I am a lifelong atheist. While I support people’s right to believe and worship how they choose, I would be happy to see all supernatural-based religions go the way of the dodo bird. I get creeped out by references to miracles or the notion of received scripture. I cringe every time I hear a politician say “God bless America.” While the “nones” are on the rise, it can’t happen fast enough for me.

With all that in mind, I fully support Mayor Pete Buttigieg. I’m not saying he’s my final choice—I would still rather see Warren get the nomination. But I love the way he talks about the issues in a value-laden, “common sense” way. He deftly sidesteps conservative framing and pivots to reinforcing progressive frames (George Lakoff would be proud). While Mayor Pete hasn’t yet absorbed the gravitas of Obama, I do believe he has surpassed him in the ability to “sell” progressive ideas. Regardless of the outcome, his candidacy will greatly benefit the Democratic party.

Obviously a big part of his candidacy is his Christian faith. I do not like religious faith in any form. But I appreciate how he talks about it and uses it to support his values. I also understand that, as much as I would like religion completely gone from the public sphere, right now my opinion is in the minority. Most Americans trust people more if they espouse religious adhesion. That’s a fact.

No, Buttigieg will never get more than a sliver of the evangelical vote. But he doesn’t need to. That demographic is rapidly declining into political insignificance. What he needs to do is inspire enough people to get primary votes in the South and, if lucky, enough to get a purple state or two below the Mason-Dixon.

No, I don’t like that it’s necessary. But I think it might be, at least for a little while longer. And if that’s the case, Buttigieg does it as well as anyone could.