Gretchen Whitmer (00:00):
… going through. Donald Trump doesn’t get your life at all, right? You think he’s ever rushed out the door to drive carpool?
Audience (00:11):
No.
Gretchen Whitmer (00:12):
I mean, you guys, he’s been chauffeured his whole life. He probably doesn’t even have a driver’s license. You think he’s ever cared for a sick friend in need or made them soup?
Audience (00:26):
No.
Gretchen Whitmer (00:26):
Donald Trump cares about himself and only about himself. And he will say whatever he thinks he needs to get elected. And as president, he will leave us behind just like he did before. In Michigan, we hear no about his record of broken promises. Donald Trump said he would save American manufacturing. On this issue, like so many others, it was all talk. By the time he left office, Michigan lost more than 280,000 jobs.
Audience (01:02):
Boo.
Gretchen Whitmer (01:02):
He said not one auto plant would close. The truth is six closed under Donald Trump’s presidency.
Audience (01:13):
Boo.
Gretchen Whitmer (01:13):
He even suggested that auto manufacturing move out of the Midwest and down south to non-Union states.
Audience (01:24):
Boo.
Gretchen Whitmer (01:24):
Now, there is no place in America that understands better than the Midwest, that when a factory leaves, it takes a whole lot more with it. It means fewer students in our public schools, fewer first responders, fewer residents, fewer small businesses. All of us, Republicans, Independents and Democrats want to bring manufacturing jobs back home.
Audience (01:57):
Yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (01:58):
After four years of Donald Trump’s failures, things finally started changing when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took office. They worked across the aisle to invest in American industry and Midwest workers. Today, there are more auto workers, more factories getting built, more roads getting fixed, those damn roads, Michiganders. You don’t think I hear you cursing me under your breath when you’re driving, but Big Wrench has a message for you, you’re welcome.
Audience (02:38):
Big Wrench, Big Wrench, Big Wrench.
Gretchen Whitmer (02:38):
It’s a thing.
Audience (02:38):
Big Wrench, Big Wrench, Big Wrench.
Gretchen Whitmer (03:03):
Okay. Thank you. All right, so more autoworkers, more factories, more roads getting fixed, more affordable places to live, more middle class jobs than when Trump was president. And when Kamala Harris becomes our next president, she’s going to throw it into overdrive, friends. On the other hand, we know that Donald Trump’s agenda is to go backwards. It’s the same old stuff from the same old guy, right? And we are not going back.
Audience (03:44):
We’re not going back. We’re not going back. We’re not going back. We’re not going back. We’re not going back.
Gretchen Whitmer (03:47):
Now, let me get real with you for a second. I remember very clearly what it was like the last time Donald Trump was in office and my fellow governors do too. During COVID, he told states like us, when we were desperate for medical supplies, that we had to go find them ourselves. He said to us governors, “I am not the nation’s shipping clerk,” when we were begging for supplies to save lives here in Michigan, in New York, in Illinois, in Louisiana, and in all of our states. But at the same time, he was sending supplies to his pal, Vladimir Putin.
Audience (04:32):
Boo.
Gretchen Whitmer (04:35):
He betrayed us. He betrayed his oath of office. In a second term, it will be worse. Just listen to what he says. He called for the National Guard and the U.S. military to be used against the enemy from within. He’s talking about people who don’t support him. Between the Supreme Court of the United States and his project 2025 agenda, he would have unchecked power to do whatever he wants. He called January 6th, “A day of love.” You ask the police officers who were beaten to within an inch of their lives, if it was a day of love? We all saw it with our own eyes for what it was, an attempted coup that played out on live TV. As governors who have all faced our own share of crises, we know that tough times reveal your true character. Donald Trump has shown us that he is incapable of handling a crisis. He is a petty man who tells dangerous lies and is always looking for someone else to blame. We don’t need that.
Audience (06:00):
No.
Gretchen Whitmer (06:01):
We need leaders who are going to put politics aside and work together to solve problems. As our next Commander in Chief, Kamala Harris will ask, “What do you need? How can I help you? Are you okay?” That’s what a leader does.
Audience (06:28):
Yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (06:28):
A leader rallies the troops to help one another. She is tough, she is tested, and she is ready to hit the ground running, and will always be there for Michigan, for Pennsylvania, for New York, for Wisconsin, for Maryland, for every American.
Audience (07:15):
USA, USA, USA, USA, USA, USA, USA.
