And even though he's still a long-shot, I think he would make an excellent President.

His ideas are sound, and if you keep an open mind, he is experienced, though not in ways we usually consider. He took an unusual path and that has provided him with the kinds of experiences that we look for in a leader.

For instance: Being mayor in a town of about 100,000 people, where there is no city manager, means that the buck stops with him.

His service in Afghanistan brought him awareness of military issues. Has any Senator done that?

Being gay and in a gay marriage has shown him the ability of a single Supreme Court Judge to affect the happiness of millions.

And being as young as he is, and so intelligent about the issues of today, means that he gets the urgency of instituting laws to affect climate change. People his age will live with what happens in the very near future and he has the ability to see we must act now.

/s
Said as the straight guy who has had AWESOME gay bosses, mentors, and band members, with the heaviest possible sarcasm.

Exactly like the race argument in the sense that pretty much everyone but the most nutcase racists or homophobes has had an extremely competent and effective gay and/or POC co-worker or boss. Once anyone but the most mentally backward person actually interact with 'the other' lots of the barriers fall away. No one under 40 doubted that a man with dark enough skin to have been denied service a generation before could be a competent president, all of the discussion was on the bona fides and political positions.

Same for Mayor Pete. The genuine homophobes are nearly as inconsequential as the actual hood-wearing KKK members; most people vote their wallet and their common sense, and Pete is sane, rational and capable of learning and moving forward.

IOW most Americans have had a competent gay coworker or boss, that is, in my observation, what counts. A president is like an accountant, doctor, or lawyer- at the core it is 'what can you do for me' that we rightfully ask from the person who seeks out confidence.


Most of the middle doesn't care about race or sexual orientation, they care about their 401Ks, healthcare, and balancing economic realities with the health of the planet. Pete seems to get it.

I would never trash any other Democrat running for the office, they are all good Americans doing what they think best for the country But Pete is what I imagine people felt about Bobby Kennedy - "You mean we could actually elect someone *THIS* bright and forward looking?!"

He's certainly my first choice!