Pete Buttigieg’s Response To His New Nickname Draws Criticism

Over the weekend, President Trump unveiled a new nickname for Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg: Alfred E. Neuman.

“Alfred E. Neuman cannot become president of the United States,” Trump said during an interview with Politico.

“We have a young man, Buttigieg. Boot-edge-edge,” he continued. “He’ll be great representing us against President Xi of China. That’ll be great. I want to be in that room, I wanna watch that one.”

OK, Trump referring to Mayor Pete as "Alfred E. Neuman" is genuinely hilarious pic.twitter.com/IlEdD7OizT

— Michael Tracey (@mtracey) May 11, 2019

The nickname isn’t “Twitter” official, but it likely will be at some point soon. It’s only a matter of time.

Buttigieg responded to his new nickname, but his reaction’s drawing a lot of criticism.

He said he had to Google the name because he didn’t get the reference, and he attributed his lack of knowing to a generational gap.

Ouch! Mayor @Pete Buttigieg responds to ⁦@realDonaldTrump⁩ slam that he is “Alfred E Neuman” —“I had to Google that..I guess it’s a generational thing.” pic.twitter.com/ZL11noISYL

— Carla Marinucci (@cmarinucci) May 11, 2019

Alfred E Neuman first appeared in Mad Magazine in 1954. When Pete was negative 28 years old. https://t.co/CWMgfybTCh

— Tim Miller (@Timodc) May 11, 2019

It’s not exactly a great excuse though. Ever heard of Mickey Mouse? Wasn’t he created in the 20s?

People are calling him out for his lame excuse.

So are Washington, Jefferson, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Madison, but we know who they are .

— ElizabethWarwick (@ElizabethWarwi9) May 11, 2019

https://twitter.com/libertylineman/status/1127264719478218752

https://twitter.com/SeanDrasher/status/1127186863771586562

I'm 36 and remember reading Mad magazine as a kid. Hell, there was a Mad Magazine candy that came with a mini-zine in the early 90's. Key & Peele appeared on MadTV before Comedy Central… "generational thing" is a cop out, Pete just ain't hip.

— Philip (@kafkaguy) May 11, 2019

Also first appeared in 1954:
Godzilla
The Tonight Show
Lord of the Rings https://t.co/AW2pnszMhK

— Noam Blum (@neontaster) May 11, 2019

Mad Magazine has been published every month since.

— jimtreacher.substack.com (@jtLOL) May 11, 2019

Thoughts?