Michigan Democrats in Congress React To Trump’s Address
How was Trump’s first address to Congress received?
President Donald Trump made his first address to Congress last night. Trump stuck to his written speech, which was not as dark and combative as many of his campaign and rally speeches have been.
Joining Stephen Henderson on Detroit Today to discuss Trump’s speech is Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint), who represents Michigan’s 5th district.
“[Trump] exploits fear. This has been his method from the very beginning… but the facts get in the way of his narrative,” says Kildee.
“It is true that immigrants represent a disproportionate number of victims of crime.”
Kildee says while the president’s speech did not change significantly in ideology, there was a difference in his tone.
Additionally, the expectations for the president are so low, he says, that Trump is being praised by some for just staying on-script and having common decency.
Kildee says Trump has made a career out of “othering” other nations and immigrants.
“Leaders don’t pander to those fears.” Kildee says.
Also joining Henderson is Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn), who represents Michigan’s 12th district.
“My concerns remain on a number of the issues that I care about deeply. One, the Affordable Care Act,” says Dingell. “For me, I don’t believe that discussion of the Affordable Care Act should be political.”
She says Congress also needs to take action on comprehensive immigration reform.
Detroit Today reached out to a number of Republicans in Congress. They were all either not available or did not respond to invitations to join the show.
Click on the audio player above to hear the full conversation.
