Mayor Pete Buttigieg will help heal a very divided country

Since I founded San Diego for Pete Buttigieg in March 2019, I’ve been asked over and over again, “why Pete?” Friends, family, strangers who see my buttons — everyone wants to know what it is about this young mayor from the Midwest that has inspired me so much.

I have many answers to this question. Some are more expected, such as his executive experience as mayor of a Midwestern city or his character or his military service in Afghanistan. I could list off his policies and why I believe they are the most practical way to achieve real progress. But I have found that the most persuasive answers are much more personal, reaching to the core of why I connected with Pete and his message so strongly last year, and why that connection has never wavered.

When I first heard Pete speak, it was on a popular political podcast. I wasn’t planning on paying attention. After all, he was the longest of long shots, with no chance at winning the presidency. Imagine my shock when I heard this mayor of a small city talking about things that were incredibly important to me, things that I had never heard any other Democrat talk about. Things like freedom and patriotism and faith — long co-opted by Republicans — and how they fit with progressive ideas. I was immediately taken back to my days at the Air Force Academy, when I often found myself the sole liberal voice in a sea of conservatism, arguing why my values should be welcomed in the military.


The moment that podcast ended, I began to look for ways I could help elevate this man’s vision, which is what led me to found San Diego for Pete. He understands that the values that unite us are much stronger than policies that divide us, and that the way forward is not to give into anger and hatred of fellow Americans but to find what we have in common and build on that foundation.

The sense of belonging I have found by volunteering for this campaign has changed my life. If you see us waving signs on a corner or one of us knocks on your door in the coming days, rest assured that we are doing so with joy in our hearts. Pete Buttigieg’s campaign has brought out so many happy warriors, and his unifying message of hope is why I wholeheartedly endorse him for president.

McNew is co-founder of San Diego for Pete Buttigieg and an Air Force veteran.

