While the Iowa caucuses were a mess, there is no denying that Pete Buttigieg shined in the state. Final results aren’t in yet, but the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana is currently in the lead. With 71% of precincts reporting, he tops the other candidates with almost 26.8% of the vote. The significance of this lead hasn’t been lost on the 38-year-old. The Des Moines Register writes:
The candidate known for his unflappability but criticized for not showing more emotion, let his heart show Tuesday.
Relaying to New Hampshire voters the breaking news that he is leading in Iowa caucus returns, Buttigieg choked up when describing the significance of that for gay people and others who have felt excluded from society.
Buttigieg remarked:
We can reach out to democrats and to independents and to even some future former republicans ready to bring some change to this country.
Mayor @PeteButtigieg chokes up in (possible) Iowa victory speech: “It validates for a kid somewhere in a community wondering if he belongs or she belongs or THEY belong in their own family, that if you believe in yourself and your country, there is a lot backing up the belief.” pic.twitter.com/hFIL6IdgLc
— Matt Wilstein (@mattwilstein) February 4, 2020
Hey guys —
An openly gay man may be on the cusp of winning the Iowa caucuses.
If that doesn't move you, get some gay friends.
This is historic.
— Zac Petkanas (@Zac_Petkanas) February 4, 2020
While it’s common knowledge that Buttigieg is gay, it seems it was news to one caucus voter. Take a look at how this precinct captain for the Pete Buttigieg campaign handled this situation.
WATCH: This Iowa caucus-goer asked to change her vote after learning for the first time that Mayor Pete is gay. One of the candidate's precinct captains is now being praised for keeping her cool while speaking to the shocked woman. https://t.co/eD1FaynA3J pic.twitter.com/C8BswC3s08
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 4, 2020
