The Patriot Post® · Buttigieg Is No Moderate

With his eventual win in the Iowa Democrat caucuses, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg has suddenly risen to the top of the heap of Democrat presidential candidates heading into today’s primary in New Hampshire. And if his recent upsurge in the polls translates into votes, Buttigieg could find himself the clear frontrunner with a second victory. However, even a second-place finish in The Granite State would be enough to keep his upward momentum going as he battles Bernie Sanders.

Speaking of Sanders, the unrepentant and avowed socialist who can be credited with (or blamed for) dragging the Democrat Party to the extreme left, Buttigieg and most of the other Democrat candidates in the field have not only refused to challenge his socialist dogma but have promoted it, albeit with more politically careful language. As Joe Biden slumps in the polls, Buttigieg sees an opportunity to distance himself from Sanders by grabbing the “moderate” mantle. “With a president this divisive, we cannot risk dividing American’s future further [by] saying that you must be either for a revolution or you must be for the status quo,” Buttigieg pontificated. “Let’s make room for everybody in this movement.” Despite his “big tent” rhetoric, the fact of the matter is Buttigieg is far from moderate. His policy positions make that clear.

On abortion, Buttigieg is an absolutist and party purist. When asked recently if he thought there was room in the party for pro-life Democrats, he demurred, stating that the government should not dictate a woman’s right to choose. In other words, his answer was no.

As for Medicare for All, he once supported it but now rejects it in favor of his “Medicare for All Who Want It.” It’s a game of semantics with little policy difference, as his plan still includes a government takeover of Americans’ healthcare, just more incrementally.

On the Second Amendment, Buttigieg is seriously to the left. While he may have refused to back Beto O'Rourke’s “assault weapons” confiscation policy, he wants a national firearms registry. That’s the first step in attempting national firearm confiscation.

Economically, Buttigieg has called for raising taxes on the wealthy and the implementation of a carbon tax.

Buttigieg advocates for a massive expansion of immigration and paths to citizenship for illegal aliens currently living in the country.

In brief, while Buttigieg maybe a younger and more even-keeled candidate than Sanders, his policies are just as extreme left and dangerous to American Liberty and individual rights. What may be most troubling is that he displays an Obama-esque erudite manner that was so appealing to many Democrats. And he may just have a shot at the nomination.