On the eve of the Election, Former Democrat Mayor Interviews with Liberal Democrat
On the eve of the 2024 U.S. general election, Kwame Kilpatrick, the former mayor of Detroit, made a highly anticipated appearance on The Tavis Smiley Show, offering a compelling and candid conversation about the state of the nation, his political evolution, and why he has chosen to support Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Known for his fall from grace due to corruption charges during his tenure as mayor, Kilpatrick’s comeback has been marked by a surprising shift in his political alignment. His decision to support Trump—particularly in light of his complicated history in Michigan politics—sparked a wave of intrigue and debate.
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The interview, which took place the night before Election Day, began with Tavis Smiley asking Kilpatrick about his journey over the past several years, particularly after his release from federal prison. Kilpatrick acknowledged the public’s complex view of him, noting that his past was something he has had to confront both personally and publicly. However, he emphasized that his transformation was about redemption and growth. “I’ve learned a lot about leadership and about the power of second chances,” Kilpatrick said. “But more importantly, I’ve learned about the system—the system that makes people think they have to be part of a political party to make a difference.”
When asked directly about his support for Trump, Kilpatrick didn’t mince words. “I’m supporting Donald Trump because I believe he’s the leader this country needs right now,” he stated. “When you look at the state of this country, the economic divide, the crisis at the border, and the lack of leadership coming from Washington, Trump has been an outsider who’s challenged the establishment. And in a lot of ways, that’s what this country needs. We need someone who isn’t afraid to stand up to both sides of the political aisle.”
Kilpatrick’s endorsement of Trump is especially noteworthy given his previous political career as a prominent figure in Detroit’s Democratic establishment. In the early 2000s, he was seen as a rising star, hailed for his ability to connect with both African American and working-class voters. However, his career was derailed by a corruption scandal that saw him convicted and sentenced to prison. After serving time, Kilpatrick’s support for Trump is an unexpected twist in his political narrative.
In the interview, Smiley probed into Kilpatrick’s motivations for aligning with a figure as polarizing as Trump. Kilpatrick explained that his support was not about agreeing with every aspect of Trump’s personality or his methods, but about the broader impact Trump had on challenging the political elite. “Look, I’m not blind to the flaws, but what we need in this moment is a president who isn’t just going to rubber-stamp the status quo,” Kilpatrick said. “Trump represents that disruption. He has changed the conversation. And as someone who has seen how power works in this country, I know how valuable that is.”
Kilpatrick also pointed to Trump’s policies on criminal justice reform as a key factor in his endorsement. “I’ve been to the prisons, I’ve seen what it’s like for those who are incarcerated, and Trump did something that other presidents, especially Democrats, have failed to do: He passed the First Step Act. That’s a big deal for Black America, for people like me who’ve seen how the system works from the inside,” Kilpatrick remarked.
Smiley followed up, asking Kilpatrick how he viewed the racial dynamics of the 2024 election, particularly with African American voters. Kilpatrick acknowledged the long-standing loyalty many Black voters have had to the Democratic Party but urged listeners to think critically about which party truly serves their interests. “I love my people, and I’ve always fought for them. But it’s time for Black voters to ask, ‘Are we really getting what we deserve from the Democratic Party? Is it really helping our communities in the long run?'” Kilpatrick suggested. “I’m not telling anyone how to vote, but I want people to think about what they really need, and who is actually working for them.”
One of the more poignant moments of the interview came when Kilpatrick reflected on his time as mayor of Detroit and the lessons he learned about leadership. He admitted that his tenure was marked by mistakes, and that he had to earn back the trust of the public. “When you’re in a position of power, it’s easy to get lost in the game, and I did that. I made mistakes. But I’ve learned from them. And now, I’m in a position where I can speak out and help others see what real leadership looks like,” he said.
Kilpatrick’s endorsement of Trump wasn’t just about national politics; it was also about his vision for Michigan and its future. He expressed optimism about Michigan’s role in the 2024 election, noting that the state has become a focal point in the battle for the White House. “Michigan is ground zero. As goes Michigan, so goes the nation. I think Trump is going to win Michigan again because people in the heartland are tired of being ignored. They want someone who represents their values and their struggles.”
As the interview concluded, Smiley thanked Kilpatrick for his openness and for offering his perspective on the crucial issues of the day. Kilpatrick left listeners with a final thought on the upcoming election: “We’re at a crossroads. This is bigger than just one election. It’s about whether we’re going to allow this country to keep heading down the same path or if we’re going to take a stand for what’s right.”
In a year marked by intense political polarization and a battle for control of the White House, Kwame Kilpatrick’s interview with Tavis Smiley offered a powerful and thought-provoking take on the evolving political landscape. His support for Trump may be unconventional, but it highlights a shift in the way some former Democratic voters are approaching the 2024 election. Whether his endorsement sways public opinion or not, Kilpatrick’s voice serves as a reminder of the complex, multifaceted nature of American politics.
