South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg is defending his appearance on a Fox News Sunday night saying, “Fox News Town Hall tonight shows that we can connect with people anywhere while standing firm on our values.” The Democratic presidential candidate used the appearance to lay out his platform to an audience that may not know much about him. He also wasn’t shy about criticizing two of the network’s stars, Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham.
Even though some of these hosts are not always there in good faith, I think a lot of people tune into this network in good faith.
Whether it’s going on Fox or going into places where Democrats haven’t been seen much, we have to find people where they are–not change our values. pic.twitter.com/xNHoD0uzE4
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) May 20, 2019
Many of those who watched the town hall, are giving Buttigieg high marks.
"I've seen the future of the Democratic Party, and it's Mayor Pete." — @JoeNBC commenting on Pete Buttigieg's Fox News town hall and referencing rock critic Jon Landau's assessment of Bruce Springsteen in 1974. https://t.co/oAWU5WV3SA pic.twitter.com/KSNmc0KtnU
— Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) May 20, 2019
While I'm not endorsing anyone in the Democratic primary, I have to say, candidly, that @PeteButtigieg *consistently* gives the most empathetic, articulate, and erudite answers on every question of policy or morality. Whatever happens in the primaries, he's a generational talent.
— Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) May 20, 2019
It looks like Buttigieg did have at least one critic watching though. By our count, we believe this is the first time Donald Trump has mentioned the Mayor on Twitter.
….who got them there. Chris Wallace said, “I actually think, whether you like his opinions or not, that Mayor Pete has a lot of substance…fascinating biography.” Gee, he never speaks well of me – I like Mike Wallace better…and Alfred E. Newman will never be President!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2019
Brit Hume, one of Fox News’ most well-known analysts took exception with Trump’s tweet writing back, “Say this for Buttigieg. He’s willing to be questioned by Chris Wallace, something you’ve barely done since you’ve been president. Oh, and covering candidates of both parties is part of the job of a news channel.”
Watch Chris Wallace’s lightning round with Buttigieg above.
