Rep. Debbie Dingell is firm in her belief that Michigan will remain in play until every last vote is tallied on Election Day. Speaking candidly on "The Takeout" podcast with Chief Washington Correspondent Major Garrett, she said, “I don’t think we know who’s going to win Michigan yet.” Her words carry a sense of urgency and excitement that encapsulates the unpredictability of the upcoming election.
Reflecting on the past, Dingell recalled the 2016 election when she had an inkling that Donald Trump would snag her state. “This year is different,” she emphasized. “I don’t think either of the candidates has won Michigan yet.” Her observations are particularly interesting because they shine a light on the evolving dynamics of voter sentiment in the Great Lakes State. Trump, during his initial presidential run, forged a connection with auto and union workers, tapping into their fears and anxieties about jobs being outsourced. “He understood their fear and anxiety that their jobs had been shipped overseas,” Dingell stated, drawing attention to the impact of globalization on working-class communities.
Now, as the political landscape shifts, Dingell stresses that, much like in 2016, “this election is going to be about the economy.” It’s the bread-and-butter issues that resonate most deeply with voters—rising grocery prices, the cost of mortgage and rent payments, and the ever-pressing challenge of college affordability. “All of those are the kinds of issues… we’ve got to be addressing,” she pointed out. These everyday concerns are what families are discussing around their kitchen tables, and they will likely shape the election’s outcome.
Dingell doesn’t just offer insights into what voters are thinking; she also has some pointed advice for Vice President Kamala Harris on how to connect with Michiganders. “Let her be herself. Get out there,” she urged. “Get out to union halls. Talk to the people.” This grassroots approach is vital, and Dingell’s experience in the political arena gives her the credibility to speak on the matter. She reflects on her relationship with the Clintons, noting, “I loved Bill and Hillary. You know that. They were friends.” However, she recalls that they did not heed her advice back in 2016, particularly regarding engagement with union members. “They said they should have listened to me later,” she added. This time around, Dingell feels that the Harris campaign is on a better track, especially after Harris made a notable visit to Michigan on Labor Day.
As the election gears up, Dingell believes that while Michigan is a toss-up, there’s a strong possibility for Democrats to regain control of the House. “There are a lot of close seats, but I think we’re doing a very good job of defining what’s at stake,” she explained. “I think it’s going to be close… But quite frankly, the Republicans’ inability to get a lot of work done in the last two years has a lot of people willing to look and say what’s at stake.” Her confidence in the Democratic narrative speaks to the importance of effective communication and strategy in this critical moment.
One of the key aspects Dingell brings to the table is her ability to listen. She noted that Harris has regularly sought her input regarding the concerns of constituents—not just since becoming the vice-presidential candidate, but even back when Harris served as a senator. “She wanted to understand the auto industry. She wanted to understand the union workers,” Dingell said. This approach reflects the kind of empathetic leadership that resonates with voters, particularly in a state like Michigan, known for its rich cultural diversity. Dingell mentioned how Harris has shown a keen interest in understanding the various ethnic backgrounds and cultural issues affecting her constituents.
But it’s not just domestic issues that weigh heavily on Dingell’s mind; she’s also deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Her district is home to sizable Jewish and Muslim populations, including many of Palestinian and Lebanese descent. In 2023, Dearborn, Michigan, made history by becoming the first Arab-majority city in the United States. “We need peace,” Dingell said with urgency. “And we’re seeing an escalation. It’s getting worse.” She articulated the palpable anxiety felt within both communities: “The Jewish community is so worried about anti-Semitism and hate, but so is the Muslim community about Islamophobia. It’s real for both of them.”
Dingell emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of those affected by global conflicts. She’s had numerous discussions with both President Biden and Harris about the sentiments expressed by people in her communities, particularly those who have lost loved ones due to the ongoing violence. “People need to understand how hurting people are, how this war in the Mideast, which has been going on for centuries, is very real in our own communities,” she pointed out. The call for peace is not just a distant echo; it’s a pressing demand from her constituents.
“We need peace. We need a ceasefire. We need no one else to die,” Dingell asserted passionately. The urgency in her voice reflects a broader plea for leaders to seek collaboration and understanding rather than fueling divisions. “As elected officials, we need to somehow find a way to bring people together, not keep putting kerosene on a fire that is very dangerous to world peace.” This call for unity is a powerful reminder of the responsibilities that come with leadership, especially in such turbulent times.
In conclusion, Rep. Debbie Dingell’s insights are not just observations; they’re a clarion call for action and understanding in both domestic and international arenas. As Michigan stands on the precipice of another pivotal election, her emphasis on grassroots engagement, economic concerns, and the urgent need for peace in the Middle East highlights the complexity of the issues at play. Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, Dingell’s message resonates: it’s time to listen, engage, and strive for a better future for all communities. This election season, it’s clear that Michigan will remain competitive until every last vote is counted, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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