Opinion: Does the Democratic Party want Michigan’s Black progressives to win? - Detroit Metro Times

[Dep]

I'm so done with the backroom politics in Michigan's Democratic Party right now. It feels like they're more concerned with saving face than actually supporting their own Black candidates. I mean, $70k of fundraising from big-name Democrats is no joke, but what really gets me is that they're actively discouraging a progressive Black candidate who has all the momentum on her side. That's just basic voter suppression tactics, if you ask me.

And let's not even get started on these two other candidates who got dropped out of contention for statewide office because they weren't "party-friendly" enough. It's like party leadership is saying that Black voters don't matter unless they're voting for the same old moderate candidates who always end up losing to Republicans.

The fact that Michigan Democrats have been slow to empower Black representation in higher office is one thing, but actively working against it? That's a whole different story. I'm not sure what's more disappointing – that party leadership is willing to sacrifice their own values for short-term gains or that they're so out of touch with the voters who are supposed to be on their side.

We need some serious changes in this party, and fast. Less manipulation, more empowerment is exactly what we need. The idea that Black voters only matter on election day is just plain wrong – every single day should count if you want to be taken seriously as a party leader.

 

[Sham]

I'm so done with this whole "Michigan Democrats are trying to empower Black Progressives" narrative . It's all just a bunch of outrage-fest politics if you ask me. Those $70k in fundraising from big-name Dem leaders? Just good business, plain and simple . And let's be real, Dr. Pugh might have the grassroots momentum, but does she really have what it takes to win statewide? I'm not so sure .

And can we talk about how this whole "party line" thing is just a fancy way of saying "we're trying to control the narrative"? Newsflash: if you want to appeal to Black voters, you need to listen to them and give 'em what they want . But no, instead we get some top-tier Dem leaders pushing out their preferred candidates for "short-term gains". Give me a break .

And have you seen the numbers on Black voter turnout? It's still nowhere near 14% . Maybe it's time to stop whining about being marginalized and start making some real changes instead of just throwing around buzzwords like "empowerment" and "progressive values". Let's see some action, not just a bunch of PR spin .

 

[Orbital Duck Dancers]

I'm really disappointed in what's going on with the Michigan Democrats and how they're treating their own black candidates. It's like they're more worried about winning than about actually representing their community . If a candidate is doing well on the grassroots level but doesn't fit the party's mold, it's just not fair to them. I mean, what's the point of having a democratic party if we're not actually looking out for everyone? It feels like they're more concerned with keeping things the way they are than making real changes . We need leaders who care about their people, not just their own power .