Pete in transpo is smart for multiple reasons:
1) a good fit for his skill set (data-driven, localist, solutions-oriented)
2) He's less controversial than Rahm Emanuel
3) Unlike VA, Transpo gives Pete an opportunity to build something tangible that he can point to in a later run

Also: Pete's whole political identity is wrapped up in restoring local community through infrastructure + connecting the coasts with the heartland. Transportation is a great way for him to work on that, esp since Biden has signaled ambitious climate-friendly infrastructure plans

Also, it's interesting how people have gone from: "I disagree with Pete on key issues and prefer other candidates" to "I never want to see him again."

The guy is 38 and won the Iowa Caucuses. He's gonna be around for a while.