LAS VEGAS –– Facing a deficit in poll numbers heading into the Nevada primary, former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg went hard at some of the other candidates who are ahead of him in Wednesday night’s debate.
Just like at recent rallies and town hall’s leading up to the debate, Buttigieg went right at Sen. Bernie Sanders, who leads the polls. He attacked Sanders on his socialist beliefs while adding a jab at newcomer Michael Bloomberg as well.
“Most Americans don’t see where they fit if they have to choose between a socialist who thinks capitalism is the root of all evil and a billionaire who thinks that money has to be the root of all power,” Buttigieg said.
“Maybe it’s time for the working class to have a little bit of power in Washington rather than your billionaire contributors,” Sanders clapped back.
Buttigieg also questioned a lack of transparency in Sanders’ healthcare plan.
“I’m actually less concerned about the lack of transparency on Sanders’ personal health than I am about the lack of transparency on how to pay for his healthcare plan,” he said. “Since he said it’s impossible to know how much it’s going to cost.”
Finally, he went after Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobachar, who he has had on and off quarrels with throughout the campaign. He criticized Klobachar for voting in favor of making English the national language of the U.S. and for voting to confirm the current head of customs and border protection, who he said is one of the “architects” of the idea of separating families who cross the border illegally.
Primary voters will head to the polls on Friday in the Nevada primary.
