Why the Media May Be Overestimating Pete Buttigieg

[Gothmog]

DU and the media do not represent the base of the Democratic Party. Right now, I agree with Harry Enten's analysis https://politicalwire.com/2019/04/17/why-the-media-may-be-overestimating-pete-buttigieg/

“The problem for reporters is that even the best one’s opinions about the horserace are shaped by the environment surrounding them. This is especially the case early in primaries, because polling is far less predictive than it is in general elections. The people who surround national media reporters are right in Buttigieg’s wheelhouse.”

“Buttigieg does best among wealthier Democrats…. The national media tends to live in the wealthiest areas… Buttigieg also seems to be doing his best among white Democrats… The media can have a blind spot when a Democratic candidate has a ‘diversity’ problem.”

“In some ways, the media is dealing with the opposite problem that they did in the 2016 Republican primary. The national media were then dealing with a candidate, Donald Trump, who appealed to people who were very different than the people working in the media and who they lived among. Specifically, Trump’s support came from those without college degrees.”

[murielm99]

1. They author may have a point.

I will stick with Pete for now.

[BannonsLiver]

7. There's no rush either way

DUers are super motivated about the election which sort of gives it an imminent feel sometimes. In reality we’ve all got plenty of time to learn more about the candidates.

[FreeState]

2. Couple things that stand out with the assessment of the article

“Buttigieg does best among wealthier Democrats…."

At this point in the primary this is true of most previously unknown candidates. This is because wealthier people have time and resource to be aware of whom he is (or any candidate for that matter). This will change as time goes on and people get a chance to know the candidates.

The national media tends to live in the wealthiest areas… "

Yep, also true for every candidate.

Buttigieg also seems to be doing his best among white Democrats… "

See point above about wealthy Democrats and name recognition at this point of the cycle. Same issues with this statement.

The media can have a blind spot when a Democratic candidate has a ‘diversity’ problem.”

The article didn't prove to me that he has a 'diversity' problem.

[Indygram]

4. He says he has a diversity problem

He is not doing well with African Americans. CNN was playing a clip of him saying it's a weakness.

[SWBTATTReg]

3. I think its too early to over or underestimate any candidates at this point in time, other ...

than rump of course. rump is going to still be the gutter mouth of repug politics, so we already know this, thus, we should act accordingly (like we have been, outrage at his stupid utterings, etc.

One point, I thought South Bend Indiana was a mixture of voters, not just wealthier democrats (won w/ 80% of the vote)? Perhaps I misheard.

[elleng]

5. Yes, it is.

South Bend Demographics. The population of South Bend was estimated to be over 101,000 in 2016. ... According to census data, 60.5% of the population is white, 26.6% is black, 1.3% is Asian, 4.2% are mixed, and 13% are Hispanic or Latino. There are more female residents than males, making up 51.6% of the total population.

[SWBTATTReg]

8. Thanks so much. I also wondered where the article came up w/ the ...

'wealthier democrats' remarks, and the remark came from the CNN article itself citing 3 polls or thereabouts.

Take care and thanks!

[elleng]

9. You're welcome. Here's cite:

http://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/south-bend-population/

[SWBTATTReg]

10. Neat! I'll keep as a quickie reference in the future. Always am going back/forth w/ facts etc. ...

so very handy and helpful! Take care!

[ecstatic]

6. I didn't want to like Pete. He started off as an eye roll for me.

He was someone I'd never heard of entering the race of 50+ democrats. I ended up hearing him talk--I think on CNN? Not even sure. He quickly caught my attention, which is very hard to do when I'm multitasking. I thought, "Damn. I like this guy. But he doesn't have a chance. Next!" Besides, I already had my favorite, top choices.

A couple weeks later, his name is everywhere. Apparently, other people had the same initial reaction to him that I did. His ability to connect with people of all stripes is almost supernatural.

[left-of-center2012]

11. Those in front of the pack always get attacked.

Those in the back have to claw their way to the top.

That why these attacks against Biden,
and now Pete.