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From the Chair
Last week eight Republican presidential candidates staged their first campaign debate just hours before the leading candidate was booked for the fourth time in four months for a series of felonies. Those two events contrast sharply with what we as Democrats offer the state and nation. The GOP primary debate highlighted the extremism inside the Republican Party, with each candidate showing just how out of touch they are with the real needs of Americans by pushing conspiracy theories and culture wars over actual plans.
Instead of following them down the rabbit hole, Michigan Democrats are prepared for a fall legislative session which is sure to be chock-full of more initiatives to uplift the middle class and put money back in the pockets of Michigan families.
And the booking of Donald Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election? Republicans have long claimed to be the party of “law and order.” But six of the eight candidates on that debate stage said they’d support a convicted criminal to lead our nation; two of them pledged to pardon him on “day one.” The two candidates who won’t support a convicted felon poll in single digits.
Trump is even using his mug shot as a fundraising tool, apparently proud to be the only former U.S. President charged with being a criminal – a total of 91 felony counts spread over 4 indictments.
No matter how chaotic the GOP becomes, Michigan Democrats are focused on building a brighter future for our state every week, month, and year. Make no mistake, the MDP doesn’t take days off from working to deliver for Michiganders.
On this week’s podcast, we will talk with one of the leaders working on that promise. State Representative Kara Hope chairs the House Committee on Criminal Justice where she’s focused on issues like voter rights, openness in government and juvenile justice.
Also on the podcast this week: a special bonus. This week marks the 60th anniversary of the historic march on Washington, remembered forever because of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” oration.
At the end of the podcast we hear from Dr. King’s lawyer, Clarence B. Jones about that seminal day in American history. Jones wrote the first draft of a speech many consider the most greatest speech of the 20th century. He was standing just a few feet away as Dr. King used his voice to inspire future generations of Americans to work for a more just future.
Stories We’re Following This Week
Michigan
- Michigan kindergarten vaccinations plunge. What’s the rate in your school? – Bridge Michigan
- Free school meals for all could be a ‘game-changer’ in Michigan – Detroit News
- Georgia governor not amused by Whitmer’s red state ad campaign
- Michigan film incentives: The Sequel! Lawmakers propose new tax credit | Bridge Michigan
- Long-simmering battle over public health comes to a head in Ottawa County – Bridge Michigan
- Prosecutor says 3 men accused in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer wanted to start a civil war | AP News
- Canvassers approve recall petition against MacDonell, reject remaining five due to lack of clarity ⋆ Michigan Advance
The Nation
- Biden pushes new student loan repayment plan as bills loom for tens of millions – POLITICO
- The future of student loan forgiveness: What to know in Michigan – Bridge Michigan
- Democrats, Republicans are deeply divided on extreme weather, poll finds – The Washington Post
- G.O.P. Contenders Feed Voter Distrust in Courts, Schools and Military – The New York Times
- Historically Low Faith in U.S. Institutions Continues – Gallup Organization
- A right-wing sheriffs group that challenges federal law is gaining acceptance around the country – AP News
Culture Wars
- South Carolina’s highest court upholds strict abortion ban – The Washington Post
- Ark Dept of Ed Demands Schools Hand Over African-American Studies Materials – MeidasTouch Network
- Transgender Care Ban Allowed to Take Effect in Alabama, Appeals Panel Says – The New York Times
Republicans in Disarray
- Radicals Took Over the Michigan GOP. Now They Can’t Stop Losing. – Mother Jones
- 7 ways MAGA Republicans differ from other Republicans – The Washington Post
- A Growing Chorus of Conservative Legal Scholars Say Trump Should Be Barred From Presidency – Mother Jones
- Republican debate poll finds Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy won – Washington Post
- Voters Reject Policies Proposed at First Republican Debate and Don’t Think Trump’s Absence Hurt His Chances- Data for Progress
- Trump’s Indictments Might Be Hurting Him — Just Not In The Primary Polls – FiveThirtyEight
- Vivek Ramaswamy says ‘hoax’ agenda kills more people than climate change – The Washington Post
- Opinion | Their hands said it all: GOP hopefuls trash the trial by jury – Ruth Marcus/The Washington Post
- Dayen on TAP: The Foxconn Debacle Is What Economic Development Used to Look Like – American Prospect
The March on Washington 60th Anniversary
- The March on Washington, 60 years later: Memories from 1963 participants – Washington Post
- I helped write ‘I Have a Dream.’ Sadly, Dr. King’s message is fading – USA Today