After months of speculation, Pete Buttigieg – the 37-year-old mayor of South Bend, Indiana – has announced his candidacy for president of the United States.
I just announced I'm running for president of the United States. Join in and donate if you can. It's going to be an… https://t.co/vzmp7XHfm4— Pete Buttigieg (@Pete Buttigieg) 1555276755
Were he to win the Democratic ticket, and eventually the election, he would make history on a number of fronts, becoming the youngest ever president as well as the first to be openly gay.
Buttigieg – otherwise known as “Mayor Pete” – said in his speech that he recognised “the audacity of doing this as a Midwestern millennial mayor”, and that his bid to become president was “more than a little bold”.
But his announcement was met with overwhelming support from voters, who are excited to see a new name among the current Democratic frontrunners, which include Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris.
Many praised his speech, calling it “phenomenal”, “inspirational” and “refreshing”.
@PeteButtigieg It was amazing meeting you and hearing your speech! Phenomenal!— Daniel Enrique (@Daniel Enrique) 1555276992
@PeteButtigieg Thank you for that inspirational speech Mayor Pete!! I am so incredibly proud to support your run f… https://t.co/hhl9QfG4x1— Bill Godwin (@Bill Godwin) 1555306370
@PeteButtigieg My 16yr daughter and I got chills listening to your speech. ♥️ from 🇨🇦— n walia (@n walia) 1555277109
Even Ellen DeGeneres tweeted her support:
These words make me very, very happy. “My name is @PeteButtigieg. They call me Mayor Pete. I am a proud son of So… https://t.co/nKn0aRTATw— Ellen DeGeneres (@Ellen DeGeneres) 1555270608
Others compared him to beloved Game Of Thrones character Jon Snow, and said his announcement was “better than Coachella”.
@PeteButtigieg This guy !!! Smart, honest, real, curious, genuine. He is the one to watch. He is Jon Snow. https://t.co/wEKsIXqpWh— Sandra(fully vaccinated) Beggs (@Sandra(fully vaccinated) Beggs) 1555292313
My feed today is filled with @PeteButtigieg, coachella, and Game of Thrones. The only one I’m even mildly intereste… https://t.co/Lr5WdgW0sg— mar (@mar) 1555306155
Post about coachella? Next. Post about GOT? Next. Post about @PeteButtigieg? https://t.co/kPACRfHIE1— an artisanal gay ⚫️ (@an artisanal gay ⚫️) 1555295518
Supporters were emotional to see Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, kiss on stage, after the presidential hopeful said he imagined going back in time to tell his closeted teenage self that "on that day he announces his campaign for president, he’ll do it with his husband looking on".
I love this photo of Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chasten Glezman. It sends a powerful message to every gay kid i… https://t.co/U4S3tHingc— Tom Knight (@Tom Knight) 1555320598
Such a touching moment between Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chasten. Seeing a gay couple have a legit shot at occ… https://t.co/KAkQHZjRiJ— Adam Best (@Adam Best) 1555273561
Tears in my eyes, and chills. I dreamed this day might come day but not this soon. Lets make history. 🏳️🌈 https://t.co/d7U7rPKm2s— James Duke Mason (@James Duke Mason) 1555271632
To see a man running for president of the United States, announce his candidacy and kiss his husband on stage feels… https://t.co/q2WCuSxaS7— J Λ M Ξ S (@J Λ M Ξ S) 1555311736
Chasten Buttigieg is something of a social media celebrity himself, and recently blew up Twitter after Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk offered to help him find an outfit.
He revealed that his husband wrote the launch speech himself that morning, and – perhaps most impressively – without so much as a cup of coffee, as he’d given it up for lent.
Today was unreal. But what I am even more blown away by is that this morning my husband woke up early, fed the dogs… https://t.co/xoqGjyxfl9— Chasten Buttigieg (@Chasten Buttigieg) 1555289521
And people are putting their money where their tweets are, promising to donate to his campaign and encouraging others to do so too.
@PeteButtigieg $25 donation and a recurring $10. That speech was well worth every penny.— db63 (@db63) 1555277347
@PeteButtigieg I don’t have much to spare but I know my $3 donation will help! #PeteForAmerica #PeteButtigieg2020— Lauren (@Lauren) 1555276831
@PeteButtigieg $10 monthly recurring donation set up just now! Go Mayor Pete!— Chase Teeples (@Chase Teeples) 1555276923
@PeteButtigieg TAKE IT! https://t.co/svGle3tKqC— 🗽New Yorkers for Pete! 🐝 (@🗽New Yorkers for Pete! 🐝) 1555276834
@PeteButtigieg First time I’ve ever donated to a campaign you are inspiring and your speech made me tear up at times. Pete 2020— Mark Corcoran (@Mark Corcoran) 1555277200
@PeteButtigieg First time ever contributing to a presidential candidate. No matter what happens with your run, plea… https://t.co/i9VNlvC528— Vintage Millennial (@Vintage Millennial) 1555292265
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