Rep. Debbie Dingell believes Michigan’s competitiveness in the upcoming election will remain uncertain until the last vote is counted on Election Day. She expressed that she does not yet know who will win Michigan this year, contrasting with her feeling in 2016 when she sensed Donald Trump’s victory in the state. Dingell emphasized that neither candidate has secured Michigan yet, pointing out Trump’s successful connection with auto and union workers during his first presidential campaign by addressing their fears of job outsourcing.
Dingell emphasized that the central focus of the upcoming election, much like in 2016, will be the economy. Issues such as grocery prices, housing costs, and college affordability are paramount to voters’ concerns, and she stressed the importance of addressing these topics. She offered advice to Vice President Kamala Harris on how to appeal to Michiganders, advising her to be authentic, engage with union halls, and directly converse with the people. Dingell mentioned that while she admires the Clintons, they did not heed her advice in 2016, particularly regarding communication with union members, but she highlighted Harris’s willingness to listen and act upon her suggestions.
While Dingell sees Michigan as a swing state for the presidential race, she predicts that Democrats will regain control of the House from Republicans in November. Emphasizing the significance of defining what is at stake in the election, Dingell acknowledged that the competition will be close but believes the failure of Republicans to accomplish much in recent years may sway voters towards the Democratic Party. She commended Harris for regularly seeking input from her constituents, indicating a genuine interest in understanding various issues ranging from the auto industry to cultural diversity within the state.
A pressing concern for Dingell is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly affecting the large Jewish and Muslim populations in her district, including Palestinian and Lebanese communities. She stressed the urgent need for peace amid escalating tensions, echoing the worries of both communities about rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Dingell has engaged with President Biden and Harris on the conflict, advocating for a ceasefire and emphasizing the impact of the conflict on local communities. She underscored the importance of finding common ground and fostering peace to prevent further loss of life and promote global stability.
The “Takeout” podcast team includes Executive producer Arden Farhi, Producers Jamie Benson, Jacob Rosen, Sara Cook, and Eleanor Watson, and CBSN Production by Eric Soussanin. The show can be contacted via email at TakeoutPodcast@cbsnews.com and is active on social media platforms Twitter (@TakeoutPodcast), Instagram (@TakeoutPodcast), and Facebook (Facebook.com/TakeoutPodcast). The program covers a range of topics, including political insights and discussions with prominent guests like Rep. Debbie Dingell, offering perspectives on key issues shaping the upcoming election and beyond.
