Mayor Pete and a Promise

Democratic hopeful Pete Buttigieg wasted no time joining the chorus of criticism denouncing President Trump’s decision to withdraw US troops from Syria. During the last Democratic Candidate debate, Mayor Pete claimed President Trump’s withdrawal of US forces from Syria represented a “withdrawal and a betrayal by this president.” When questioned by Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show, Mayor Pete doubled down on his claim further asserting the claim that President Trump has made American soldiers somehow feel “their honor has been taken away.” In masterful political speak, Buttigieg did an excellent job of masking his actual point and justification. In typical modern interviewer fashion, Jimmy Fallon failed to ask even the most basic questions one of any experience level would ask. As a result, no illumination of the pros or cons of President Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria were made.

Buttigieg asserted that the US did not “keep their word” and even claimed the US “betrayed” the Kurds. This is a strong accusation and if true, represents a significant dark spot in our nation’s history. Like most politicians, and especially those running for President, hyperbole is all too common. I just wish that at least once, someone would ask the basic questions expected by a reasonable adult. I can’t help but think of the conversation I would have with my parents if I made such a claim.

“I can’t believe Donald broke his promise and betrayed me.”

“Hold on now son. How do you know Donald broke his promise?”

“Dad, it is obvious. Donald said he would give me lunch money and fight with me as long as Indigo, the bully up the street was attacking us. Now, Donald stopped giving me money and no longer comes to the neighborhood. So now, Tommy is starting to bully me.”

“Wait a minute son. You said Donald promised to give you lunch money and fight with you against Indigo the bully. Did he do that?”

“Yes. But then he stopped, and now, Tommy is bullying me. Donald is a traitor.”

“Did Donald promise to fight with you against Tommy or any other bullies?”

“No.”

“Did Donald promise you he would always fight with you against any and all bullies?”

“No.”

“So, Donald only promised to give you lunch money and fight with you against Indigo?”

“Yes.”

“So, Donald did give you lunch money and fight with you against Indigo until Indigo moved away?”

“Yes.”

“So which promise did Donald actually break and what exactly is the problem?”

“Never mind. I just don’t like Donald.”

It may be a bit much to expect hard hitting questions on a late-night comedy show. But, is it expecting too much to hope someone will ask adult questions when American lives are at stake? Is it expecting too much to hope you can have an adult response from a man who wants to be President of the United States?