As the campaign season unfolds, the Biden administration is actively engaging on the ground, particularly in Michigan. Recently, Biden-Harris campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond visited West Michigan to mobilize voters and highlight the differences between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. This visit is part of a broader strategy to connect with voters and delineate the administration’s policies compared to the previous leadership.
The goal is clear: demonstrate that the Biden-Harris administration is in sync with the people. There’s a strong anti-Biden sentiment brewing, especially across social media platforms, centered around questions like “What have you done for me lately?” and critiques about Biden’s age. Faced with these challenges, the administration is deep in damage control mode.
Richmond focused on hard facts, emphasizing, “numbers don’t lie.” He highlighted that during Trump’s tenure, Michigan saw over 200,000 jobs vanish and six auto factories shut down. In contrast, under Biden and Harris, Michigan has seen the creation of 390,000 jobs, 24,000 in manufacturing. This comparison underlines the differing impacts of the two administrations on Michigan’s economy.
“All Trump does is keep throwing stuff out there to try to distract you from looking at what’s important. And if you look at what’s important in our communities, it’s job creation. We’ve created 15 million jobs, Trump lost jobs. And wages are going up,” said Richmond.
Richmond, a former advisor and now campaign co-chair, aims to keep delivering for hardworking American families and create policies that uplift families. “At the end of the day, it’s about community and it’s about empowerment,” Richmond shared with the Michigan Chronicle.
The real goal is gathering the Black vote. Richmond was clear: “We’re going to keep talking about the historic accomplishments of this president for the black community, whether it’s the increase in wages, lowering the racial wealth disparity gap, record low unemployment in the black community, the 15 million jobs created, and the infrastructure investment done with equity in mind.”
The administration’s message is that they’re working hard for the Black community. But the crucial question remains: Is that enough? Does this array of achievements truly impact the everyday lives of Detroiters, particularly Black Detroiters?
“I think what we have to do is make sure that we answer two questions for the Americans,” said Richmond. “One of which for all Americans, why bother? And then answer the Janet Jackson test, which is, what have you done for me lately? Whether it’s Ketanji Brown Jackson, student debt relief, or other accomplishments. We’re eager to have those conversations and answer those questions.”
Vital points were reached, yet central questions—the ones the public, particularly the Black community, feel haven’t been tangibly answered—still loom large. One must wonder when the Black community will truly see the change, feel valued, and be heard.
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