Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan dodged a chance to address President Donald Trump's recent threats against Democratic lawmakers, including Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, on a popular TV news show. When asked by host Chuck Stokes if he thought the president's rhetoric had gone too far, Duggan declined to comment, saying he prefers to focus on state issues rather than getting involved in national debates.
This exchange has become all too common for Duggan, who is running for governor as an independent. His campaign has sought to appeal to independents and Trump supporters, but his refusal to touch controversial issues has raised questions about where he truly stands on the issues.
Trump's recent threats against Slotkin and other lawmakers have drawn widespread condemnation from members of both parties. The president accused them of "seditious behavior" and suggested that their actions could be punishable by death. However, Duggan chose not to comment on the issue, instead touting his ability to bring Democrats and Republicans together.
This is a sharp departure from Duggan's past criticism of Trump and his policies. In the 2016 presidential election, Duggan mocked Trump's many bankruptcies and called him "the most phony party nominee" he'd ever seen. When Trump falsely claimed voter fraud in Detroit in 2020, Duggan called the allegations "utter nonsense" and said they threatened everything that Americans believe in.
Duggan's team has emphasized that he hasn't changed his views on any issue, only his party label. However, his refusal to condemn Trump for threatening lawmakers' lives suggests that he may be willing to tolerate the administration's bigotry and intolerance.
The question remains whether Michigan voters will accept a governor who won't say where he stands when it really matters. Duggan's campaign is heavily reliant on support from Republican donors and Trump megadonors, but his refusal to address the president's threats has raised concerns about his judgment and commitment to standing up for those in need.
As the election approaches, voters will be watching closely to see if Duggan can demonstrate his true values and leadership qualities. Will he stand up for democracy and the rule of law, or will he continue to shy away from tough issues? Only time will tell.
This exchange has become all too common for Duggan, who is running for governor as an independent. His campaign has sought to appeal to independents and Trump supporters, but his refusal to touch controversial issues has raised questions about where he truly stands on the issues.
Trump's recent threats against Slotkin and other lawmakers have drawn widespread condemnation from members of both parties. The president accused them of "seditious behavior" and suggested that their actions could be punishable by death. However, Duggan chose not to comment on the issue, instead touting his ability to bring Democrats and Republicans together.
This is a sharp departure from Duggan's past criticism of Trump and his policies. In the 2016 presidential election, Duggan mocked Trump's many bankruptcies and called him "the most phony party nominee" he'd ever seen. When Trump falsely claimed voter fraud in Detroit in 2020, Duggan called the allegations "utter nonsense" and said they threatened everything that Americans believe in.
Duggan's team has emphasized that he hasn't changed his views on any issue, only his party label. However, his refusal to condemn Trump for threatening lawmakers' lives suggests that he may be willing to tolerate the administration's bigotry and intolerance.
The question remains whether Michigan voters will accept a governor who won't say where he stands when it really matters. Duggan's campaign is heavily reliant on support from Republican donors and Trump megadonors, but his refusal to address the president's threats has raised concerns about his judgment and commitment to standing up for those in need.
As the election approaches, voters will be watching closely to see if Duggan can demonstrate his true values and leadership qualities. Will he stand up for democracy and the rule of law, or will he continue to shy away from tough issues? Only time will tell.
so like Duggan's on the fence about everything huh 
60% of Michiganders say they're "very dissatisfied" with the way politicians are handling issues, but Duggan's all about maintaining that "bi-partisanship" vibe 
. Meanwhile, Trump's approval ratings are hovering around 40% 
and those "threats against lawmakers" were like, super divisive 
. I'm not sure if Duggan's independent label is gonna help him or hurt him in the end 
. Did you know that only 22% of Michiganders support Trump for re-election? 
Average job approval rating: 43.6%
Trump's approval ratings since 2017:
!
It's like he's trying to be the ultimate bipartisan boring guy, where the only thing he's passionate about is avoiding controversy. And don't even get me started on his campaign team saying he hasn't changed his views - yeah, sure, until you actually ask him to say something with some conviction! 
The question is, can Michiganders handle a governor who's all about being likable but not really taking a stand?