Libertarians for Mayor Pete? Maybe…

Pete Buttigieg for President?

Increasingly, Buttigieg is receiving praise even conservatives associated with the Republican Establishment™ and more enthusiastic praise from libertarians and classical liberals.

“Mayor Pete” winning over the think tank crowd should concern other Democrats running for their party’s 2020 presidential nomination.

No, Buttigieg is not a libertarian, nor a classical liberal. If anything, he’s the “least radical” of the progressives running for the highest office. Pete Buttigieg is not a moderate — he’s moderate by comparison.

I disagree with Buttigieg’s positions…

Electoral College: He suggests a popular vote, with no Electoral College. I support states selecting electors by congressional district – a simple and Constitutional adjustment.

Supreme Court: He has a complex plan for rotating terms with a larger court, similar to how district courts function. I wish we codified via Constitutional Amendment the current nine justice count, with a term limit of 24 years, starting with any new appointments.

Nuclear Option(s): He, and most Democrats, argue that Senate rules are archaic. Personally, I want to codify, via Constitutional Amendment, the very thing that people hate about the Senate: the 60-vote majority filibusters. I’d codify a “two-thirds” majority for ending debate and. As a compromise, I’d also require votes take place on all presidential appointments within 90 days — regardless of the congressional “session” calendar, which is a charade.

Single-Payer (nationalized) Healthcare: Nope. We need reform, but I prefer more market-based solutions. I would like to have “price transparency” and disclosures, for example. I support benefits for those in need and I want states to be free to experiment. Still, you cannot make people become doctors — and medicine is not the same as first-responders or teachers or other public employees. (I reject the theory there will always be people willing and able to become neurosurgeons regardless of pay.) There is already a doctor shortage in the United States (and in many European nations) that a nationalized plan might exacerbate. The solution needs to recognize the value of medical professionals.

Each of these issues is worthy of a book or two, but in the end I worry less about these issues than the “day-to-day” functioning of our governments.

Buttigieg is the anti-Trump. That’s enough for me to be interested in his campaign. I want a competent political leader in the White House. I want someone who understands the president needs to convey a personal and national image. The president represents us to the world.

I do not believe electing Buttigieg will instantly change national elections, the Supreme Court, stop the decline of the Senate, or destroy healthcare for most citizens. He appears to be a cautious, reasonable, and dedicated public servant. We need one of those.

I’d need 50,000 words to tackle something as complex as healthcare. Pete Buttigieg understands that complexity, too. He isn’t going to randomly Tweet, “Let’s close the insurance companies tomorrow!” No. That’s not his style. He would listen, debate, and discuss. He’s not a firebrand looking to force his will on everyone.

That’s exactly why Democrats need a Mayor Pete candidacy. He might embrace progressive ideals, but he respects the cautious nature of the American public. He recognizes that because we’re closely divided, the divisions feature more passion. He has a moderate personality, which matters a lot right now.

Since Republicans are likely to force a referendum on Trump, I’m simply looking for the best alternative. For now, that appears to be Buttigieg. It’s a risk, especially if the Democrats increase their power in the House and retake the Senate, but for now, I’d rather remove Trump. That’s disheartening for someone who disagrees with most Democratic policies.

The Republicans standing with Trump are destroying what it means to be a conscientious conservative. Since I already reject the social politics of the GOP, the only reason I had to consider any GOP candidate for president was economic issues. Trump is economically illiterate.

Republicans in the House and Senate, you are why I am hoping it is Mayor Pete for President.

We’re in the age of negative partisanship and voting against people. I’m against Donald Trump. The question then becomes, can I vote for the alternative? If Democrats give us Warren or Sanders… I’ll write-in Mayor Pete.