Against all odds and contrary to the interests of a monopoly Democrats share with Republicans, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running for governor as an independent. Tread carefully, Dems.
That is the hope. I personally think any product is better with competition. If I can walk into a corner store and choose between 12 brands of toothpaste, why must I be forced to choose between just two political parties?
The Founders didn't want this. The people don't want this. We only have a two-party system because the two parties won't open the system to choice.
As always I will render an opinion on political candidates based on their record and I’m certain I will find it a tough choice between Mike Duggan and most likely, Jocelyn Benson.
But at the gate, I’m never comfortable with an unapologetic candidate who uses imprecise language to click the outrage switch, as many republicans do. People aren’t illegal. They may be undocumented and if they commit a crime they are undocumented criminals. Precise language does not offend. It’s civil and respectful which is the direction leaders at all levels of government should be pointing our country.
On another note, as someone who knocks on doors to support state and local candidates, it’s not going to be easy to sell another old white guy when we watched a dynamic trio of women get stuff done for the last 6+years. If Mr. Duggan splits the vote and our state is once again in the hands of a republican in these perilous times, our state social safety net is at risk. For the poor, marginalized, disabled this is life threatening.
Your piece is an interesting exploration of the possibility of an alternate candidate and the need for improved messaging, but here on the ground, Mr. Duggan’s candidacy may in fact hurt the very people he hopes to help. The greater good ultimately influences my vote.
Savvy move by Duggan and strong reinforcement by you of its grounding. Odds still seem daunting, despite the wave of discontent he wants to ride.
The duopoly may be wildly unpopular among many voters, but its grip on fundraising remains strong as well as grimy. "Flooded with campaign cash" can fuel cynicism, but also buys reach. This indie insurgent almost surely will be outspent in the field, on billboards, in broadcast ads and on turnout blitzes. That doesn't preclude an underdog's appeal, but Duggan needs tangible political gifts beyond David vs. Goliath positioning.
Thanks, Jeanne. Words do matter. People are not illegal. People are also not undocumented. Both adjectives are technically dehumanizing.
I personably thinking Dems are not helping their cause or the cause or people coming to America by centering their scorn on words rather than policies.
That is the hope. I personally think any product is better with competition. If I can walk into a corner store and choose between 12 brands of toothpaste, why must I be forced to choose between just two political parties?
The Founders didn't want this. The people don't want this. We only have a two-party system because the two parties won't open the system to choice.
As always I will render an opinion on political candidates based on their record and I’m certain I will find it a tough choice between Mike Duggan and most likely, Jocelyn Benson.
But at the gate, I’m never comfortable with an unapologetic candidate who uses imprecise language to click the outrage switch, as many republicans do. People aren’t illegal. They may be undocumented and if they commit a crime they are undocumented criminals. Precise language does not offend. It’s civil and respectful which is the direction leaders at all levels of government should be pointing our country.
On another note, as someone who knocks on doors to support state and local candidates, it’s not going to be easy to sell another old white guy when we watched a dynamic trio of women get stuff done for the last 6+years. If Mr. Duggan splits the vote and our state is once again in the hands of a republican in these perilous times, our state social safety net is at risk. For the poor, marginalized, disabled this is life threatening.
Your piece is an interesting exploration of the possibility of an alternate candidate and the need for improved messaging, but here on the ground, Mr. Duggan’s candidacy may in fact hurt the very people he hopes to help. The greater good ultimately influences my vote.
Savvy move by Duggan and strong reinforcement by you of its grounding. Odds still seem daunting, despite the wave of discontent he wants to ride.
The duopoly may be wildly unpopular among many voters, but its grip on fundraising remains strong as well as grimy. "Flooded with campaign cash" can fuel cynicism, but also buys reach. This indie insurgent almost surely will be outspent in the field, on billboards, in broadcast ads and on turnout blitzes. That doesn't preclude an underdog's appeal, but Duggan needs tangible political gifts beyond David vs. Goliath positioning.
100%
This is very true, and I think independent could be the best way to unite the country, against the 2 party system and big money in politics!!
Thanks, Jeanne. Words do matter. People are not illegal. People are also not undocumented. Both adjectives are technically dehumanizing.
I personably thinking Dems are not helping their cause or the cause or people coming to America by centering their scorn on words rather than policies.
He has. It’s hard to tell. The system is rigged against him, but he overcame it once to get elected mayor in the first place.
I would presume he has achieved considerable success in Detroit. What is your estimation of his electoral promise?
He has. It’s hard to tell.