When CNBC interviewed residents of South Bend’s poorest neighborhoods, many weren’t exactly impressed. One local, Shawn White, asked: “Ain’t s–t changed. … How is he gonna run the whole country if you can’t get your city right first?”

That sentiment isn’t completely unfounded. In one of Buttigieg’s signature accomplishments, the “1,000 houses” initiative, he sought to bulldoze or repair 1,000 vacant homes in 1,000 days, all in an effort to fight the city’s housing crisis. But critics say it just further fueled the gentrification of African American and Hispanic neighborhoods. Worse, it led to lead and asbestos contamination, animals wound up in some people’s homes, and, as CNBC put it: “empty lots sit undeveloped, economic opportunity remains minimal and crime rates are up from 2012. Shootings, on the mind of many, have not decreased.” There were actually 11 shootings in South Bend in 10 days at the beginning of June, and there were apparently 11 more (with one fatality) over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Buttigieg is touring the country, campaigning for a promotion. His constituents don’t all appreciate their mayor’s ambition. As White said, “I ain’t ever seen the dude. Tell him to chill with us for three or four days.”