Buttigieg talks progress, Americans' openness to an 'out' White House candidate, in DNC address

Former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and 2020 presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg addressed the Democratic National Convention on its final night to speak about American progress and the promise that presidential candidate Joe Biden and running-mate Kamala Harris are making to "guide this nation toward that better future."

"Every American must now decide," said Buttigieg, whose nascent campaign attracted widespread interest. "Can America be a place where faith is about healing and not exclusion? Can we become a country that lives up to the truth that Black lives matter? Will we handle questions of science and medicine by turning to scientists and doctors? What will we do to make America into a land where no one who works full time can live in poverty."

The 38-year-old politician praised Biden for his "political courage" on same sex-marriage. He spoke about his personal attachment to the change for which Biden and Harris vow to fight. “Just over ten years ago, I joined a military where firing me because of who I am wasn’t just possible – it was policy. Now in 2020, it is unlawful in America to fire anyone because of who they are or who they love. The very ring on my finger reflects how this country can change," said Buttigieg. 

He reiterated the message that this election "is a contest for the soul of the nation," but that the "contest is not between good Americans and evil Americans. It's the struggle to call out what is good – what is best – in every American."

Buttigieg's impressive resumé, moderate agenda, and focus on garnering support among the next generation of voters earned him a solid group of supporters during the early parts of the primary cycle.

He won the Iowa caucus before losing his lead in the polls. After dropping out of the race on March 1, he endorsed Biden's candidacy one day later.