despite the clowning, he had that knack of presenting talking points of the left without being threatening to centrists or the moderate right. It's a unique talent I believe is bred by his being an idol of the incipient New Blue Texas while the state hasn't quite tipped the scales against its red roots. It's a skill he shares with Bill Clinton and I think once he gets a little more savvy and provided he doesn't sell out on that unique brand of idealism he'll come back a stronger candidate. He's the sriracha mayo while buttigieg is just mayo mayo.