Michigan Democratic Party holds pre-debate reception

Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders were welcomed by the Michigan Democratic Party at the MGM Grand Hotel on March 5.

Both Clinton and Sanders have spent time rallying Michigan voters in preparation for the March 6 democratic debate in Flint and the March 8 Michigan primary, where 147 delegates are on the line.

Clinton spoke on jobs and the economy at the Detroit Manufacturing Systems Building on March 4. Sanders targeted college campuses, conducting rallies at Grand Valley State University and Macomb Community College.

Several Michigan legislators provided introductory statements at the MDP reception, including: Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, House Representative Tim Greimel, Congressman Dan Kildee, Mayor of Flint Karen Weaver, Senator Gary Peters and Senator Debbie Stabenow.

MDP representatives remarked upon the Republican Debate at the Fox Theatre days before, the Flint Water Crisis and Republican efforts to prevent President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nomination following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

Evans said the GOP performance was proof that it was critical for the U.S. to have a Democratic president, considering the innuendos made by candidates Donald Trump and Marco Rubio.

“There are not enough nitwits in this country for us [Democrats] not to be successful,” said Evans.

Greimel said the GOP debate was a clown show, and also criticized Governor Snyder while calling for his resignation.

“Our bottom line is people, not money,” said Greimel. “We are the voice of the people.”

As a resident of the city of Flint, Kildee shamed Republican actions and said the government can no longer avoid accountability.

“They [Republicans] don’t think about people in Flint,” said Kildee. “They don’t think about people who have been marginalized.”

Weaver said the Flint water crisis should never have happened, but Democrats are not politicizing the event by holding the debate in the city.

“How do you politicize a crisis?” said Weaver. “We are paying attention to it.”

Weaver said it is clear that the U.S. is at a turning point, and it makes her nervous looking at the GOP candidates that could become the next president.

“We’ve got to keep a Democrat as our leader, no ifs or ands about it,” said Weaver.

She went on to thank all who have volunteered and provided aid to the Flint during this time of need.

“Your support lifts us up, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.”

Peters said it is time for Democrats to take back the U.S. Senate because of struggles with bipartisan relations. As an example, he cited President Obama’s inability to name a replacement for Justice Scalia.

“We have to do our job. The Constitution is very clear,” said Peters. “Let’s tell the Republicans, ‘Do not disrespect the United States Constitution!’”

Stabenow said she expects the Democratic candidates to stick to the issues during the debate.

“Our Democratic candidates share the same values. They believe in bringing the country together,” Stabenow said. “What we see on the Republican side is not only divisive and embarrassing, but using hate speak and dividing people in a way that’s really harmful to the country.”

She also said Flint is an example of the failure of the Republican philosophy because money was prioritized over people’s health and safety.

“The bigger story in Flint is the failure of the Republican philosophy, that it’s money over people’s health and safety,” Stabenow said. “Emergency managers take away the people’s voice, and focus on covering up what has happened over and over again. Even at the risk of people’s lives and their health.

The Democratic candidates then took the time to personally address those in the crowd, each echoing sentiments of unity as opposed to division.

Clinton told the audience all eyes will be on Michigan as her campaign plans to go for every vote, while Sanders urged the people of Michigan to bring forth a large, multi-generational voter turnout on Tuesday.

“When we work together, we can rise together, and that’s what this campaign is all about,” Clinton said. “America never stopped being great.”

She said if elected, she would make Michigan’s comeback a story of resilience and put the focus on disenfranchised communities.

“What happened in Flint would not happen in Grosse Pointe,” Clinton said. “Bloomfield schools are never going to look like Detroit Public Schools.”

Sanders said he does not believe Americans will ever elect a president that insults Mexicans, Muslims, women or veterans.

”I believe the American people understand that the future of our nation is bring people together not dividing them,” Sanders said.

He went on to touch on issues such as raising the minimum wage, pay equality between genders and corruption in the campaign finance system.

“Now some of you may agree with me, while some of you may not, but what democracy is about is one person, one vote, not billionaires buying elections,” Sanders said.

The Democratic debate will air live from the University of Michigan-Flint campus, broadcast by CNN at 8 p.m. EST time. Anderson Cooper will serve as the moderator, accompanied by Don Lemon as the questioner.

Contact Features Editor Aleanna Siacon at aleannasiacon.tse@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @AleannaSiacon.