Baltimore bridge collapse puts spotlight on rising stars Moore, Buttigieg

Two rising stars in the Democratic Party have gained national attention this week in the wake of the Baltimore bridge collapse.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, 45, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, 42, both considered front-runners for future high-level jobs, are responding to the aftermath of the disaster that claimed six lives. We face an important test of response. Reconstruction of bridges and reopening of ports.

“This really reflects the talent we have within the Democratic Party and their ability to lead in times of crisis,” Democratic strategist Anjuan Seawright said. “Sometimes there are crises that force leaders to step up to the top and answer the call. I think this unfortunate tragedy has done just that.”

Two young politicians were thrust into the national spotlight after a cargo ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Interstate 695 in Baltimore on Tuesday. In addition to the lives lost, this tragedy also raises concerns about supply chain issues, the impact on commuting and funding for rebuilding.

Buttigieg is used to the national spotlight, having run for president in 2020 while serving as mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

Moore, on the other hand, has little experience in national politics. Before being elected governor of Maryland in 2022, he worked as a nonprofit executive and author.

“This is just the next layer of exposure. [Moore]” Seawright said. “I think he’s always shown an ability to not only lead, but to lead in the light. And I think the world is seeing what a lot of people already know about Wes Moore.”

Mr. Buttigieg’s rise – from management consultant to naval reservist in Afghanistan to mayor of Indiana to cabinet minister – has seen him outperform many establishment Democrats in the 2020 primaries and instantly gain recognition on a national level. It happened later.

“He ran a very credible primary in 2020,” said Democratic strategist John Reinisch. “He’s a popular player, always on the rise, someone to watch and someone to follow.”

“There’s a reason Biden chose him for this job,” he continued. “He’s good at this.”

When Mr. Biden appointed Mr. Buttigieg to be secretary of transportation after the two faced off in the primaries, it was seen as a perfect opportunity to prove Buttigieg’s mettle at a time when his future political prospects were in doubt. He is also a surrogate for Biden’s re-election campaign and is known among political watchers for his ease in giving television interviews and for aggressively pushing back against Republican criticism of his administration.

Mr. Buttigieg and Mr. Moore will now be judged by how they handle the aftermath of the bridge collapse.

“Governor. Mr. Moore and Secretary Buttigieg are essential to the future of the Democratic Party. The situation in Baltimore is tragic, and having both leading the response is an opportunity to demonstrate excellence under pressure.” is an opportunity for them to shine in a time of need,” said Ivan Zapien, a former Democratic National Committee official.

Moore and Buttigieg are among several Democratic candidates being floated in 2028, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D). All candidates, including Buttigieg, have executive experience at the state or local level.

Strategists say this is no coincidence.

“Voters are pretty fed up with Washington,” Reinisch said. “I think voters are looking for executive experience.”

In response to the response to the bridge, images of Buttigieg standing next to President Biden in the Oval Office and images of Moore at the bridge site began to be published on a daily basis. Mr. Buttigieg participated in Wednesday’s White House press conference, and Mr. Moore has been answering questions from reporters at press conferences all week.

Both men are military veterans and represent key constituencies within the Democratic Party. Moore is not only Maryland’s first Black governor, but also the only Black governor currently serving in the United States. Buttigieg is Indiana’s first openly LGBTQ executive to be confirmed by the U.S. Cabinet. He was also the first openly LGBTQ person.

Buttigieg has faced this kind of pressure before. He spearheaded the federal response after the Boeing plane crash and has responded to incidents in East Palestine, Ohio, train derailments and holiday strandings.

Rachel Palermo, a former deputy communications director and deputy adviser to Vice President Harris who worked on Buttigieg’s presidential campaign, said the secretary shines under pressure.

“Secretary Buttigieg is one of the best examples of a leader who responds thoughtfully to crises and shows grace under pressure, which is why he is such an important part of the Biden-Harris administration.” she stated. “Leaders like Secretary Buttigieg and Vice President Harris make me optimistic about the future of the Democratic Party. They embody bold, forward-thinking leadership that will improve the lives of ordinary Americans. is at the heart of everything they do.”

For Moore, the tragedy was the first time many Americans outside of Maryland knew him. Mr. Moore has focused particularly on increasing support among black voters, and has also served as a powerful surrogate for Mr. Biden’s re-election bid.

“So far in the short term, he’s been doing everything right,” said Len Foxwell, a Maryland-based Democratic strategist. “He provided comfort and reassurance to the families of the victims. He provided reassurance and strength to the people of Maryland who are reeling from this tragedy and that we are going to rebuild.” And they’ve made it abundantly clear that they’re going to build back better.”

“The next test is a long-term one: how quickly and efficiently can we adjust the rebuilding process,” Foxwell added.

While Buttigieg and Moore were praised for their responses, the incident also drew partisan criticism.

“This is clearly not fact-based, but social media, right-wing media, unchecked media, unfettered right-wing media,” Reinisch said. “It happened so quickly today that it was very impressive.”

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D), who like Moore is black, has faced further racist criticism online. Scott responded to online criticism on MSNBC earlier this week, saying his attacks were rooted in racism.

“I know, we know, and you know very well that black men, especially young black men, are racist and only straight, wealthy white men. “He was a bogeyman for people who think the people who are playing a role in recovery should have a say in everything,” Scott told host Joy Reid, adding that people playing a role in the recovery are not trying to make conspiracy theories. He added that he was ignoring them and cooperating.

Mr. Seawright said Mr. Moore, Mr. Buttigieg, Mr. Scott and others leading the recovery effort show that this process is not about politics.

“There’s always going to be bad actors trying to spread division, and I think you’re seeing this play out in real time,” he said. “These leaders are willing to put everything else aside to do what their leaders need to do, that this is not a political party issue, this is not a potential future political office. It shows that what we’re going to do is make the country understand at this moment that it’s in the best interest of the American people. ”