Gretchen Whitmer (07:16):
You Westsiders are really rambunctious Today. I’m digging it, it’s great. Both Kamala Harris and Tim Walz embody the values that we teach our children here in the Midwest. You work hard, you tell the truth, and you get shit done. We all play by those rules, she will too. And we deserve a president who plays by the same rules. Now listen, Michigan, we can win this thing, but we need your help. If you’re with me, I want you to say, “Hell, yeah.”
Audience (07:54):
Hell, yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (07:56):
Can you make some phone calls?
Audience (07:58):
Hell, yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (07:59):
Can you knock some doors?
Audience (08:01):
Hell, yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (08:01):
Can you talk to your friends and family?
Audience (08:05):
Hell, yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (08:05):
Are we going to win this thing?
Audience (08:06):
Hell, yes.
Gretchen Whitmer (09:16):
Let’s get it done. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
The middle class built this country. Our blood, our sweat, our tears, we’re the ones that sacrificed to allow these billionaires to make their billions. And Trump said he wanted to send our jobs out of Michigan for a lower paying wage. So we get desperate and beg for our jobs back. Donald Trump believes that my family doesn’t deserve a livable wage. Kamala Harris has a history of fighting for the American worker. Kamala Harris is looking out for us.
Kamala Harris (09:46):
I’m Kamala Harris and I approve this message.
MUSIC (09:48):
They don’t know.
(09:48)
But we won’t let nothin’ hold us back.
(09:48)
We’re gonna put ourselves together.
(09:48)
Gonna polish up our act well.
(09:48)
And if you’ve ever been held down before.
(09:48)
I know you refuse to be held down anymore.
(09:48)
Don’t you let nothing, nothing.
(09:48)
Stand in your way.
(09:48)
I want y’all to listen, listen.
(09:48)
To every word I say, every word I say.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
No, no, no.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
The movin’, the groovin’.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
The movin, yeah, yeah.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
The groovin’, movin’, movin’, movin’, move.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
I know I love groove.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
Oh, no, no.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
I’m on the move, I really, really got that groove.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
I know, I know.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
Makes you wanna really move.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
No need in tryin’, no.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
‘Cause I ain’t buyin’.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
No, no, don’t try to stop us.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
No, no, no, I’ve got to groove, got to groove, got to groove.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
I really, really got that groove.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
No need in denying, well.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
I ain’t lying.
(09:48)
Oh.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
I know, I know.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
It’s been far too long, well, I know.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove, ain’t no stoppin’ us.
(09:48)
It’s been far too long, y’all.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
Just doin’ me while I get in line.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
Yeah, yeah.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
When even the negative people wait behind.
(09:48)
‘Cause there ain’t no.
(09:48)
Don’t wanna stop.
(09:48)
Please don’t make me stop.
(09:48)
Please, please, please.
(09:48)
Don’t wanna stop.
(09:48)
Please don’t make me stop.
(09:48)
Don’t make me stop it.
(09:48)
Don’t wanna stop.
(09:48)
Please don’t make me stop.
(09:48)
See, I don’t know where we’re goin’.
(09:48)
Don’t wanna stop.
(09:48)
Please don’t make me stop.
(09:48)
Or where we’re goin’ in down, well.
(09:48)
I’m movin’ on.
(09:48)
No, no.
(09:48)
I’m movin’ on.
(09:48)
But see, we’re gonna keep tryin’.
(09:48)
I’m movin’ on.
(09:48)
Well.
(09:48)
I’m movin’ on.
(09:48)
We’re gonna keep tryin’.
(09:48)
I’m movin’ on.
(09:48)
Over and over.
(09:48)
I’m movin’ on.
(09:48)
Yeah.
(09:48)
No stoppin’ us.
(09:48)
Huh, I said it ain’t no.
(09:48)
No stoppin’ us.
(09:48)
No, see it ain’t no.
(09:48)
No way, no way.
(09:48)
No stoppin’ us.
(09:48)
We’re gonna put our show together.
(09:48)
We will.
(09:48)
Gonna polish up our act.
(09:48)
Keep us there.
(09:48)
See, our time finally came around.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
No.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
See, we’re on the move.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
We really, really got that groove, no.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
We’re movin’.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
We’re on the move, we really, really got that groove.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
But we’re gonna get there someday, someday.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
Everywhere, yes, we will.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
‘Cause I’m on the move.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
You can’t stop me, no stoppin’ us.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
Can’t stop me, really, really got the groove.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
(09:48)
Can’t stop me.
