As he campaigned in suburban Virginia Sunday, Pete Buttigieg continued his attacks against Bernie Sanders as too divisive. Speaking to a crowd of thousands gathered in a high school football field, Buttigieg said that while “I respect my friend, Senator Sanders,” the way to build a winning coalition “is to call people into our tent, not to call them names online.”
Sanders has come under fire in recent weeks for the controversial conduct of some of his massive online following, after supporters of his launched misogynistic attacks against leaders of a Nevada union. He has denounced their behavior. Buttigieg said Democrats need a nominee who will focus on “mobilizing, not polarizing the American majority.”
Sanders is the undisputed front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination after his commanding Nevada caucus victory.
The race has turned to Saturday's presidential primary in South Carolina. That's where Buttigeig and Sanders’ other moderate opponents will scramble to try to blunt the Vermont senator's momentum. Just three days after that contest, 14 states vote on Super Tuesday, March 3, when one-third of the delegates are awarded.