The second round of Democratic presidential debates occurred Tuesday night. During the course of the evening—where moderators and candidates were admonished for using Republican talking points—Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg issued a message to the GOP members of Congress.
Looking into the camera, the South Bend mayor said for any Republican congressional member watching:
"Consider the fact that when the sun sets on your career ... the thing you will be remembered for is whether in this moment, with this President, you found the courage to stand up to him or you continued to put party over country."
Watch his remarks here.
Buttigieg to Republican members of Congress: "Consider the fact that when the sun sets on your career ... the thing… https://t.co/Dq1AneFEXG— Aaron Rupar (@Aaron Rupar) 1564543673.0
People found the assessment to be spot on.
@atrupar Buttigieg took control of the narrative and brought it back where it belonged, spotlighting the cowardice of the GOP!— maerme (@maerme) 1564543805.0
@atrupar @PeteButtigieg right on target. Made lasting positive impression.— Shiela Perla (@Shiela Perla) 1564544050.0
@atrupar I almost jumped out of my chair & cheered when he said that.— Not Christine (@Not Christine) 1564544137.0
@NotChristine2 @atrupar Me too! He's got calm confidence. When he ended with a call-out to Republicans in Congress...wow. Powerful truth.— Mel Decker (@Mel Decker) 1564553991.0
@atrupar Favorite line of the night. Seems glaring obvious and yet needs to be said now more than ever.— Bad Idea Jeans (@Bad Idea Jeans) 1564544117.0
While some assessed Buttigieg's chances in the primaries.
@atrupar He is the MAN.....So far, Pete has my vote....so far!— Ran_Mann (@Ran_Mann) 1564582184.0
@janneypanet @atrupar @Aprilj33858822 @ewarren I'm a Never Trump Republican, so Warren isn't my first choice at all… https://t.co/RGvJkoIg3B— Clay Ranck (@Clay Ranck) 1564568574.0
@atrupar Yes yes yes. He won't win but he is the man.... In awe of his intellect and integrity.— Rachel (@Rachel) 1564544021.0
@atrupar The dude did good tonight.— Todd Poirier (@Todd Poirier) 1564545190.0
@atrupar @ESB521 This was great 👍 https://t.co/xnqXHHWqFQ— Tere (@Tere) 1564551806.0
@aquacatehs @atrupar @PeteButtigieg Agree!— Mel Decker (@Mel Decker) 1564554227.0
Some noted Buttigieg had a specific valuable skill.
@atrupar No one confronts political and religious hypocrisy quite as effectively as Buttigieg.— Baron Brady (@Baron Brady) 1564548779.0
@BradyBaron @atrupar Yes indeed https://t.co/6rI9KuWlJw— Tere (@Tere) 1564551902.0
Others thought the intended audience was impervious to criticism.
@atrupar Wonderful words but you can't shame these people. They don't care. Not even a little bit.— Denise Tate (@Denise Tate) 1564545021.0
@atrupar Yeah pretty sure that’s going to fall on deaf ears.— Andy (@Andy) 1564543775.0
While some reflected on what they thought Trump and GOP strategy for 2020 would be based on recent statements, tweets and actions by the POTUS.
@atrupar The answer seems pretty clear -- they gon racist it up and call anyone who complains a racist. So stupid… https://t.co/GLGiqIxXi5— FuriousA (@FuriousA) 1564544373.0
The second group of Democratic candidates take the stage Wednesday night. The 2020 presidential election is 460 days away as of Wednesday, July 31.
To learn more about Pete Buttigieg, his book Shortest Way Home: One Mayor's Challenge and a Model for America's Future is available here.