2020 Democratic debates
Pete Buttigieg says Republicans will call Democrats 'crazy socialists' no matter what policies they support
As his fellow Democratic presidential hopefuls argued about whether supporting Medicare for All is a gift to the Republican gods or a surefire way to victory, South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg made a point that resonated with the audience.
"It's time to stop worrying about what Republicans will say," Buttigieg said. "It's true that if we embrace a far-left agenda, they're going to say we're a bunch of crazy socialists. If we embrace a conservative agenda, you know what they're gonna do? Say we're a bunch of crazy socialists."
As the audience clapped, Buttigieg continued, "Let's just stand up for the right policy, go out there, and defend it." Buttigieg has said he is in favor of some version of Medicare for All, but believes private insurance can stay, for now. He also supports creating a public option to expand health care and importing prescription drugs from other countries.