly-signed infrastructure bill, while also speaking on supply-chain issues that have been driven by the coronavirus pandemic and high consumer demand.

Source: Business Insider