Mayor Pete Buttigieg is learning the hard way that being a presidential frontrunner doesn’t mean he automatically secures the support of his own constituents – and that he may even have to work harder at winning their 2020 vote. It’s especially true when dealing with race and inequalities in law enforcement.
The married out and proud mayor of South Bend, Indiana delivered an emotional speech at a town hall meeting Sunday and was met with a tense heckling crowd. The town hall meeting was meant to discuss the fatal shooting of a black man by a white police officer that occurred approximately one week ago.
When asked about the failure of body cameras on police officers during the attack, Mayor Pete claimed responsibility.
“If anybody is trying to figure out who to hold responsible, the administration bought the technology, hired the officer and wrote the policy,” he said. “So at the end of the day, I’m responsible.”
Presidential hopeful or not, Mayor Pete’s loyalties were held up to the fire Sunday. Would he play the top-tier presidential candidate role? Or would he be the mayor voted into office in Indiana? Could he do both?