Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black says South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s (D) 2020 campaign sends a message of hope to other potential minority candidates.
“I’m a student of Harvey Milk, I made the movie,” Black told Hill.TV, referring to his 2008 Academy Award-winning biographical film “Milk,” which tells the story of the first publicly gay man elected to public office in the U.S.
“He [Harvey Milk] said you had to elect gay people because it sends a message of hope out there,” he said. “But I also think it sends a message of hope to other minorities — to other people feeling they’re being treated unequally.”
Black, who is currently on a book tour, said even though Buttigieg isn’t the only “Milk-like candidate” in the race, he is inspired by the candidate’s ability to speak to a broad range of issues, particularly including workers’ rights.
“I like that he’s talking about workers’ concerns — that to me is a win,” Black told Hill.TV.
“When a minority candidate … can see past themselves, that’s politics at its best,” he added.
Buttigieg made headlines in April when he met with picketers at a Stop & Shop store in Malden, Mass.
Other Democratic candidates are also seeking to underline their support for labor groups.
Former Vice President Joe Biden scored his first union endorsement when the International Association of Fire Fighters Union formally endorsed his 2020 campaign on Monday.
“He has a track record of delivering, and we’re a group that measures it pretty straightforward,” union chief Harold Schaitberger told Hill.TV following the announcement.
In response to the news, President Trump unleashed a series of tweets criticizing labor union leaders.
“I’ll never get the support of Dues Crazy union leadership, those people who rip-off their membership with ridiculously high dues, medical and other expenses while being paid a fortune,” Trump said. “But the members love Trump. They look at our record economy, tax & reg cuts, military etc. WIN!”
—Tess Bonn
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