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Democratic delegates optimistic to make Michigan a 'blue state'

Lester Graham
/
Michigan Radio

Some Michigan delegates at the Democratic National Convention say the Republicans had their chance to bash President Obama. This week they believe they will hear why Barack Obama has earned a second term in the White House.

Smarting a bit after the criticism by Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan at the Republican National Convention, some Democratic delegates are anticipating President Obama’s response. Michigan delegates to the Democratic National Convention had some not so nice things to say about the Republican team that wants to take the White House.

Fred Hoffman is a delegate from Dearborn. He says the Democrats need to remind voters that President Obama has improved things a lot since he was elected and could improve things further.

“I think the two big issues in Michigan are autos and Medicare. And I think if we tell the story on autos and Medicare in terms of our position and the Republican position, there’s no question that Michigan’s going to be a blue state this fall.”

Despite polls that show Mitt Romney and Barack Obama in a dead heat in Michigan, Democratic party leaders are optimistic. Jack Schneider is a delegate from Milford. Schneider says most people have already made up their minds. The job for Democrats is simple, get people to the polls on election day.

“If the people who have voted in the past for Obama come out to vote, then I think he’ll win in a landslide. If people stay at home and we don't do our job as party members to get people out to vote, I think we’re in for some stormy weather for the next four years at least.”

President Obama will address the delegates on Thursday to accept their nomination.

Michigan Democratic leaders say they’re looking at the presidential campaign this week. Next week they’ll start looking closer at Michigan races at the state-level convention.

Lester Graham reports for The Environment Report. He has reported on public policy, politics, and issues regarding race and gender inequity. He was previously with The Environment Report at Michigan Public from 1998-2010.
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