Although Joe Biden may not end up with his own version of Abraham Lincoln’s storied “Team of Rivals” as his Cabinet, one former nomination rival considered a cinch to be in a Biden Cabinet is Pete Buttigieg.
The former South Bend, Indiana, mayor and onetime U.S. Navy intelligence officer in Afghanistan is likeliest, Biden-watchers say, to end up as United Nations ambassador or possibly secretary of Veterans Affairs.
The U.N. portfolio is reportedly most appealing to Buttigieg’s inner circle. Being ambassador to the U.N. has historically been a stepping stone to higher office — George H.W. Bush became vice president and president, Henry Cabot Lodge went on to be the Republican vice presidential nominee, and Madeleine Albright went on to be secretary of state.
Buttigieg, the first openly gay candidate for president, performed well in both the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary. But as Biden took off in later contests, his candidacy fizzled.
In the fall, the Democrat supporters dubbed "Mayor Pete" campaigned vigorously for the Biden-Harris ticket.
John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.