What People Are Saying About Pete Buttigieg’s Liberty and Justice Celebration Speech
“Obama-esque … That’s What You Want A LJ19 Speech To Do … Buttigieg Had The Largest Presence … Really Exceeded Expectations … Huge Crowd, You Could See His Organization ... The Mayor Pete Supporters Are A Force Out Here … Echoes Obama … Speech Highlighted The Newfound Power for Buttigieg's Growing Organization in Iowa ... A Voice of A New Generation Reminiscent of President Obama … Buttigieg Has Come Closest To The 2007 Obama Standard”
CNN: Pete Buttigieg touted himself as the most electable Democrat in the 2020 presidential field on Friday, delivering an optimistic speech that cast himself as the person who can best person unify the country after President Donald Trump leaves office. Beyond the words, though, the speech notably highlighted the newfound power for Buttigieg's growing organization in Iowa. As the South Bend, Indiana, mayor spoke on Friday night, hundreds of Buttigieg's supporters sporting yellow shirts emblazoned with "PETE" roared during lulls in the speech. Some had block lettering that read "Boot Edge Edge."
Mark McKinnon on CNN: “Pete Buttigieg really exceeded expectations -- huge crowd, first of all, turned out for him, so you could see his organization. But also, a very compelling speech -- reminiscent of Obama. He is having a moment here for sure.”
NPR: Buttigieg was the first candidate to take the stage, with the 37-year-old casting himself as both a voice of a new generation reminiscent of President Obama that could also bring back a sense of calm and order to the Oval Office.
The Gazette: Buttigieg … offered a message of optimism and unification. He said it is important for Democrats to think about not only who can defeat Trump, but who can lead a politically divided nation.
Washington Examiner: 2020 Democrat Pete Buttigieg called for generational change as his campaign surges in Iowa, evoking the image of another candidate once considered too inexperienced for the White House: former President Barack Obama.
Associated Press: Buttigieg had the largest presence, snapping up thousands of seats for supporters that included an overflow room.
Des Moines Register: Mayor Pete Buttigieg's … supporters wore wristbands that lit up in unison as they applauded throughout the speeches.
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Douglas W. Burns @douglaswburns: @PeteButtigieg speech tonight was Obama-esque. Aspirational and delivered with rare intelligence. He owned the arena in way that reminded me of Obama in 2007. Marker down for generational change with a midwestern heart. Will be hard to top tonight #LibertyJusticeCelebration
DJ Judd @DJJudd: Pete Buttigieg has a truly impressive group of supporters at tonight’s IDP L&J dinner— they’ve got a full corner of the arena, where they’ve got a “BOOT EDGE EDGE” sign that spans three stadium levels, lest anyone is still in the dark on the pronunciation of “Buttigieg.”
Tyler Jett @LetsJett: The Mayor Pete supporters are a force out here. He’s Alabama football right now.
Dave Weigel @daveweigel: So far, Buttigieg has come closest to the 2007 Obama standard, Biden stuck to an energized stump speech, and Warren brought new between-the-lines contrasts: "I’m not running some consultant-driven campaign, with some vague ideas designed not to offend anyone."
Jennifer Palmieri @jmpalmieri: Tight rationale for his candidacy and potential presidency that will “launch an era that must come next.” That’s what you want a #LJ19 speech to do.
David Catanese @davecatanese: It's Warren and Buttigieg's night. They drew the clearest arguments and pointedly framed what the homestretch of 2020 Democratic primary will be about. Big, gutsy progressive change vs. hope, unity and the art of the possible.
