Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegBillionaire who donated to Trump in 2016 donates to Biden The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - GOP closes ranks to fill SCOTUS vacancy by November Buttigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice MORE said voting for President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE "at best means looking the other way on racism."

"Is it racist to vote for Trump?" CNN's Jake Tapper Jacob (Jake) Paul TapperThe media's misleading use of COVID-19 data Julia Louis-Dreyfus: 'We can't spend much time grieving' Ginsburg Pence aide dismisses concerns rushed vote on Trump nominee will hurt vulnerable senators MORE asked the South Bend., Ind., mayor on Sunday.

"Well, at best, it means looking the other way on racism. But I think a lot of people are wondering what kind of deal even that is supposed to be," Buttigieg replied.

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He stopped short of calling anyone who votes for Trump racist.

Buttigieg's comments come days after Trump told voters at a New Hampshire rally they "have no choice" but to vote for him in 2020.

"If you look at the numbers, basically, what he's saying is, all right, I want you to look the other way on the racism, tolerate the negativity, accept the instability of my administration, because I am going to deliver for you job growth almost as good as the Obama years," Buttigieg said.

"That's what his argument amounts to right now. And it's part of the reason why he's unpopular.”

Buttigieg has previously called Trump a white nationalist.