Secretary Pete Buttigieg: Fatherhood, Politics and 2028 | At Our Table

Pete Buttigieg talks with us about fatherhood, public life, and what Democrats must understand about a country frustrated with the political status quo. Nearly a decade after he and Jaime Harrison competed for DNC chair, the former mayor and cabinet secretary reflects on how becoming a husband and father changed the stakes of his political work and the personal cost of staying in the fight. We discuss the 2026 midterms, voter anger, political reform, and why Democrats cannot simply offer a return to the past. Pete also reflects on South Carolina, earning trust through listening, and the questions surrounding 2028. 

(00:00) Jaime welcomes Pete to Season 2(02:00) From DNC rivals to friends(06:00) What Pete learned about the Democratic Party(08:00) Trump and why Democrats can’t go back(11:00) How fatherhood changed Pete(18:00) When politics targets your family(21:00) Has Pete ever wanted to leave politics?(22:00) How Pete and Chasten handle political attacks(26:00) Why Americans are angry(27:00) What Democrats misunderstand about voter anger(29:00) Economic and political reform(32:00) Pete’s vision for the 2026 midterms(35:00) State races and money in politics(36:00) Pete’s potential midterm surprises(37:00) Does Pete want to be president?(39:00) Jaime presses Pete on 2028(40:00) What Pete learned from South Carolina(46:00) The Sit Your Ass Down Award(48:00) What Pete hopes his children remember Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices