Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg characterized the GOP’s reaction to Vice President Harris’s pick of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as disoriented and ineffective, dismissing the criticism aimed at the Democratic ticket. In an appearance on MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki,” Buttigieg argued that Republicans are struggling to adapt to a campaign focused on collective rather than individual interests.
Republicans quickly criticized Harris for choosing Walz, with former President Trump’s campaign disparaging him as “far left” and a “West Coast wannabe.” Buttigieg contended that such attacks are a routine response, stating that similar criticisms would be leveled against any Democrat. He noted that even centrist Democrats like Sen. Joe Manchin would face identical accusations.
Pete Buttigieg noted that Trump struggled to maintain a consistent national message in the wake of the failed assassination attempt
Buttigieg also highlighted Trump’s failure to maintain a unified national message following a failed assassination attempt. Trump’s brief call for unity dissipated, especially after President Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed Harris.
Buttigieg contrasted this with Harris’s measured reaction to Trump’s racially charged comments at the National Association for Black Journalists (NABJ) convention, suggesting that Harris effectively refocused attention on her campaign’s core messages.
Walz emerged as an unexpected candidate with national prominence after branding Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), as “weird.” Buttigieg, who was once a potential running mate for Harris, advised the campaign to remain focused and not be sidetracked by GOP efforts to generate controversy. He anticipated that such divisive tactics would fail to resonate because they lack credibility and people are growing weary of such strategies.
