President-elect Joe Biden is reportedly considering a high-profile ambassadorship for former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, possibly sending him to China.
Axios reported late Tuesday night the 38-year-old remains under discussion for some domestic leadership positions but getting him a top Cabinet position has been difficult as the former vice president has been pressured by civil rights groups to name minorities to top posts.
Buttigieg is an Afghanistan war vet and was reportedly eyeing ambassador to the United Nations but Biden chose Linda Thomas-Greenfield. Axios reports Buttigieg’s name has also come up in regards to transportation or commerce posts. The former mayor is reportedly telling the transition team he’s interested in the foreign policy or national security realm.
Back in March, Buttigieg dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Biden on the same day. The former vice president has repeatedly said the 38-year-old reminded him of his late son, Beau.
“I don’t think I’ve ever done this before, but he reminds me of my son Beau,” he said. “I know that may not mean much to most people, but, to me, it’s the highest compliment I can give any man or woman.”
Democrats believe Buttigieg will eventually return to the scene as a presidential candidate sooner rather than later. Due to that, many Democrats believe letting the former mayor get important foreign policy experiences will not only help him in that arena but strengthen his support among Black voters, who largely rejected his candidacy.
Although there is still a chance Buttigieg could not be a part of the Biden administration altogether with his name still being floated around, the chances are more likely he gets a key spot.
During Biden’s general election campaign, Buttigieg helped then-Sen. Kamala Harris in her debate preparations with Vice President Mike Pence in October.
