FYPod Episode 19: "The Pete Buttigieg Apology Tour Starts Right Now (w/ Manny Fidel)"

Release Date: April 26, 2025
Hosts: Cameron Caskey & Tim Miller
Guest: Manny Fidel
Podcast: FYPod by The Bulwark

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

In this episode of FYPod, hosts Cameron Caskey and Tim Miller welcome Manny Fidel, a media professional with a decade-long experience in political commentary and content creation. The primary focus revolves around former Mayor and 2024 presidential contender Pete Buttigieg, examining his recent forays into right-wing media platforms and the hosts' evolving perceptions of him.

2. Guest Introduction and Background

[01:55] Tim Miller:
"His name is Manny Fidel. What's going on, Manny?"

[02:05] Manny Fidel:
"Not much. Doing pretty good. Thank you for having me on the show. I feel honored to be invited on the show about young people, considering I'm well into my 30s."

Manny Fidel shares his extensive background in media, starting at Business Insider as a video producer and transitioning into opinion pieces and TikTok content creation. His experience at MSNBC's TikTok channel provides him with unique insights into digital media's role in shaping political narratives.

3. Pete Buttigieg’s Communication Strategies

The discussion shifts to Pete Buttigieg's appearances on traditionally right-wing platforms, specifically Andrew Schultz's podcast. Manny praises Pete's ability to communicate effectively across ideological divides.

[25:43] Cameron Caskey:
"I think one of the things Pete does very effectively is he isn't trying very hard to have a personality that he doesn't have."

[30:03] Manny Fidel:
"Pete is like the best communicator for the Democrats in terms of getting a message to constituents."

Manny highlights how Pete's authentic and steady communication style allows him to connect with diverse audiences, a trait that sets him apart from other Democratic figures who may struggle to engage similarly on unconventional platforms.

4. Challenges for Democrats in Engaging Gen Z

Hosts delve into the broader implications of Pete's media strategies for the Democratic Party's efforts to win over Gen Z voters.

[25:06] Manny Fidel:
"I don't see, you know, Kamala Harris or Cory Booker being able to sit there for three hours in here, like the dumbest shit possible, but still be able to, like, be personable and engage the hosts of the show."

The conversation underscores the difficulty other Democratic politicians may face in replicating Pete's success in these arenas, emphasizing his unique ability to balance authenticity with effective messaging.

5. Hosts’ Evolving Perspectives and Apologies

As the episode progresses, both hosts reflect on their previous criticisms of Pete Buttigieg and extend apologies for their past remarks.

[36:35] Manny Fidel:
"I was wrong in 2020 when I called Pete Buttigieg a little rat or whatever... I wasn't able to see past my anti-establishment glasses and understand just how valuable he is in terms of communication right now."

[37:34] Cameron Caskey:
"Pete Buttigieg, I'm sorry I made a little bit of fun of you. I called you a dork and a dweeb and a nerd and a square... you are one of the most valuable people in the party right now."

These heartfelt apologies signify a shift in the hosts' perceptions, recognizing Pete's contributions and communication prowess.

6. Discussion on RFK Jr.’s Autism Registry and Public Health Policies

The conversation takes a turn towards public health concerns, specifically addressing RFK Jr.'s controversial proposal for an autism registry.

[43:22] Manny Fidel:
"This feels so unfair... I feel like this is really like an X Men villain. Like a badly written X Men villain."

[44:59] Tim Miller:
"RFK Jr. is a ridiculous human... We're ending fucking cancer studies that have been going on for 14 years right in the middle."

The hosts express strong disapproval of the proposed registry, highlighting the ethical and scientific flaws in RFK Jr.'s approach to public health and autism research.

7. Gen Z News Segment

In the final segment, the hosts present a Gen Z News update, focusing on a survey by Edelman that reveals alarming trends among young adults.

[47:55] Sebastian:
"According to a new survey from communications firm Edelman, 45% of adults age 18 to 34 admitted to disregarding their health providers guidance in favor of information from a friend or family member. In the past year, 38% of young adults said they've ignored their provider in favor of advice from social media, a 12-point increase from the year before."

[48:24] Tim Miller:
"Do not be manipulated by these influencers, you idiots."

The segment emphasizes the increasing influence of social media over professional medical advice among Gen Z, raising concerns about public health and the reliability of information sources.

8. Conclusion and Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating their concerns about Gen Z's engagement with information sources and thanking Manny Fidel for his insights.

[50:24] Cameron Caskey:
"And with that, we say slay. Manny, thank you so much for joining us this week."

[50:40] Manny Fidel:
"Thank you so much, guys. This is a blast."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tim Miller on Pete's Communication:
  "[25:43] I think he's better than some of the other options."

• Cameron Caskey on Pete's Authenticity:
  "[25:06] What makes Pete effective is that he isn't trying very hard to have a personality that he doesn't have."

• Manny Fidel's Apology:
  "[36:31] I was wrong in 2020 when I called Pete Buttigieg a little rat or whatever."

• Tim Miller on Public Health Policies:
  "[44:59] RFK Jr. is a ridiculous human... We're ending fucking cancer studies."

• Sebastian on Gen Z Health Behaviors:
  "[47:55] 45% of adults age 18 to 34 admitted to disregarding their health providers guidance in favor of information from a friend or family member."

Key Takeaways

• Pete Buttigieg's Media Strategy:
  Pete's ability to communicate effectively on right-wing platforms like Andrew Schultz's podcast showcases his unique skills in bridging political divides, positioning him as a valuable asset for the Democratic Party in reaching Gen Z voters.

• Hosts' Shift in Perspective:
  Both Cameron and Tim acknowledge their previous criticisms of Pete, now recognizing and apologizing for underestimating his communicative abilities.

• Challenges in Democrat Messaging:
  While Pete excels in these unconventional media spaces, other Democratic figures may struggle to replicate his success, posing a challenge for the party's outreach efforts.

• Public Health Concerns:
  The episode raises alarms over RFK Jr.'s proposed autism registry and the broader implications of defunding essential medical research, highlighting the intersection of politics and public health.

• Gen Z's Information Consumption:
  A significant portion of Gen Z disregards medical advice in favor of social media and personal networks, signaling a shift in trust and the need for better information dissemination strategies.

Tune in weekly to FYPod for more in-depth analyses and discussions on the evolving political landscape and America's youngest voters.