Trump’s visit to the church concluded a week of fitful outreach to black and Hispanic voters, capping off a frenzied campaign schedule that took him to Mexico’s presidential palace, to a meeting in North Philadelphia with black leaders, and to Detroit. One of the humble vehicles, which now straddle the worlds of political symbol and internet meme, was parked outside.
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During his brief stop in the Motor City, Trump took a tour of some of Detroit’s poorest ZIP codes, including a stop near the childhood home of retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, a former primary rival who grew up in poverty in southwest Detroit and is now a Trump adviser.
“He has made statements and his statements are that I want to make the black community better”, Jackson told CNN. Some said that he would go to a black church service, but not speak at the service.
In remarks that were slotted into the morning’s schedule at the last minute, Trump recalled driving through the neighborhood on his way to the church. After reading a verse aloud that reflects on the goal of loving each another, he pronounced, “That’s so true”.
It was at that point the pastor put the shawl on Trump and gave him two Bibles.
Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, who interviewed Trump for a show that will air on his Impact broadcast network on Thursday, presented Trump with a prayer shawl, telling Trump to wear it “in places that you feel threatened”.
Some said his speech was a good first step to change perceptions, while others complained that the remarks felt scripted even though they were delivered well and were too little, too late.
“We’re now of a generation where nearly everyone has grown up eating Mexican food of some sort or other, whether it’s breakfast tacos, breakfast burritos, or big huge combo platters”. You may not like the Mexican, but you sure love Mexican food.
Jackson, who is not related to Bishop Jackson, said Trump’s campaign trail commentary about black lives is a pure illustration that “he has no clue” about blacks, the middle class or the poor. He voiced support for African Americans, and quoted scripture from the Book of John.
As far as whether Trump will make inroads with minority voters, however, Green said the “proof will be in the pudding”. “Referencing the pitch Trump has made to black voters over the past month, the banner read: “‘What do you have to lose?’ Everything”.
Donald Trump attends a church service in Detroit, Michigan on September 3, 2016.
Wayne Bradley, director of African-American outreach for the Michigan Republican Party, said he suspects Trump’s speech won some converts on Saturday.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a church service at Great Faith Ministries, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, in Detroit.
Trump visited the Great Faith Ministries International Church where he said he came to listen.
Brace yourself for breaking news, he reminded the congregation that “not too many people realize the great Abraham Lincoln was a Republican!”
Recognizing that the community has suffered from discrimination, Trump stressed that “there are many wrongs that must still be made right”.
“To not let the public in without a ticket is unconscionable”, said the Rev. Horace Sheffield, who led a silent march down Grand River toward the church. “I will do something about it”, Trump said. In 2008, Barack Obama got 97% of the vote in Detroit against Sen.
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Alphonso and Saretta Wallace of West Bloomfield, who were in the church for Trump’s appearance, say they have an open mind about his candidacy. They just like you once every four years – get your vote and then they say: “‘Bye, bye!'” he said. “I think, because of that, the value of the black vote has been increased tremendously”. “People don’t trust Hillary Clinton”.
