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Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg headlined a veterans-focused town hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, hosted by VoteVets, drawing a crowd of about 1,800 and reigniting speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run.
His appearance, marked by sharp criticism of the Trump administration and reflections on his 2020 Iowa caucus win, had the feel of a campaign event, with supporters circulating “ALL IN FOR PETE” bumper stickers for 2028. Many political observers and Iowa attendees view Buttigieg as a leading contender for the Democratic nomination, citing his moderate appeal and ability to connect with swing voters.
However, his tenure as Transportation Secretary under President Biden was marred by several high-profile failures that could challenge his candidacy. Critics point to the February 2023 East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, which caused a chemical spill and drew scrutiny for Buttigieg’s slow response. Additionally, his oversight saw a record number of near-misses at airports, raising concerns about aviation safety under his leadership. Buttigieg’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including mental health considerations, was criticized by some as prioritizing ideology over operational efficiency.
Despite these setbacks, Buttigieg emphasized Democratic values like freedom and democracy at the Iowa event, urging the party to break out of liberal echo chambers. His decision to skip Michigan’s 2026 Senate and gubernatorial races further fuels speculation that he’s positioning himself for another presidential run.
We want to ask you, the reader: do you think Democrats will choose Pete Buttigieg as their 2028 candidate? Answer in our poll below and comment your thoughts on Buttigieg’s chances for another presidential campaign attempt.
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