“When somebody wants something from you, and they say the right words”.
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Public opinion surveys show his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, polling far ahead of Trump with minority voters. African-American community leaders, in particular, have railed against Trumps dire depictions of minority life and dismissed his message as intended more to reassure white voters that hes not racist than to help communities of color. All three of them got involved in the service and were seen swaying like other congregants when the choir sang What a Mighty God We Serve.
At the conclusion of his talk, a church pastor presented Trump with a Bible and a prayer shawl.
Trump told the audience he was there to “listen to your message” and said he hoped his appearance would “also help your voice to reach new audiences in our country”. Outside the church, Trump’s visit was marked with a protest from those who’ve heard his past rhetoric and have already made up their minds about him. And those who seek office do not do enough to step into the community and learn what is going on..
Denaria Thorn, who was at Saturday’s church service, said she is still not a Trump supporter and had chose to come to the church “expecting an apology” for the patronizing remarks Trump has delivered during his campaign.
Trump praised the black church as “the conscience of our country” and said the nation needs “a civil rights agenda of our time” that includes the right to a quality education, safe neighborhoods and good jobs. The interplay between Trump and his hosts Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, his wife, and the community of faith appeared genuine and respectful.
Before the 1930s, most African- Americans were registered Republicans and voted that way.
Rev. Lawrence Glass, one of the clergy criticizing Trump’s visit, said the Republican represents the “politics of fear and hate” and that “minorities of all kinds have much to lose taking a chance on someone like” Trump.
Mr Nathan Liverman, 29, a Detroit small business owner said of Mr Trump’s message that “you could feel it was authentic, that it was to heart”. Trump also visited Carson’s childhood house.
Joining Trump at the church were Ben Carson, a former presidential candidate himself and Omarosa Manigault, a former contestant on The Apprentice. Almost 40 percent of residents are impoverished, compared with about 15 percent of Americans overall.
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Meanwhile Trumps running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pences, went virtually unnoticed during a stop at Ohio State University on the opening day of football season. Trump has begged off releasing his tax returns, citing an audit.