(09:48)
We’re on the move.
(09:48)
We’ve got the groove.
(09:48)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now.
MUSIC (17:50):
Cyaa bawl inna life man.
(17:50)
Gwaan wid it, mi gwaan wid it.
(17:50)
Yo Izy, are you kidding me.
(17:50)
Toast.
(17:50)
Yeah, yeah.
(17:50)
Say we a come in wid a force, yeah.
(17:50)
Blessings we a reap pon we course inna handful.
(17:50)
We nuh rise and boast.
(17:50)
Yeah, we give thanks like we need it the most.
(17:50)
We haffi give thanks like we really supposed to, be thankful.
(17:50)
Blessings all pon mi life and.
(17:50)
Mi thank God fi di journey, di earnings a jus fi di plus.
(17:50)
Yeah.
(17:50)
Gratitude is a must.
(17:50)
Yeah.
(17:50)
Mi see blessings fall by mi right hand.
(17:50)
Buss a toast fi di friends weh tek off heavy load.
(17:50)
One time did siddung ina class and we bored.
(17:50)
Then Oli say do road and mi gwaan wid di road.
(17:50)
Third form, mi say mek mi try a ting.
(17:50)
And you know it formed out to be a fire ting.
(17:50)
Now a pon stage wid Chronixx I a sing.
(17:50)
Yeah, you zimme, all Diggy soon gi di I a ring.
(17:50)
Like, Hello Proto”, him seh, Had to shout you.
(17:50)
Saw you post a spectacular photo.
(17:50)
Keep it burning, yes, that’s the motto.
(17:50)
If me deh ’bout, I pass through you show, too.
(17:50)
Cyaa bawl ina life man.
(17:50)
Mi haffi thank God fi di journey, di earnings a jus fi di plus.
(17:50)
Yeah.
(17:50)
And gratitude is a must.
(17:50)
Yeah.
(17:50)
Mi see blessings fall by mi right hand.
(17:50)
Buss a toast fi di friends weh tek off heavy load.
(17:50)
One time did siddung inna class and we bored.
(17:50)
Then Oli say do road and mi gwan wid di, mi gwaan wid di.
(17:50)
Jah shower blessings upon a me.
(17:50)
And say me fi tell you me story.
(17:50)
Yeah.
(17:50)
Jah shower blessings upon me.
(17:50)
And that’s how I made it, give him the glory.
(17:50)
And me delighted, Jah know say mi passion ignited.
(17:50)
‘Cause di music get me excited, coming like a potion, mhm.
(17:50)
Blessings all pon mi life and.
(17:50)
Mi thank God for di journey, di earnings a jus fi di plus.
(17:50)
Yeah.
(17:50)
And gratitude is a must.
(17:50)
Yeah.
(17:50)
Mi see blessings fall by mi right hand.
(17:50)
Buss a toast fi di friends weh tek off heavy load.
(17:50)
One time did siddung inna class and we bored.
(17:50)
Then Oli say do road and mi gwaan wid di road.
(17:50)
Toast.
(17:50)
Yeah, uh, yeah yeah.
(17:50)
Toast.
(17:50)
We nuh rise and boast.
(17:50)
Yeah, we give thanks.
(17:50)
We haffi give thanks like we really supposed to, be thankful.
(17:50)
Blessings all pon mi life and.
(17:50)
Mi thank God fi di journey, di earnings a jus fi di plus.
(17:50)
Yeah.
(17:50)
And gratitude is a must.
(17:50)
Yeah.
(17:50)
Mi see blessings fall by mi right hand.
(17:50)
Buss a toast fi di friends weh tek off heavy load.
(17:50)
One time did siddung ina class and we bored.
(17:50)
Then Oli say do road and mi gwaan wid di road.
(17:50)
Toast.
(17:50)
Yeah, uh, yeah yeah.
(17:50)
Toast.
(17:50)
Yeah, uh, yeah yeah.
(17:50)
Toast.
(17:50)
Yeah, uh, yeah yeah.
(17:50)
We haffi give thanks like we really supposed to, be thankful.
Speaker 2 (23:59):
Please welcome Brian Hein. Brian is a trustee and delegate at the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters Local 687 in Warren, Michigan. He has been a proud union carpenter for 38 years at his local.
