“Not in the Market for Darkness”: Buttigieg Rips Into J.D. Vance at the DNC

In a fiery opening at the Democratic National Convention, Pete Buttigieg delivered a stinging critique of Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance, mocking him with sharp wit and pointed commentary. The theme of Buttigieg’s speech was “the right kind of politics,” and he wasted no time in framing Vance as the embodiment of the wrong kind.

Buttigieg began with a touch of humor, introducing himself with, “You may know me from Fox News,” before launching into his takedown of Vance. “Don’t even get me started on [Donald Trump’s] new running mate,” Buttigieg quipped, eliciting a chorus of boos from the crowd. “At least Mike Pence was polite,” he added, drawing a smattering of laughs.

Buttigieg didn’t hold back, describing Vance as the type of person who believes that “if you don’t live the life he has in mind for you, then you don’t count.” He continued to dismantle Vance’s controversial views, highlighting a particularly inflammatory statement the senator had made: “Someone who said if you don’t have kids, you don’t have a ‘physical commitment to the future of this country.'”

Buttigieg, a veteran who served in Afghanistan, took this as a personal affront and seized the opportunity to turn the tables. “You know, senator, when I deployed to Afghanistan, I didn’t have kids then. Many of the men and women who went outside the wire didn’t have kids either. But let me tell you: Our commitment to the country was pretty damn physical.” The crowd erupted in applause, giving Buttigieg a standing ovation as he pressed on with his offensive.

He didn’t stop there. Buttigieg argued that by choosing Vance as his running mate, Donald Trump was sending a clear message: “They are doubling down on negativity and grievance. Committing to a concept of campaigning is best summed up in one word: darkness. Darkness is what they are selling.”

Buttigieg’s powerful rhetoric contrasted sharply with the bleak vision he attributed to the Trump-Vance ticket. “America,” he declared, “is not in the market for darkness.”

The speech, with its mix of humor, personal reflection, and pointed critique, set the tone for the evening, underscoring Buttigieg’s message that the Democratic Party offers a brighter, more inclusive vision for the country—one that stands in stark opposition to the pessimism he accused the Republicans of promoting. As Buttigieg left the stage, it was clear his words had resonated, leaving the audience energized and ready for the battles ahead.