Pete Buttigieg thanks Joe Biden for ‘making his marriage possible’ in heartfelt Democratic convention speech
Pete Buttigieg speaking at the Democratic National Convention. (YouTube)
Pete Buttigieg came out swinging for Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention, touching on the presidential candidate’s history of supporting LGBT+ rights.
Buttigieg stood on the spot where he married husband Chasten Buttigieg to rally behind his fellow Democrat, explaining how the “political courage” of lawmakers such as Biden has impacted his own life.
“I believe in this country because America, uniquely, holds the promise of a place where everyone can belong,” he said Thursday night (August 20).
“We know that for too many and for too long, that promise has gone unrealised. But we also know America has been at its best whenever we make that circle of belonging wider.”
Sharing his own story, he continued: “For me, it’s personal. Just over 10 years ago, I joined a military where firing me because of who I am wasn’t just possible — it was policy. Now in 2020, it is unlawful in America to fire anyone because of who they are or who they love.
“The very ring on my finger — a wedding we celebrated right where I’m standing — reflects how this country can change.
‘Love makes my marriage real, but political courage made it possible — including that of Joe Biden, who stepped out ahead of even this party when he said that marriage equality should be the law of the land.”
Pete Buttigieg ‘proudly supports’ Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Buttigieg, the former South Bend, Indiana mayor who challenged Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination, asked Democrats to look at the advances made between 2010 and 2020, and “imagine what 2030 could look like”.
“Joe Biden is right: this is a contest for the soul of the nation. And to me, that contest is not between good Americans and evil Americans. It’s the struggle to call out what is good — what is best — in every American.”
Buttigieg positioned the election as a chance for America to “live up to the truth that Black Lives Matter”.
In a thinly-veiled criticism of Donald Trump, he asked whether voters would allow “questions of science and medicine” to be solved “by turning to scientists and doctors”.
“I trust Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to guide this nation toward that better future, because I have seen their commitment, and their empathy, up close,” he continued.
“And I trust the capacity of America to grow more inclusive, because I have lived it.
“The day I was born, close to where I’m standing, here in South Bend, the idea of an ‘out’ candidate seeking any federal office at all was laughable.
“Yet earlier this year I campaigned for the presidency, often with my husband at my side, winning delegates to this very convention.
“Now, I proudly support Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.”