MUSIC (24:10):
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark.
(24:10)
You can’t start a fire.
(24:10)
Worryin’ about your little world fallin’ apart.
Brian Hein (24:20):
Hello everyone.
Audience (24:20):
Hello.
Brian Hein (24:29):
My name is Brian Hein. I’ve been a Michigander my whole life. I’ve been a union carpenter for 38 years, Local 687. And in this election I am so proud to support Vice President Kamala Harris.
(24:49)
Kamala Harris has brought home real results for millions of American workers. I know because I’m one of them. In 2021, she cast a tie-breaking vote for a bill that rescued union workers’ pensions across the country. With that vote, she saved pensions more than one … or she saved more than 1.1 million pensions for American workers.
(25:20)
Yesterday I learned that my union would be next to benefit from that. I can’t tell you what it means to me and my family. It’s life-changing. Thanks to her, I can retire with dignity and peace of mind. And so can more than 22,500 of my fellow carpenters.
(25:44)
As President, Kamala Harris will keep fighting for working people everywhere. She has a plan to lower costs, cut taxes for the middle class, invest in American manufacturing, and create more good paying union jobs right here in Michigan. On the other hand, there’s Donald Trump who has never done a hard day’s work in his life. When he was President, Trump incentivized companies to ship union jobs overseas. He gave tax cuts to billionaires on the backs of working people. If he gets reelected, he will jack up prices and kill the investments in Michigan manufacturing that Vice President Harris has championed, investments that have created hundreds of thousands of jobs across our state.
(26:43)
A second Trump term would be even more dangerous than the first because he also plans to give himself unchecked power and control over our daily lives. All the guardrails would be off.
(26:57)
We can’t let that happen. Trump is only fighting for himself, but I am living proof that Kamala Harris is fighting for us. That’s why I am so honored to introduce to you your Vice President and next President of the United States, Kamala Harris.
MUSIC (27:20):
Freedom.
(27:20)
Freedom.
(27:20)
I can’t move.
(27:20)
Freedom, cut me loose.
(27:20)
Singin’, freedom.
(27:20)
Freedom.
(27:20)
Where are you?
(27:20)
‘Cause I need freedom, too.
(27:20)
I break chains all by myself.
(27:20)
Won’t let my freedom rot in hell.
(27:20)
Hey! I’ma keep on running.
(27:20)
‘Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves.
Gretchen Whitmer (28:22):
Good afternoon, Michigan. Good afternoon. Can we hear it for Brian?
(28:26)
Good afternoon, Michigan. It is good to be back. Oh, it’s good to be back. It’s good to be back. Good afternoon. Oh. Oh, my God.
(28:49)
Okay. Thank you. Okay, let’s get to business. Let’s get to business. Thank you. Thank you. Very kind. Thank you all. Oh, it’s good to be back here. Thank you all very much. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, let’s get to work. Let’s get to work. Let’s get to work. Let’s get to work.
(29:15)
So let me first thank all of you for taking time out of your very busy lives for us to all be here together this afternoon. I thank you so very much for all you do, all you have done and all you will do over these next 18 days. Thank you all so very much. Thank you.
(29:38)
This is an incredible group of incredible leaders and your voice matters so much right now. And I think there is so much about our campaign that is about the spirit of reminding everyone that we’re all in this together. We are all in this together. So thank you. And to all the governors who are here with us today. I’m telling you, they’re riding thick, they’re riding thick. Oh, and they are all, each one of them such incredible leaders, both for their state and our nation and such dear friends, and I thank you all, including of course Michigan’s own governor Whitmer, who we love as Big Gretch. And to the governors, I want to say you’ve been traveling the country for our campaign and I’m so deeply grateful for your support.
(30:42)
I also want to recognize Senator Stabenow, a champion for Michigan, representative Scholten who will reelect to the United States Congress. And while we’re at it, let’s send Representative Slotkin to the United States Senate.
(31:06)
All right, so we have work to do, 18 days. 18 days left in one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime. And as you know, everyone here knows this election is truly about two very different visions for our nation, ours that is focused on the future, Donald Trump’s that is focused on the past. Ours that is focused on bringing down the cost of living for working families, investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs, ours that is about protecting reproductive freedom.
(31:54)
But none of that is what we hear from Donald Trump. Instead, it is just the same
Gretchen Whitmer (32:00):
… Same old tired playbook. He has no plan for how he would address the needs of the American people. He is, as we have seen, only focused on himself. Now he is ducking debates and canceling interviews. Come on.
