Staff Reports
It’s fascinating how some Democrats think changing their image will suddenly endear them to everyday Americans. Recently, figures like Ezra Klein, Senator Chris Murphy, and Pete Buttigieg have been growing facial hair as if adopting a Paul Bunyan-like appearance would transform them into relatable, salt-of-the-earth candidates. The Atlantic seems to have swallowed this narrative whole, with their piece on Buttigieg titled “Pete Buttigieg in the Wilderness,” where they ponder if his new look―complete with a beard, a splitting maul, and a Michigan abode―is enough to make him a man of the people.
But is this really the way to kickstart a presidential campaign? As 2028 looms, Buttigieg seems poised to make a run, backed by establishment Democrats. Yet, it’s strikingly clear that no amount of plaid shirts or trendy beards can obscure who he really is. Behind this lumberjack facade is someone whose core hasn’t changed since his days at Harvard, tugging on the coattails of Washington insiders like David Gergen. His political journey, marked by stints in prestigious institutions and capped with a mayoral win in South Bend, seems anything but genuine or grassroots.
The Atlantic gushes over Buttigieg as the embodiment of technocracy: brainy, credentialed, elite, and frightfully boring. He’s seen as a relic of a bygone era when the Democratic allure was to be a technocrat, coolly detached, and undeniably competent. But Trump shattered that mold completely. Today, the credibility of elite institutions is crumbling, and Buttigieg’s ties to them make him appear more like an outdated artifact than a fresh, relatable leader.
Moreover, the article reveals a peculiar flaw in the eyes of Buttigieg’s critics: he’s “too perfect.” The so-called Prattfall Effect teaches us that people distrust those who come off as flawless. Genuine candidates appeal to people by occasionally showing their human side, yet Buttigieg’s image remains one of meticulous perfection, rendering him less believable and inaccessible to everyday Americans.
Lastly, it’s worth noting the significant polling figures. Gavin Newsom and Buttigieg are neck and neck, but in terms of appeal, they couldn’t be more different. Newsom stands out with a charisma that’s palpable, even landing him points for his looks. Meanwhile, Buttigieg’s attempts to appear approachable through superficial changes don’t seem to mesh well with his innate persona. Attempting to redefine himself with a beard and plaid might fool some, but authenticity is not something you can slap on like a new coat of paint. Democrats may need more than a makeover to convince the American people that they truly understand their lives and challenges.
