Pete Buttigieg: On Kamala Harris, Fox News Diplomacy, and the Pressure of Vetting

In a wide-ranging and candid conversation with Jon Stewart, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg offered a unique window into the emotional and political turbulence following President Joe Biden’s historic decision to step aside and support Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. From surprise social media revelations aboard a plane to speculation about his own vice-presidential prospects, Buttigieg gave both heart and humor to a discussion that touched on leadership, outreach, and integrity.

The Harris Campaign: A New Chapter, Same Values

Buttigieg described the moment he found out about Biden’s decision the same way many Americans did—via social media. He was taxiing on a plane when his husband, Chasten, saw the news on Twitter. “So we found out the same way everybody else did,” he said. The transition, he noted, sparked a surge of energy. “I stopped by the field office for the now-Harris campaign… and they already had the yard signs ready. It was impressive.”

Despite the quick changeover, Buttigieg emphasized continuity in the values of the Biden-Harris administration, even as Harris brings a new voice and approach to the campaign. “It’s the same effort,” he said, “but with a different messenger. People are clearly really fired up and excited about it.”

Biden’s Decision: Rare and Remarkable

When asked if Biden might feel hurt watching the enthusiasm for Harris, Buttigieg responded with characteristic diplomacy. “I think part of what he achieved… is extraordinary,” he said. “Even now, we might be underselling how world-historically rare it is to be literally the most powerful person in the world and just lay power aside because it’s the right thing to do.”

Buttigieg believes Biden’s decision will strengthen his legacy. “He’s consolidated his own standing as one of America’s great presidents,” he said. And while critics might second-guess the process, Buttigieg firmly stated, “It was his call, and he made that choice. It must have been extraordinarily difficult, but also the right choice.”

Fox News and the Liberal Paradox

Jon Stewart jokingly likened watching Buttigieg on Fox News to seeing Ryan Gosling host SNL—something surprisingly effective and charming. “I never thought that Fox News would be, like, a specialty of mine,” Buttigieg admitted, drawing laughter. He acknowledged that while he doubts the network always operates in good faith, many viewers tune in sincerely.

“There are people watching in good faith who usually get their information in a very narrow way,” he explained. “As long as they’ll have me on, I have a chance to puncture that bubble.” Though he doesn’t expect to change minds overnight, he recounted instances where conservatives acknowledged his clarity and rationality. “I saw the way you laid things out… and I think it could make sense,” he recalled hearing from viewers.

Buttigieg framed political discourse as a meaningful dialogue rather than a shouting match. “Politics is a conversation,” he said. “And what is the point of having a conversation if you’re not speaking to people who don’t already agree with you?”

The Vetting Game: A Familiar Pressure

The topic of vetting naturally turned toward speculation: is Buttigieg being considered as Harris’s running mate? When Stewart teased, “Are you being vetted right now?” Buttigieg played coy, saying only, “You know when you’re being vetted.” Laughter erupted when Stewart concluded, “Oh my God, you’re being vetted!”

Pressed on what vetting feels like, Buttigieg drew a parallel between being considered for high office and the process of adoption he and Chasten underwent. “It was kind of the same thing, but with a social worker instead of a white-shoe law firm,” he said. In both cases, you’re asked to reveal your finances, values, and stability. “You feel like you’re under a microscope,” he said.

While he didn’t confirm his inclusion on the VP shortlist, Buttigieg acknowledged the seriousness of the process. “She [Harris] is going to make this decision. She’s got a process to help her make the decision.” He knows every word, every move matters—and that includes moments like this interview.

A Future Role?

With Buttigieg’s visibility, his ability to connect with cross-partisan audiences, and his consistent presence within the Biden-Harris orbit, it’s not surprising that many see him as a leading contender for the VP slot. His diplomatic yet confident tone, his track record as a policy communicator, and his likability across various media landscapes only bolster that speculation.

But for now, Buttigieg remains focused on helping the Harris campaign gain momentum. “She represents continuity, but also something fresh and dynamic,” he said.

Final Thoughts

Jon Stewart summed it up well: “That’s so smart, and it’s exactly the way it should be.” Whether through speaking to Fox News viewers, supporting a smooth campaign transition, or navigating the veiled questions of vice-presidential vetting, Pete Buttigieg has positioned himself as a key figure in this political moment—thoughtful, articulate, and unafraid to meet Americans where they are.

As Democrats regroup behind a new standard-bearer in Kamala Harris, the next few months will reveal just how central Buttigieg’s role might become. Whether as a running mate, a cabinet mainstay, or a future presidential hopeful, Pete’s story is far from over.