(32:24)
Check this out. His own campaign team recently said it is because of exhaustion. Well, if you are exhausted on the campaign trail, it raises real questions about whether you are fit for the toughest job in the world. Come on. Come on.
(32:51)
For all these reasons and more, we are here because we know it is time to turn the page. It is time to turn the page because America is ready to chart a new way forward. America is ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership. That is all of us. All of us. Which is why Democrats, Republicans, and independents are supporting our campaign.
(33:27)
In fact, earlier this week, over 100 Republican leaders from across the country join me on the campaign trail, including some who even served in Donald Trump’s own administration. The people who know him best. I believe all of this shows that the American people want a president who works for all the people. That has been the story of my entire career. In my career, I’ve only ever had one client. The people. The people.
(34:07)
As a young courtroom prosecutor, I protected women and children. As attorney general of California, I fought for students and veterans. As vice president, I have stood up for workers and seniors. As president, I will stand up for all Americans, all Americans. Together we will build a brighter future for our nation. Yes, we will. Because by the way, we will win. We will win. We will win. Come on.
(34:59)
Yes, we will. We will win. We will win and we will win and one of the reasons that we know we are working hard toward that win is because we believe together in building a future. In what we can do together as a nation and a nation of people who see what we have in common more than what separates us. We will build towards a future where we have an economy that works for all Americans. We will build what I call an opportunity economy so that every American has an opportunity to own a home, buy a car, build wealth, and start a business.
(35:41)
In fact, do we have any small business owners here? I love our small businesses. I got a plan for you. I love our small businesses. Our small businesses are part of the backbone of America’s economy. Bless you all for the work you are doing.
(35:59)
Under my plan, we will also bring down the cost of housing and we will help entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. My plan will expand Medicare to cover the cost of home healthcare for our seniors so that more of our seniors can live with dignity. I’ll just give you a little background on it in terms of a personal story.
(36:26)
I took care of my mother when she was sick. For any of you who have taken care of an elder relative, you know what that is, right? It’s about trying to cook something that they can eat. It’s about trying to find clothes that they can handle on their skin. It’s about trying from time to time, think about something that’ll put a smile on their face or maybe just make them laugh. It’s about dignity.
(36:54)
But under the current system, and especially for those in the sandwich generation who are raising young kids while you’re taking care of your parents, it’s difficult. Under the current system, to get help for taking care of your seniors, unless you got the extra money sitting around, you’d have to leave your job or pay down all of your savings to qualify for Medicaid. That’s not right. That’s not right. So my plan is about saying, let’s have Medicare cover the cost of home healthcare for our seniors, which is a matter of understanding how real people are living and understanding the importance of everyone being entitled to dignity.
(37:48)
Our plan in terms of an opportunity economy will lower costs on everything from healthcare to groceries. I’ll take on corporate price gouging because I’ve done it before and I will do it again. My plan will also give middle class tax cuts to a hundred million Americans, including $6,000 tax credit for the first year of a child’s life so that our young parents can do what they naturally want to do, which is parent their children well, but they don’t always have the resources to be able to do it. Let’s help them out so that they can buy a car seat, so that they can buy a crib, so that they can take care of that baby’s needs during that critical phase of their development. We all benefit from it. We all benefit from it. Dignity.
(38:48)
My plan also invests in American manufacturing and innovation because I will make sure America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century. That’s right. That’s right.
(39:17)
To that point, and with pride, we all say we must and we will invest in the industries that built America like steel, iron, and the great American auto industry. We will ensure that the next generation of breakthroughs from advanced batteries to electric vehicles are not just invented, but built right here in America by American union workers.
(39:58)
Michigan, I know I’m going to tell you what you already know, but let us be clear for folks who are watching from different parts of the country. Contrary to what my opponent is suggesting, I will never tell you what kind of car you have to drive, but here is what I will do. I will invest in manufacturing communities like Kent County.
(40:23)
Together, we will retool existing factories, hire locally, and work with unions to create good paying jobs. Including jobs that do not require a college degree because here is where I come from. I know a college degree is not the only measure of the skills and experience of a qualified worker.
(40:55)
I intend to re- examine federal jobs, when you all elect me president, to assess those jobs that should not have that requirement and then I intend to challenge the private sector to do the same.
