He said during Wednesday night's debate that his isn't traditional establishment experience but that "I would argue we need something very different right now."
But Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar repeated her argument that, were Buttigieg a woman, he would not be on the debate stage as a top-tier candidate for president.
Klobuchar has been arguing that her trove of passed legislation is proof of pragmatism, and victory in conservative parts of Minnesota proof she can beat President Donald Trump.
She said, "What I said is true," adding, "Otherwise, we could play a game called name your favorite woman president."