Mayor Pete

"Mayor Pete" is an intimate and gripping documentary insight into the United States 2020 Democratic presidential primaries. The film revolves around the young, openly gay, Midwestern mayor, Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, who dared to dream of occupying the Oval Office in the White House, one of the world's most imposing political platforms. Directed by Jesse Moss, and featuring the likes of big names like David Axelrod, Joe Biden, and Mika Brzezinski as the interviewees and commentators, it gives a raw look into what it's like to join the dynamic and often frenetic world of America's political campaigning.

The film opens with a glimpse into Pete Buttigieg's life before his entry into the political sphere. The audience gets to know a Rhodes Scholar, a military veteran, and a Harvard Graduate, who took office as the mayor of his hometown, South Bend in Indiana. The 2020 presidential election season serves as the primary focus of the narrative, capturing Buttigieg’s rapid rise from relative obscurity to emerging as one of the key figures in the Democratic party.

A significant portion of the movie is dedicated to highlighting Buttigieg's election campaign, reflecting the behind-the-scenes grind, the strategic meetings, and the intense hustle-bustle. In the backdrop of this journey, we get to see prominent figures like David Axelrod, Joe Biden, and Mika Brzezinski, who offer an interesting mix of discussion points and different perspectives on Buttigieg's campaign and political development.

Axelrod, former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, lends his analytical prowess and broad political experience to provide a practitioner's perspective on the events unfolding. Joe Biden, former Vice President and eventual Democratic Presidential nominee, adds his seasoned insights into the demanding world of election campaigns, simultaneously offering a distinctly personal perspective to Buttigieg's journey. Mika Brzezinski, a popular television host, and political commentator, provides a media lens to the entire story, offering insights about the shifting media dynamics and public perception about the young political hopeful.

"Mayor Pete" effectively intersperses commentary from these political heavyweights with intimate scenes from the candidate's life, providing a balanced snapshot. We get an exclusive look at the life of Buttigieg's husband, Chasten, who is often seen standing shoulder to shoulder with his partner, displaying an unwavering support system in the midst of the whirlwind campaign. We see a candidate wrestling with the responsibilities of managing a national campaign while handling the expectations and emotional rigors of personal life.

Aside from the ins-and-outs of the campaign, "Mayor Pete" also creates space to explore important issues such as identity politics, diversity, inclusion. As the first openly gay Democratic presidential candidate, Buttigieg's campaign was not just a political journey; it was a powerful symbol of progress in American society. The documentary handles these issues with sensitivity and gives room for the subjects to express their thoughts, experiences, and tribulations regarding the same.

Lastly, the documentary emphasizes the practicalities and challenges of political communication; the necessity of balancing personal beliefs and political forces, the art of public speaking, and the value of image and presentation. For example, scenes where Buttigieg tests phrases or imagines responses to possible interview questions underscore the careful choreography inherent in a 21st-century political campaign.

In conclusion, "Mayor Pete" is not only about a political campaign or a presidential race. It's far more than that; it's a story of courage, determination, inclusivity, breaking barriers, and embracing one's identity with grace. With its seasoned interviewees and an engaging narrative, the documentary shares an encouraging yet fiercely realistic picture of American politics in the modern era. Whether a political enthusiast or not, viewers can expect to appreciate the human struggle and the determination required to make a considerable change and progress within the complex fabric of American society and politics.