Adviser’s Note: Jordan Kreft is a sophomore currently enrolled in Intro to Journalism. This is her first story published for The Signal. 

South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg visited Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs on November 25th as a part of his campaign tour through Iowa. 

The rally had an estimated 2,100 people in attendance.

The event officially started at 7:26 PM with the Council Bluffs organizer, Antonia Penfold, speaking briefly about how she got involved with Buttigieg’s campaign. Shortly after, the Pottawatomie County Democratic chair, Scott Punteney, gave quick background on Buttigieg and how to get involved in his campaign. 

After some technical difficulties with the mic (during which the audience chanted as if they were at a football game) Buttigieg finally made his appearance at 7:38 PM, where he was met which applause and cheers from the audience. 

“I’m going to be the president that helps America pick up the pieces and build something better,” claimed Buttigieg. The main focus of his campaign was reestablishing democracy, and making Americans proud to be American. 

“The thing is, our country is made of people, protecting our country begins with protecting our people, you cannot love the country if you hate half the people in it,” Buttigieg wants to re-establish American pride and acts of patriotism.

“That flag stands for certain values, it belonged to all of us, you do not honor it by hugging it on your way onto the stage.” 

Gallery|6 Photos

Chrisha Doss

Mayor Pete Buttigieg campaigns for Democratic nomination at Abraham Lincoln High School on November 25, 2019.

Buttigieg clearly explained how he disagreed with President Donald Trump’s way of running the country. 

“We need, on the one hand, big bold solutions for major problems. And we need a way to do it to make the country more unified. That’s what a President is for.” 

He wants to instill a sense of belonging amongst America citizens. 

“Help us build this sense of belonging. But, if the campaign can do that, imagine what presidency can do.”

After delivering his main speech, Buttigieg opened the floor for questions. Buttigieg answered seven questions on varying topics from public education, the environment, mental illness, etc. 

Buttigieg spoke on a question about public education and funding gaps as well. 

“I want the American dream to be alive in America,” he continued, “and I want us to be number one on that list. 

“And I will work every day to make you proud.” 

Buttigieg closed his rally with a promise to be the candidate that citizens can be proud of. 

Buttigieg hopes to be elected president in the 2020 election, but he first has to secure the Democratic nomination that currently has 18 candidates. As of the time of this writing, he is leading in Iowa in polls from the Des Moines Register and Iowa State University, but is trailing in a majority of other polls to current front-runner, and former Vice President, Joe Biden.

He was elected as Mayor in 2011 at 29-years-old, and again in 2015 with 84% of the votes.

The Iowa Caucus will be held on February 3, 2020.