Former Vice President Joe Biden said Monday that he’d approach former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg about joining his administration, should he win the presidency.
From a local reporter in Houston:
Just finished 1 on 1 interview with @JoeBiden after his event @TexasSouthern Asked him about reports @PeteButtigieg and @amyklobuchar will endorse him tonight in #Dallas. #Biden wouldn’t confirm but did say this ⬇️ #khou11 #HtownRush pic.twitter.com/Acer6Vghul
— Marcelino Benito (@MarcelinoKHOU) March 2, 2020
“I did speak to Pete Buttigieg a couple days ago to encourage him to stay engaged because he has enormous talent,” Biden said. “And I indicated to him that if I became the nominee, I’d be coming and asking him to become part of an administration — he’d be engaged in moving things forward.”
Biden’s campaign did not immediately elaborate on which positions Biden considers Buttigieg well-suited to fill.
Buttigieg suspended his campaign Sunday evening, though he did not immediately endorse any other candidates. Some eagle-eyed reporters spotted a charted plane scheduled to travel from South Bend to Dallas, where Biden is holding a Monday night rally. The Buttigieg campaign did not respond to requests for confirmation that the former mayor is making the trip, though multiple reports confirm that Buttigieg is planning a Biden endorsement.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who ended her campaign Monday, is definitely headed to Dallas to endorse Biden at the campaign event. Biden called Klobuchar a “great talent” as well.
Pete would be asset anywhere but I can see him being especially useful as VA Secretary. On the other hand, he might want to seek statewide office (Senate/House) to be more visible. As someone who is a Vet and desperately wants a VA Secretary who is smart and effective, he would be awesome. I don’t think there is anything wrong with Biden signaling that he wants his team of rivals to help him out. Meanwhile, Bernie jabs his finger at the world.
It’s certainly good politics on Biden’s part. I think a lower-key role (you know, not State or Defense) might be a good next rung on the ladder for Bu
ddttegieg. There’s no denying he’s smart and talented.I am all in on any Avenger’s Assemble moment that could happen behind a candidate. There was plenty of talent amongst the challengers even if very few stood out in comparison with the others.
I agree. I think the party should be proud of this herd, from those who started way back to those who are standing. I would love to see Harris and Booker and others entering the Cabinet. The President is one person. He/she needs a really really good Cabinet. Obama’s Cabinet was really good and they stuck around for much of his two terms.
And just like Obama’s pick of HRC for SecState, Biden will HAVE to pick some from the Warren/Sanders/AOC side of the party to have ANY chance of defeating Trump in the general.