Pete Buttigieg participated in a Fox News town hall on Sunday, seeking to reach disaffected moderates and “future former Republicans” ahead of the Iowa caucuses. During the broadcast, the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor addressed questions regarding his qualifications, his standing with Black voters, and his ability to defeat President Donald Trump in the general election.
The appearance took place as Buttigieg competed for support in Iowa against fellow Democratic candidates Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren. Buttigieg framed his candidacy as an opportunity to unify the country, telling the audience that those who have difficulty explaining the current presidency to their children have a choice in the upcoming election.
When questioned by moderator Chris Wallace about his experience level, Buttigieg stated that while he lacked many years in Washington, governing a city provided the practical perspective needed in the capital. He also acknowledged his low polling among African American voters, noting that he had only had eight months to introduce himself compared to opponents who have spent decades in public life.
During the town hall, an anti-abortion Democrat asked if the party would soften its platform to be more inclusive. Buttigieg responded that while he respected her position, he remained pro-choice, arguing that the individual woman should be the one to "draw the line" on the decision. The questioner did not applaud the response.
The scale of this outreach effort is reflected in Buttigieg's campaign tactics, including a digital advertisement highlighting 31 Iowa counties that shifted from voting for Barack Obama to Donald Trump in 2016. By targeting rural areas like Storm Lake, which has a population of approximately 10,000, Buttigieg is attempting to build a coalition outside of the state’s major urban centers. Success or failure in these regions will impact his delegate count and his standing against rivals like Joe Biden, who maintains a strong lead with Black voters.
The results of the caucuses will dictate whether Buttigieg’s "go-everywhere" strategy translates into support. The outcome will also serve as a test case for whether Democratic primary voters prioritize traditional Washington experience or a "completely different" approach from a younger candidate. Following the Iowa results, the focus will shift to other early-voting states like South Carolina, where Buttigieg must improve his standing among diverse voter blocs.
What happens next: The Iowa caucuses are scheduled for Feb. 3, where registered Democrats will gather to select their preferred candidate. This will be followed by further primary contests across the United States. Buttigieg and his rivals will continue to campaign in early states to secure delegates ahead of the Democratic National Convention.