There has been disagreement on when, exactly, Vice President Mike Pence was first scheduled for his most recent trip to Michigan, along with where, for whom, and why. [1]
The earlier mid-October rally for Michigan Republicans may have been considered the signature draw for its side of the political spectrum en route to November 6. Compassion if not official duties of office has made attending to the wake of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre a higher priority than campaigning here for President Donald Trump. The GOP has sought to advance its message through appearances by other administration figures. [2,3,4]
It appears that the Vice President was scheduled as early as last Thursday to make a stop in Waterford — but only on behalf of candidates for local candidates seeking votes for their respective United States House races. That had certainly changed no later than Saturday, when Saline Journal was informed that Mr Pence was coming in support of races with state-wide reach.
Unlike the event in Pontiac two weeks ago today, however, this was clearly not about the attraction or optics of mega-crowds. Rather, it seemed more like core-building in preparation in order to drive something better. That said, organizer support of working press was the best encountered thus far this cycle.
Additionally, there was a clear point of solid agreement between this, the Republican Party and that of its Democrat counterparts. These races are all about President Trump.
The Vice President spoke about “The Wall,” meaning a physical barrier along our southern national border between the United States and México — a signature pledge of Mr Trump when running for office. Mr Pence then leveraged this to dismiss any notion of a “blue wave,” suggesting the potential of any such tide would be met with a “red wall.” As with any partison gathering, responses to such assertions ranged from highly to extremely enthusiastic. [5]
Rather than calling out Democrats in Michigan races, he set California Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Senator Chuck Schumer as foils. A vote for any individual associated with the Democratic Party is a vote to place these individuals in key leadership positions and committee chairmanships. He cited examples from the recent confirmation hearings of Justice Brett Kavanaugh as foreshadow of such a future. [6,7,8,9]
There was no question in the mind of this VP that the economy under the Trump Administration is night-and-day preferable to that of the Obama Administration, and that the credit for that rests firmly in the policies of President Trump.
Other than “for the better” and “for the worse” interpretations — perhaps sprinkled with a dash of Who was actually responsible for doing it? — the topic outline above could have as easily served Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders during his October 19 rally at the University of Michigan just two Fridays ago. So much agreement not just that these are the questions, but that these questions must be asked. And answered. [10,11]
With a record number of votes to be cast next Tuesday, those clear questions will seemingly be answered. Reality will be finally found, if only for a day. In the meantime, it was announced this week that former Vice President Biden will be in Michigan on behalf of Democrat candidates tomorrow. [12]
References
- “Michael R Pence: Vice President of the United States” The White House.
- “‘I want to keep this winning going,’ Donald Trump Jr says in Michigan” Lauren Gibbons (October 17, 2018) mLive.
- “Dozens of federal, state charges filed against shooting suspect Robert Bowers” (October 27, 2018) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- “‘Blue wave? Please. Not gonna happen,’ Lara Trump says in Michigan rally” Taylor DesOrmeau (October 24, 2018) mLive.
- “Opinion: The red tide is rising” Paris Dennard (October 30, 2018) The Detroit News.
- Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi: California’s 12th District (home page).
- Congresswoman Maxine Waters: Serving California’s 43rd District (home page).
- Charles E Schumer: United States Senator for New York (home page).
- “Brett M Kavanaugh, Associate Justice” Supreme Court of the United States.
- Bernie Sanders: US Senator for Vermont (home page).
- “Bernie Sanders rallies for Gretchen Whitmer, rails on President Trump” Jonathan Oosting (October 19, 2018) The Detroit News.
- “Joe Biden to campaign for Democratic candidates in Michigan” Natasha Dado (October 29, 2018) Click on Detroit.
