Former Mayor Pete Buttigieg claimed dramatic momentum for his campaign on Monday despite zero caucus results reporting from the Iowa Democrat caucuses.
“Tonight, an improbable hope became an undeniable reality,” Buttigieg said after taking the stage at his campaign rally in Des Moines.
The former South Bend, Indiana, mayor spoke just before midnight after all of the other top Democrat candidates had already delivered their speeches.
Supporters shouted “Boot-Edge-Edge” as the former mayor delivered what appeared to be a pre-written speech praising Iowa’s role in the Democrat nomination process despite the party badly botching the caucus results reporting system.
“We don’t know all the results, but we know by the time it’s all said and done, Iowa, you have shocked the nation,” he said. “By all indications, we are going on to New Hampshire victorious.”
Buttigieg claimed momentum in the race, thanking Iowa for choosing a “new path” forward in the Democrat presidential primary.
“Iowa chose a new path,” he said. “You chose to move on not just from the broken policies of these last few years but from the broken politics that got us here.”
Buttigieg said there were many in the Democrat party who were skeptical, calling his campaign too “naive.”
“Tonight I say with a heart full of gratitude, Iowa, you have proved those skeptics wrong,” he said to the cheering crowd of supporters.
Buttigieg said he would go on to the New Hampshire primary, previewing an ultimate victory for his campaign.
“How about a hand for the future first-gentleman of the United States?” Buttigieg shouted, referring to his husband. “Let’s hear it for Chasten!”
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