Former Democrat joins Valdes from Trump Grand Rapids Rally
On the eve of Election Day, Rich Valdes, host of a nationally syndicated radio show, welcomed former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick as his special guest. The interview, held at a Trump rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was charged with political significance. Kilpatrick, whose political career was marred by scandal but who still holds sway in Michigan politics, provided candid insights into his views on the upcoming election, the state of Michigan, and his perspective on the direction of the nation under Donald Trump.
Click below to listen to this compelling interview!
As the interview began, the backdrop of a massive crowd at the rally set the tone for the conversation. The energy was palpable as Valdes, known for his straight-talk style, introduced Kilpatrick, who, despite his controversial past, remains a figure of significant interest in Michigan’s political landscape. Valdes immediately dove into the heart of the conversation by asking Kilpatrick about his thoughts on the 2024 election and how he perceived the political dynamics in Michigan leading up to Election Day.
Kilpatrick, who served as Detroit’s mayor from 2002 until his 2013 conviction on federal corruption charges, began by emphasizing the importance of Michigan’s role in the broader national election. “Michigan is the heart of America, Rich,” he said. “It’s the industrial backbone, and it’s where the working people are—people who want change, who want a government that works for them, not against them.”
Kilpatrick made it clear that he was not simply talking about Detroit, but rather the state as a whole, pointing out that issues like economic recovery, job growth, and public safety were top of mind for voters. He referenced his time as mayor, noting how his administration worked tirelessly to bring jobs and development back to the city, despite the challenges they faced. Kilpatrick’s words were peppered with nostalgia for a Detroit on the rise, even as he acknowledged the scars left by his personal and political missteps.
Valdes, who is known for cutting through the noise, didn’t shy away from pressing Kilpatrick on his past. He asked about how Kilpatrick felt his controversial tenure as mayor, followed by his conviction and prison sentence, affected his credibility with voters today. Kilpatrick responded with a mixture of regret and defiance. “I made mistakes,” he admitted, “but I also did a lot of good for Detroit. I’ll always own what I did wrong, but I think people understand that I’m not perfect. Nobody is.”
The former mayor explained that he had worked hard to rebuild his life and career post-incarceration, even though he had faced immense political and public backlash. Kilpatrick’s voice grew impassioned as he emphasized that his focus now was on lifting up communities that had been left behind—an issue he said Trump understood, particularly in his approach to economic policy.
When the conversation shifted toward Trump, Kilpatrick’s tone changed again, moving from self-reflection to advocacy for the current president. He acknowledged the division within the country but argued that Donald Trump’s policies had benefitted blue-collar workers in Michigan. “People forget how bad things were under the previous administration,” Kilpatrick said, referencing the economic downturn that hit the state hard before Trump’s policies took effect. “Trump’s trade deals, his push for manufacturing jobs—those are the things that are putting food on tables for working families. I know it firsthand. I talk to people all across Michigan, and they are seeing real change under his leadership.”
Rich Valdes, not one to let a controversial statement pass without further inquiry, challenged Kilpatrick on the divisive rhetoric that often comes with Trump’s speeches and social media presence. Kilpatrick was quick to respond, acknowledging that Trump’s style was unconventional but arguing that it was effective in getting things done. “People want leadership, Rich. They want someone who tells them what’s on his mind. They’re tired of the same old political games.”
The conversation also touched on the state of Detroit in 2024, with Kilpatrick giving his thoughts on how the city had evolved in the wake of his time in office. “Detroit’s got a long way to go, but it’s heading in the right direction,” he said, stressing the importance of investing in both infrastructure and education. “The people of Detroit deserve better, and they deserve someone who understands them, who’s fought for them before.”
As the rally began to pick up steam in the background, with cheers for Trump growing louder, Valdes and Kilpatrick continued their discussion. In closing, Kilpatrick urged Michigan voters to make their voices heard and to consider the impact of the upcoming election on the state’s future.
“We can’t afford to go backward,” Kilpatrick said firmly. “Michigan has been through enough. It’s time for leadership that puts the people first—and that’s what President Trump is doing. That’s what we need more of in this country.”
Valdes thanked Kilpatrick for his time, and as the interview concluded, the energy of the rally seemed to permeate the conversation. Kilpatrick’s appearance on Valdes’ show, set against the backdrop of a Trump rally, was a powerful reminder of the high stakes of the upcoming election and the tension surrounding Michigan’s critical role in determining the outcome.
