Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, embarked on a remarkable journey in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. Initially considered a long-shot candidate, the 38-year-old Buttigieg exceeded expectations, outlasting seasoned politicians and even securing a virtual tie in the Iowa caucuses and a strong second-place finish in New Hampshire. He garnered more support than prominent figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren in the early stages, and his critiques of her policies arguably played a role in shaping the primary’s direction. However, despite this initial momentum, Buttigieg’s campaign abruptly ended. So, Why Did Pete Buttigieg Drop Out of the 2020 presidential race when he seemed to be gaining traction?
Several factors contributed to Buttigieg’s decision to withdraw from the race, primarily stemming from his performance in subsequent primaries and the shifting dynamics of the Democratic field. While he performed well in the predominantly white early states, Buttigieg struggled to gain traction in more diverse states like Nevada and South Carolina. In Nevada, he finished significantly behind Senator Bernie Sanders, and in South Carolina, he trailed far behind former Vice President Joe Biden. These results highlighted a critical weakness in Buttigieg’s candidacy: his inability to connect with minority voters, a crucial demographic within the Democratic party.
A significant issue was Buttigieg’s lack of support among Black and Latino voters. These demographics constitute a substantial portion of the Democratic electorate, over 30 percent, and their support is vital for any Democratic candidate hoping to win the nomination. Buttigieg consistently polled poorly with these groups, culminating in an estimated 3 percent of the Black vote in South Carolina. This deficiency in minority support presented a significant obstacle for Buttigieg. Without broadening his base to include these key voters, his path to the nomination became increasingly narrow, particularly as the race moved towards more diverse states.
Furthermore, Buttigieg’s overall polling numbers had plateaued nationally at around 10 or 11 percent. This stagnation indicated a limited capacity to expand his support beyond his existing base. Crucially, there was a growing concern that he would fail to reach the 15 percent threshold required to win delegates in many states and congressional districts, especially on Super Tuesday. Without a clear path to accumulating delegates and with mounting losses in key states, Buttigieg’s campaign faced a bleak outlook in terms of viability.
Beyond the immediate electoral challenges, strategic considerations within the Democratic party also played a crucial role in Buttigieg’s decision to drop out. A prevailing concern among Democratic establishment figures was the risk of a fractured center-left vote. With multiple candidates like Biden, Buttigieg, Bloomberg, and Klobuchar vying for the moderate lane, there was a fear that this division would inadvertently pave the way for Senator Bernie Sanders, a democratic socialist, to amass a significant delegate lead on Super Tuesday. Biden’s decisive victory in South Carolina, however, demonstrated his potential to unite moderate and minority voters, presenting a stronger challenge to Sanders.
Buttigieg’s withdrawal is widely viewed as a strategic move to consolidate the center-left behind Biden. By stepping aside, he effectively cleared the path for a more unified moderate front against Sanders. This decision reflects a degree of party unity and strategic coordination within the Democratic establishment, reminiscent of lessons learned from the 2016 Republican primary when a divided field allowed Donald Trump to secure the nomination. The “freakout” among some Democrats regarding the prospect of a Sanders nomination became more pronounced after Nevada, leading to increased pressure on moderate candidates to coalesce.
Finally, Buttigieg’s decision to drop out can also be viewed as a calculated long-term strategy for his own political future. At a relatively young age, he has ample time to pursue future political ambitions. By exiting the race when he did, Buttigieg garnered goodwill within the Democratic party, particularly with the Biden camp. Should Biden win the presidency, Buttigieg is well-positioned to potentially secure a prominent role in the administration, enhancing his resume and national profile. This strategic move could prove beneficial for Buttigieg in future presidential bids, solidifying his status as a rising star within the Democratic party.
In conclusion, Pete Buttigieg’s decision to drop out of the 2020 presidential race was a multifaceted one, driven by a combination of factors. His struggles to win over minority voters and expand his base, coupled with the strategic imperative to consolidate the center-left against Bernie Sanders, ultimately led to his withdrawal. While his campaign was unexpectedly successful in many respects, the electoral realities and the broader political dynamics of the Democratic primary made his continued candidacy unsustainable. However, his strategic exit may well position him for future success within the Democratic party.
