Former South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg is reminding everyone of the silver lining they have amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Buttigieg was featured on Rolling Stone’s new web series, RS Interview: Special Edition.
The former Democratic presidential candidate — who appeared on the show from his home office — offered words of positivity to everyone stuck inside under quarantine. He encouraged everyone to be an asset to each other during this critical time.
Buttigieg wants Americans to know that they are “needed” — just in a very unique way right now.
“You’re used to being needed in a certain way that involves showing up somewhere. And now you’re needed in a shockingly different way, which is to sit tight. And yet, from wherever you are, you’ve got a telephone, you’ve got the ability to bring joy into people’s lives, you’ve got the ability to spread good information and combat misinformation, and you’ve got the ability to build yourself up, too.”
He is also challenging everyone watching the crisis unfold to be a source of light for each other.
“Any disaster is a time to look in on neighbors. It’s just at this time we can’t always be physical,” Buttigieg told Rolling Stone senior writer Stephen Rodrick.
He added, “Don’t underestimate the difference you can make. Whether it’s through some form of service, or just creatively, or just reaching out to those you love,”
Watch the interview below:
Like most Americans, the abrupt changes — due to the coronavirus — have also impacted Buttigieg’s life.
Buttigieg revealed it wasn’t uncommon to have “four-state days” and full months away with only one full day home while on the campaign trail.
Now, he and his husband, Chasten, are both considered “unemployed.” Buttigieg shared his reaction to the swift transitions they’ve been forced to tackle over the last several weeks.
“Coming off of the campaign trail is a complicated adjustment for anybody but coupled with what’s going on now, there couldn’t be a more radical change,” Buttigieg said.
However, he admitted there is a positive point there as well. Citing the advantages of quarantine, Buttigieg said that it has been “a time to reconnect.”
Buttigieg noted they have never had so many consecutive days to enjoy meals together in their own home.
Like Buttigieg, many American workers and companies are having to approach life differently amid the coronavirus. Personal and professional changes have been pushed as vital in flattening the curve of the coronavirus.