‘In an age of exclusion, and amid a crisis of belonging, I actually believe that there’s a certain amount of moral lift to be found in goofy joy.’

The above statement from a New Yorker profile might represent peak Buttigieg. It’s in response to a question about the “High Hopes” dance adopted by his supporters and mocked by non-supporters. Mayor Peter is a talented guy, but tends to be stilted and overly practiced — more Romney than Obama. Still, he continues to look strong in Iowa. He has the profile of a classic “wine track” candidate who can only top out at second place when all is said and done, but you never know.