Pete Buttigieg warns democrats can't go back to pre-Trump status quo

This special edition of NPR's Up First features an extended interview with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, conducted by Steve Inskeep. Buttigieg discusses a range of topics, including the public's interest in the Jeffrey Epstein case and its implications for trust in government, the Democratic Party's need to adapt to changing political and cultural landscapes, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the job market. He also addresses critiques of the Democratic Party, such as those related to identity politics and government regulation, and offers his perspective on the political strategies of figures like Zohran Mamdani. Buttigieg critiques President Trump's actions as an existential threat to democracy, advocating for a politics of courage over fear and emphasizing the importance of focusing on policies with broad public support. The conversation also touches on Buttigieg's personal considerations regarding a potential future presidential run, including the impact on his family.