Buttigieg Advocates for Constitutional Amendments and Political Reform

<p>In a conversation at The Atlantic Festival with <i>The Atlantic</i>’s editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg warned fellow members of the Democratic Party to resist the urge to revert to "the previous status quo" if they regain power in the midterms.</p><p>Buttigieg argued that it would be a mistake for Democrats to try to reverse "the damage" of the past two years of the Donald Trump presidency by attempting to restore the country to how it looked in 2022 or "whenever we think that America was great." He emphasized the need for Democrats to build for the future, stating that the next quarter century, leading to 2050, will present different conditions and problems than those inherited.</p><p>Buttigieg, who is viewed by many analysts as a potential 2028 presidential contender, provided examples of what that vision might entail. He called for banning gerrymandering and passing a constitutional amendment to address the influence of money in politics. "This idea that it is somehow beyond our power to use what is probably the single most elegant feature of the Constitution, which is its capacity to be amended, is a complete failure of ambition and imagination," Buttigieg stated.</p><p>When asked about the Democratic Socialists of America, Buttigieg noted that there is a temptation to equate boldness with being maximally ideological. He suggested that sometimes the leftmost idea is the boldest, but other, more moderate projects may require "radical reform to our institutions."</p><p>Buttigieg expressed concern about the perception of the political system, stating, "When we have monumental corruption or monumental systemic breakdowns, it can have the same effect as being unable to see the Washington Monument when you are too close to it." He emphasized the importance of addressing systemic issues rather than reverting to previous norms.</p><p>Goldberg and Buttigieg discussed the role of Congress, with Buttigieg advocating for a better Congress through competitive elections and the elimination of gerrymandering. He stated that the current political system is not authentic or competitive, as most congressional races are predetermined.</p><p>Buttigieg also addressed the influence of money in politics, suggesting that a constitutional amendment is necessary to tackle this issue. He pointed out that the Supreme Court has established a de facto right to partisan gerrymandering, which necessitates legislative action.</p><p>In discussing the broader implications of political corruption and systemic breakdowns, Buttigieg highlighted the need for a higher level of ambition in addressing these challenges. He called for a legislative agenda that focuses on popular and necessary reforms, such as restoring the child tax credit and raising the minimum wage.</p><p>Buttigieg concluded by emphasizing the importance of engaging in real, physical spaces for political discourse and fostering trust among citizens. He noted that most people in face-to-face interactions are positive and that creating opportunities for service can help bridge divides.</p>