(41:18)
Now, all of this is to say Donald Trump has a different approach. He makes big promises and he always fails to deliver. Remember he said he was the only one, you know how he talks. He, the only one who could bring back America’s manufacturing jobs. Then America lost almost 200,000 manufacturing jobs when he was president. Facts. Including tens of thousands of jobs right here in Michigan and those losses started before the pandemic making Donald Trump one of the biggest losers of manufacturing jobs in American history.
(42:15)
His track record for the auto industry was a disaster. He promised workers in Warren that the auto industry would, and I’m going to quote, “Not lose one plant,” during his presidency. Those were his words, not one plant. Then American automakers announced the closure of six auto plants when he was president, including General Motors in Warren and Stellantis in Detroit. Thousands of Michigan auto workers lost their jobs and Donald Trump’s running mate recently suggested that if they win, they would threaten the Grand River assembly plant in Lansing. The same plant our administration protected earlier this year, saving 650 union jobs. 650 union jobs. His running mate called those table scraps. We fought hard for those jobs and we believe that you deserve a president who will protect them and not insult them. Make no mistake, Donald Trump is no friend of labor. Let’s be really clear about that. No matter what the noise is out there, he is no friend of labor.
(43:45)
Just look at the record instead of his rhetoric. Look at the record. Let’s not fall for the okey-doke. Seriously, he encouraged automakers to move their plants out of Michigan so they could pay their workers less, understand what that was about. So they could pay their workers less. When the UAW went on strike to demand the higher wages they deserved, Donald Trump went to a non-union shop and attacked the UAW. He said, striking and collective bargaining don’t make, “A damn bit of sense.” A damn bit of difference is what he said exactly. That it doesn’t make a, quote, pardon my language, “A damn bit of difference,” Is what he said. All right, brother.
(44:48)
Michigan, you know better. Strong unions mean higher wages, better healthcare, and greater dignity for union members and for everyone, whether or not you are part of a union. Get that straight. Get that straight. Which is why when I am president, I will sign the PRO Act into law and make it easier for workers to join a union and negotiate for better pay and working conditions. Now, Donald Trump is making the same empty promises to the people of Michigan that he did before hoping you will forget how he let you down the last time. But we will not be fooled because we know how to read Project 2025. For those who haven’t seen it, just Google it. I just have to keep repeating, I can’t believe they put that thing in writing. I cannot believe they bound it. They published it, and they handed it out and now they’re trying to run from it? Come on.
(46:16)
We’ve read it. It’s a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what Donald Trump intends to do if he were elected president. That’s why we know, not only because it’s what he did before. That’s why we know Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts. Attack unions, cut Social Security and Medicare. Get rid of that hard-fought, hard-won $35 cap on insulin for our seniors.
(46:50)
Check out what’s in it. It will make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers and impose what I call a Trump sales tax, which is basically he’s talking about at least a 20% tax on everyday necessities, which economists have measured will cost the average family nearly $4,000 more a year.
(47:21)
On top of this, Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act and has no plan to replace it. You watched the debate. You remember, he has, quote, “Concepts of a plan.” Concept of a plan. He is going to threaten, he is going to threaten the health insurance of 45… We need a medic over here. We need a medic over here. Let’s
Gretchen Whitmer (48:00):
… clear a path so they can come through, please.
Speaker 4 (48:03):
Don’t forget, he’s out on bail, espionage [inaudible 00:48:09].
Gretchen Whitmer (48:09):
We got jokes over here grounded in reality. Are we okay?
Speaker 3 (48:13):
[inaudible 00:48:14].
Gretchen Whitmer (48:14):
Okay. We’re okay. Thank you all. So-
Audience (48:16):
[inaudible 00:48:17].
Gretchen Whitmer (48:22):
We’re good. Okay.
Audience (48:24):
[inaudible 00:48:26].
Gretchen Whitmer (48:26):
So where I was going with that is many of you may have heard me say I do believe that Donald Trump is an unserious man.
Audience (48:36):
Yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (48:36):
And the consequences of him ever getting back into the White House are brutally serious. Brutally serious. So on that point about concepts of a plan, it’s funny. We thought it was ridiculously hilarious when we first heard it.
(48:55)
But here’s the thing about that. He is basically going to threaten the health insurance of 45 million people based on a concept, and take us back to when insurance companies could deny people with pre-existing conditions.
Audience (49:09):
[inaudible 00:49:11].
