On the Campaign Trail :: Michigan

Grand Rapids and Detroit

I spent this weekend in Michigan, rallying the troops, canvasing neighborhoods, and speaking to local supporters. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: This is my favorite time of year. Watching where democracy happens; not in a television ad or in a debate, but on the ground where thousands of Americans are putting their country first, spending time in their communities, and working together toward a better future and the opportunity to build the America of Tomorrow.

Grand Rapids

The Democratic Party of Kent County (Grand Rapids,) Michigan is everything you want in a local organization. Much like the Chatham County (North Carolina) Democratic Party, their chair, Kim, has built a terrific team of staff and volunteers who, she tells me, are in the office seven days a week. Folks come before and after work, and students are doing their part after class.

For me, walking into a party headquarters is magical. To the uninitiated, the controlled chaos may not track. But the folding tables, yard signs of all sizes and shapes for candidates up and down the ballot, mismatched (but comfortable) furniture for those taking a break between canvas shifts, and of course, all the coffee and donuts any block-walker could ask for, create the energy and momentum to get every last possible voter to the polls in November.

On the Doors

I hit the streets with Donna, The Union’s Michigan lead. If the headquarters provides the energy, the doors bring home the very real problems with which too many Americans contend. Many of the streets have the feeling of being left behind.

A community leader told me two years ago, “My people are going to do one of two things: They’ll stay home or they’ll vote for the Democrat. But year in and year out they look out their window and their lives don’t change.”

These neighborhoods are on the precipice of change, but it won’t likely benefit their current residents. The tendrils of gentrification were visible. It may take another five or even 10 years, but my guess is that a lot of the kids I saw won’t be living on their street come highschool.

One man we spoke with said he would be voting but, “It’s a coin with a snake on either side.” He won’t vote for Donald Trump because he’s “just in it for the power and I don’t like that.” Vice President Harris? “Yeah, she’s okay. I’ll probably vote for her.”

While I have you, let me shatter another myth: “Working class” does not equal “uninformed.” Most of the voters we spoke with were very clear about their own issues and those facing the country.

These folks don’t need more information about their choices. They need encouragement to participate and to feel that casting their ballot may actually help lead to better outcomes.

Detroit

First, I want to thank Harry Todd, President of the Detroit Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity chapter and Chad King for introducing me to their fair city and the incredible people I had the chance to meet.

Because of Harry and Chad’s good offices, I was humbled to be a guest at both the Plymouth United Church of Christ and Church of the New Covenant Baptist Church this morning in Detroit.

There are several beliefs I hold dear. One of them is this: If you can’t find the Lord in an African American church, you’re not going to find Him anywhere. Reverends Hood and Ellison were gracious hosts and incredible leaders.

Reverend Hood spoke of the Apostle Paul. I thought of Paul’s conversion, The Road to Damascus. I mentioned this to his congregation, the last nine years have seen an evolution of my own, call it my Road to Detroit. Call it luck, cooincedence, or providence, but whatever brought me to those churches today, knew exactly what I needed.

The word ‘endure’ and ‘endurance’ came up repeatedly throughout both services. I didn’t realize how low my spiritual energy was until I spent the morning in the pews. After weeks on the road and years in this fight, singing the hymns, listening to the prayers, and seeing members of true communities - from young families to their grandparents was refreshing and recharging beyond any words I can use here.

Renewal, Temporal and Spiritual

Being in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Michigan these last few weeks has renewed my belief in democracy and my love for America. There is nothing better to clear the head of social media insanity and cable news pablum then spending time in the places and with the people who will help us defend our Republic and turn the page on Donald Trump and MAGA.

News and Notes:

If you make it to the Motor City, make a reservation at Fixins for dinner. Incredible.

Please (listen to, follow, rate 5 stars) to the latest episode of The Home Front Podcast featuring bona fide democracy defender, Trygve Olson. Ever listen and rating matters!

Programming Note: Tomorrow (Monday) I’m interviewing

Adam Kinzinger

. The episode will be up Tuesday. I hope you’ll check that one out, too.

Misinfo Alert: Essential reading from Nina Jankowicz, Co-Founder and CEO of the American Sunlight Project (of which I’m an Advisory Board member.) Read Nina’s article here.