Pete Buttigieg, the former Transportation Secretary and potential 2028 candidate, drew criticism for refusing to disavow the rise of socialism in the Democratic Party. When asked about the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) policies, such as abolishing the Senate and ending deportations, Buttigieg declined to directly address the questions.

Buttigieg’s Response

Buttigieg instead criticized President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and economic record, stating that there are people in his party who go too far for him, but there is also much that they agree on. He added that people are looking for change because the current system is not working.

A recent University of New Hampshire Granite State Poll shows Buttigieg neck-and-neck with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., in a potential 2028 match-up. Ocasio-Cortez has responded to concerns about DSA proposals, calling them constitutional questions.

Reactions

Fox News political analyst Reince Priebus argued that Buttigieg was refusing to confront the socialist wing of his party, stating that the interview was an example of mainstream Democrats aligning with people who are far outside the mainstream.

Priebus’ warnings come after several Democratic socialists won major primary elections, including in New York and Colorado. The wins have raised concerns about the direction of the Democratic Party.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.