My theory is that Mayor Pete is Obama-like in that he doesn't pander to his natural constituency (Pete-LGBT, Obama-African American) which makes them a threat to win a National election. Buttigieg seems to be that talented, likable (and rare) guy that transcends labels. Yes to call the Far-Right "weird and unhinged" would be an insult to the weird and unhinged, but they do seem to understand the poll numbers.