It was Saturday, April 18, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a state so red that it hasn’t voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964. (When I was growing up in OK it was called the buckle on the Bible Belt.) Nevertheless, the reception at Will Rogers High School was warm and enthusiastic. There was a full house of 2000 attendees and a line stretching around the building and down the road. Audio was piped into an overflow auditorium.
Pete Buttigieg was speaking, one of a number of stops he’s scheduled ahead of the November midterms, and I wish I could have been there. The man is personable, articulate, well-mannered, well-informed … he represents everything this country should be, and used to be. And he gives me hope that it can be again.
My alter ego, MR, sent me this video; otherwise I probably would have missed it. She’s an Aussie, but I’d swear she stays more up to date on American politics than I do. Maybe that’s because Washington often has me hiding under my bed while she’s watching from a safe distance of 8,000 miles or so.
(Correction: Attendance figures corrected after further research)

And that’s the truth of it, Colorado: I can wax wroth as much as any American, but the dangers and the general hideousness of the orange murderer and his cohorts can’t affect me directly. The worst that happens to me is sky-rocketing prices, thanks to his war-games-playing (I think that’s how he sees it). Whereas all of you must shake and shudder while wondering what next piece of devilment he is about to do to you …
I greatly admire and like Pete ! – and Ossof’s on my list, as well as Walz (yes, still !)
Is it true that Raskin has cancer ? … ah, he’s in remission. Brave bloke.
Can’t honestly figure out Massie (sudden switch noted ? [grin]) because he seems good for a while and then fades.
Life seems a little better since you lost the brassy blonde AG with her bitchy expression.
The only way to go was up. Bondi’s behavior and attitude during that last Senate hearing, or whatever it was, was absolutely outrageous.
I’m moving on from Walz. Reminds me too much of Kamala and her campaign. I really hope she doesn’t run again. Don’t much care for Newsom either but couldn’t say why exactly. I’ve been impressed with Josh Shapiro and have always like Cory Booker. But I’m still focused more on the Colorado race for governor and my district representative, currently a Republican.
I’ve always liked Pete, but also Osoff. Either would make a great president. And I’m sorry to say that this country doesn’t seem ready for a female president.
If you see this in time, I just read that Pete is going to be on with Stephen Colbert tonight
love him so much, my favorite. named Pete the Cat after him
Awww , did you really? That’s so cool!!
I too like Pete, but homophobic is an unfortunate factor in today’s America. Wish we could bring back Barry. Agree on Kamala, never saw the substance.
Yes, I’m afraid both homophobia and sexism still abound in our society and will continue to influence our elections for some time. Not to mention antisemitism, islamophobia, racism, ageism, xenophobia, etc., ad nauseam. Nevertheless, Pete displays all the characteristics I’d like to see in our president, whoever it might be.