Can young black voters save Mayor Pete?

Columbia, S.C. — The premise for the event was straightforward enough: South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg was set to join a group of volunteers and potential voters celebrating homecoming at Allen University, a historically black college in Columbia, S.C. The setting, too, was prime for mingling: The sprawling, green lawn of the Charles W. Johnson Stadium was expansive, large enough to pack several dozens of guests.

Jeffrey said his coach told them to “stop by.” It was 12:08 p.m. Jeffrey and his friends were some of the first in line to get food. But during his brief statement, Buttigieg did mention the importance of coalition-building, especially with young people: “I hope folks here get to know each other,” said Buttigieg. “We are building community and the community we are building here is part of the relationships that are going to help us win South Carolina, move on to the nomination and replace this president with something that is dramatically better.

Yet that question makes a few assumptions, one being that the black voting block is homogeneous, acting in lock step despite major differences in geography, socioeconomic status and age. Data suggests that assumption is less than impregnable. There’s “potential fluidity” with many young voters, according to John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Harvard Institute of Politics, which specializes in data collection for voters under 30. One example Volpe found is among young supporters of Sen.

Arielle Brandy, a 29-year-old black woman from South Bend, joined Buttigieg to campaign on his behalf at the October cookout, said that coalition building at HBCUs was a “top priority” for the campaign and that homophobia was likely not a barrier for black voters. Offline mobilization efforts are in the works in South Carolina, too, where two dozen volunteers work with their early state team beyond homecoming season at events like debate watch parties to keep the relationship afloat.

During the same debate, Buttigieg addressed the criticism, saying that while he has no experience being a person of color, he’s had the experience of “sometimes feeling like a stranger in my own country” due to his sexuality, a rebuttal that California Sen. Kamala Harris later told reporters was “naive” and “not productive.”

Some criticism is less pop-culture infused. A photo posted to Twitter by Buttigieg’s husband Chasten from Tulane University in New Orleans, a majority black city, was quickly castigated on Twitter for reflecting a lack of diversity.

blrshepherd Nope. Mayor Pete hitched his wagons to white racist cops in his past. Blacks won't forget or forgive that.

blrshepherd Well they could keep him in the Mayors seat in South Bend

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Presidential hopeful Mayor Pete wants older Americans to age with dignity — here’s his planAn American couple retiring at age 65 this year could expect to spend $280k+ in retirement on health bills. We don't have that much money! What kinda example is this. Its only for filthy rich! Because the Boomers haven't taken enough When we get old, the most valuable asset is not the stuff we have, but good health. This affects everybody, no exceptions.
Source: MarketWatch - 🏆 3. / 97 Read more »

Pete Buttigieg confronts his existential problem: Courting black votersAfter jumping to a commanding position in Iowa and improving his chances in New Hampshire, Pete Buttigieg is confronting the real possibility that his inability to win over black voters could thwart his rise No chance The next time you might wanna listen......... You thought they were gonna roll with you because you're gay.............. No no no no no no no no no no that was your decision Are we looking at this correctly? Maybe minorities don’t like homosexuals? I ask because it would seem on the surface that Pete is like any other Dem they’d vote for.
Source: CNN - 🏆 4. / 95 Read more »

First on CNN: Pete Buttigieg nabs endorsement from New York Rep. Kathleen RiceNew York Rep. Kathleen Rice is backing Pete Buttigieg for president, she told CNN, giving the South Bend, Indiana, mayor his third congressional endorsement. 😂😂😂 Another exposed Dem who will be voted out in 2020 Okay, we got a woman...can we get a Black and Hispanic Congressperson to back him too?
Source: CNN - 🏆 4. / 95 Read more »

Kaia Gerber and Pete Davidson Are Now Kissing in PublicNo more hiding.
Source: ELLE Magazine (US) - 🏆 472. / 51 Read more »

These Photos of Pete Davidson & Kaia Gerber Making Out Poolside Are…A LotThe new couple was spotted making out poolside... and it's a lot.
Source: StyleCaster - 🏆 104. / 63 Read more »

Pete Buttigieg has a big new plan to shake up the retirement systemSouth Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg has released one of the most detailed retirement plans so far from a 2020 contender
Source: YahooNews - 🏆 380. / 59 Read more »