Buttigieg remarks on Trump and Vance: They're diverting focus from their own records by vilifying immigrants
"There's more to it than just vilifying immigrants, although that's definitely part of his plan," Buttigieg stated on CNN's "The Source" alongside Kaitlan Collins. "This is a tactic to steer the conversation towards his latest stunt, whatever sensational lie he propagates – right now, it's about people consuming pets like cats or geese – because he can't bear us discussing his past actions."
Trump and his allies, including Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance, have disseminated baseless allegations that Haitian migrants in Ohio are murdering and consuming family pets. Trump repeated this misinformation during the ABC presidential debate, despite the City of Springfield and local law enforcement confirming they've found no proof for this claim.
Buttigieg, who acts in a private capacity but serves as transportation secretary within the Biden administration, believes this tactic may be a distraction, yet "it's far from harmless."
"It negatively impacts this community and bolsters the broader narrative of demonizing immigrants," he continued. "However, this is a deliberate strategy."
Buttigieg commended Vice President Kamala Harris' debate performance, but stressed the importance of grassroots campaigning in securing the race's victory.
"No single night, no particular event, no debate, no public appearance will make the ultimate difference," Buttigieg shared with Collins. "Now we’re transitioning into the stage where the most influential factor will be the legwork, the organization."
Asked if Harris would gain an advantage from another debate in light of Trump's declaration to skip another debate, Buttigieg suggested additional debates aren't the only means for Harris to engage voters with her platform.
"She'll be the first to acknowledge there's still an underdog dynamic present," Buttigieg said, referring to Harris' domestic campaign excursions.
Buttigieg calls Trump's child care proposal 'nonsense'
Buttigieg also contrasted Harris and Trump's policies, emphasizing Harris' advocacy for expanding the child tax credit and paid parental leave, while criticizing Trump's recent statements on child care as "empty talk."
"Day in and day out, she's addressing the needs of the people, discussing ways to generate employment, enhancing small businesses, and advocating for child care solutions – an area where, quite honestly, Donald Trump seems to struggle," Buttigieg conveyed.
When Trump was asked during an economic forum about how he would make child care more affordable, he contended that raising tariffs would generate sufficient revenue – without providing any specifics on how those new tariffs would assist families.
Buttigieg cited this response, claiming: "Every time he addresses this issue, we're met with a disjointed monologue that raises serious questions about whether he has ever truly considered child care policy."
Meanwhile, he argued, Harris "plans to enhance the child tax credit and ensure we have paid parental leave in the United States. Her dedication to this cause will undoubtedly give her the edge she needs to succeed."
Trump's strategy of spreading baseless allegations about Haitian migrants consuming pets is a deliberate distraction from his past actions, according to Buttigieg. This tactic negatively impacts the community and contributes to the broader narrative of demonizing immigrants.
In contrast to Trump's empty talk on child care, Harris has been advocating for expanding the child tax credit and paid parental leave. Her dedicated approach to this issue gives her an edge, as she addresses the needs of the people and provides concrete solutions.
