Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg was mocked on Twitter this weekend after staging a bizarre photo of himself walking.
The former South Bend mayor sent out a picture on Saturday seemingly intended to showcase his intention to head to Iowa.
“On my way back to Iowa,” he wrote. “It’s #Phase4. Let’s do this.”
On my way back to Iowa.
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) January 25, 2020
It’s #Phase4. Let’s do this: https://t.co/5c5Dzmz5sg pic.twitter.com/oKW89LFT5n
But Twitter users couldn’t help but notice just how awkward the photo looked and immediately began pondering why.
“After being weirdly disturbed by this post and not realizing why, I think I’ve come to the conclusion that’s it’s bc both of his feet are on the ground,” Twitter user @thefurlinator wrote.
after being weirdly disturbed by this post and not realizing why, I think I’ve come to the conclusion that’s it’s bc both of his feet are on the ground https://t.co/6clWqlRqDV
— bernie ass furlin (@thefurlinator) January 26, 2020
Another Twitter user also argued that Buttigieg’s arms suggested that he wasn’t even walking at all.
“The way his arms are positioned too, it’s abundantly clear he is standing still, holding that weird ass pose,” they said.
The way his arms are positioned too, it’s abundantly clear he is standing still, holding that weird ass pose.
— sb24857583 (@sb24857583) January 26, 2020
"alright pete, just walk down this hallway normally with normal arms"
— koush (@koush) January 25, 2020
Others simply questioned why Buttigieg was all alone in a dark hallway.
… where’s everybody else?
— Discourse Correction (@Buridans_Sasse) January 25, 2020
Nice photo, super relatable!
— Coronavirus Patient Zero (@appuntito160) January 25, 2020
"OK now walk normally"
— it's malarkey all the way down (@punished_stu) January 25, 2020
Politicians: pic.twitter.com/itXcnWiEPu
The candidate was compared to everyone, from fictional serial killer Patrick Bateman to a character you’d see in The Shining.
https://twitter.com/CNNRGLDN/status/1221193368262381568?s=20
— Julie Ann Johnson (@Julie_Johnsoned) January 25, 2020
Shots like these are typically reserved for people about to commit violence.
— silent “H” in Whack (@WhackNicholson) January 25, 2020
Also, how long exactly would it take to walk to Iowa?
Gonna be a long walk, buddy
— Italian Mayor Voice* STAY INDOORS (@DinosaurParty2) January 25, 2020
For anyone who saw the movie Joker, that hallway sure does look familiar.
"Hurry up guys! I have to go lose Iowa!“ pic.twitter.com/K2WRXzAhYl
— HTTP Lovecraft (@HTTP_Lovecraft) January 25, 2020
And if you haven’t heard, a growing conspiracy theory online alleges that Buttigieg is nothing more than a secret CIA operative.
“Every time a CIA operative says ‘Phase 4’ you know that a lot of people are going to die,” Twitter user @ASegals said.
Every time a CIA operative says “Phase 4” you know that a lot of people are going to die
— I love and accept all Warren supporters (@ASegals) January 25, 2020
when you're definitely not executing a CIA op
— victim of capitalism (@joshieecs) January 25, 2020
— ☭Jens☭ (@comrade076) January 25, 2020
With just around a week until the Democratic caucuses in Iowa, Buttigieg is polling in second place, behind Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
We can only hope that Buttigieg isn’t pulled away for some clandestine government mission or doesn’t become distracted by any wine caves during his long walk to Iowa.
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