Fox News host Jesse Watters recently sparked a debate by bringing up Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s height as a factor seemingly diminishing his potential to become president. On his show Watters’ World, Watters suggested that Buttigieg’s stature, along with other factors, could hinder his appeal to certain voter demographics and ultimately his chances in a presidential race. This commentary has ignited discussions around the relevance of physical attributes in political candidacy and public perception.
Watters, in a segment discussing potential Democratic candidates for the 2024 election amid perceived dipping approval ratings for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, pointed towards Buttigieg as a figure some Democrats might consider. However, he quickly listed reasons why he believed Buttigieg would be a less than ideal nominee. Among these reasons, Watters explicitly mentioned Pete Buttigieg’s height. He also referenced the criticism Buttigieg faced for taking paternity leave after adopting a child with his husband, Chasten, during a period of national supply chain issues and inflation.
“The donors are looking to springboard over Kamala and throw a lot of cash behind Mayor Pete, who as you said, took a little vacation, paternity—whatever you want to call it—in the middle of a crisis. He’s also about 5′ 4″ and I don’t think Black Democrats are going to go for Mayor Pete for President,” Watters stated. He further alluded to Buttigieg’s relatively weak polling numbers among Black voters during the 2020 presidential primaries as additional evidence against his viability.
Interestingly, in response to previous discussions about Pete Buttigieg Height, particularly during his 2020 presidential campaign, reports from outlets like the Daily Dot clarified that Buttigieg’s campaign stated his height to be 5’9″. This figure contrasts with Watters’ assertion of “about 5′ 4″”, suggesting a notable discrepancy in the reported height.
Amidst this commentary, Buttigieg himself addressed the topic of potential rivalry with Vice President Kamala Harris and the broader speculation surrounding the 2024 election. In an appearance on NBC News’ Meet the Press, Buttigieg dismissed any notions of discord, emphasizing unity within the Biden administration. “She and I are part of a team that is disciplined and doesn’t focus on what’s obsessing the commentators—we’re too busy with a job to do,” he told host Chuck Todd, highlighting their collective focus on governance rather than political maneuvering.
While the next presidential election remains years away, the early discussions and analyses are underway. Watters’ remarks underscore how even seemingly unconventional factors, such as Pete Buttigieg’s height, can enter the political discourse as commentators and the public evaluate potential presidential candidates. As speculation continues around the 2024 election, particularly concerning President Biden’s plans and the field of potential Democratic candidates, these kinds of discussions are likely to persist and evolve.