Gretchen Whitmer (49:11):
You remember what that was like? Well, we are not going back.
Audience (49:16):
Not going back.
Gretchen Whitmer (49:17):
We are not going back.
Audience (49:20):
We’re not going back.
Gretchen Whitmer (49:21):
We’re not going back.
Audience (49:21):
We’re not going back.
Gretchen Whitmer (49:21):
We are not going back.
Audience (49:21):
We’re not going back.
Gretchen Whitmer (49:21):
We’re not going back.
Audience (49:22):
We’re not going back. We’re not going back. We’re not going back.
Gretchen Whitmer (49:27):
And we are not going back because we intend to move forward because ours is a fight for the future and it is a fight for freedom.
Audience (49:44):
Yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (49:46):
Like the fundamental freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government tell her what to do. We here remember how we got to this place, because then President Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did as he intended. Now in America, one in three women lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban.
Audience (50:27):
Boo.
Gretchen Whitmer (50:28):
Many of these with no exception, even for rape and incest, which means you’re telling a survivor of a violation to their body that they don’t have a right to make a decision about what happens to their body next.
Audience (50:42):
Boo.
Gretchen Whitmer (50:44):
That’s immoral. That’s immoral. I think we all know one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do.
Audience (51:00):
Yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (51:02):
Not the government. If she chooses, she will talk to her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam, but not the government. Not some people up in a state capital. Not Donald Trump.
Audience (51:19):
No.
Gretchen Whitmer (51:21):
No. So let me tell you, when Congress passes a bill to restore the reproductive freedoms nationwide, with your help as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law. Proudly. Proudly. Proudly.
Audience (51:44):
Whoo.
Gretchen Whitmer (51:48):
Across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on other hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights, fundamental freedoms and rights. I’m traveling our country. I mean attacks on the freedom to vote. In the state of Georgia, they passed a law that makes it illegal to give people food and water for standing in line to vote. The hypocrisy abounds. What happened to love thy neighbor, right?
Audience (52:17):
Right.
Gretchen Whitmer (52:18):
Attacks on the freedom to join a union, attacks on the freedom to be safe from gun violence, attacks on the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.
Audience (52:26):
Whoo.
Gretchen Whitmer (52:26):
So much is on the line in this election. You all are spending your precious time here together because we know this is not 2016 or 2020. The stakes are even higher this time for many reasons, including because just months ago, the United States Supreme Court basically told the former president he is effectively immune no matter what he does in the White House.
Audience (53:04):
Boo.
Gretchen Whitmer (53:04):
Right. Because we know … Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails. Just imagine, he who has vowed he would be a dictator on day one.
Audience (53:16):
[inaudible 00:53:18].
Gretchen Whitmer (53:18):
He who calls Americans who disagree with him the enemy from within. You know where that language comes from? The enemy from within, talking about Americans. He who says he would use the military to go after them, American citizens. He who has called for the “termination of the Constitution of the United States of America”.
Audience (53:46):
Boo.
(53:46)
[inaudible 00:53:49].
Gretchen Whitmer (53:49):
We are clear, someone who suggests we should terminate the Constitution of the United States should never again have the privilege of standing behind the seal of the President of the United States. Never again. Never again. Never again.
Audience (54:12):
[inaudible 00:54:16].
Gretchen Whitmer (54:12):
Never again.
Audience (54:12):
[inaudible 00:54:21].
Gretchen Whitmer (54:21):
Never again. So, Michigan, it all comes down to this. We know why we’re here together.
Audience (54:35):
Yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (54:36):
We know what’s at stake. And we are here together for one of the most important of all the reasons. We are here together because we love our country.
Audience (54:47):
Yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (54:49):
We love our country. We love our country, and we know that it is one of the highest forms of an expression of love of our country, of patriotism to then fight for our ideals, to fight to realize the promise of America. That’s what our campaign is about. Election day is in 18 short days. Here in Michigan, early voting starts on Saturday, October 26, which is one week from tomorrow.
Audience (55:27):
Whoo.
Gretchen Whitmer (55:32):
So now is the time to make your plan to vote. Make a plan. Make a plan. If you have received your ballot in the mail, please do not wait. Fill it out and return it today, because, folks, the election is here. The election is here right now. Like I know everybody here knows to do, we’ve got to energize and organize and mobilize and remind our neighbors and our friends that their vote is their voice, and your voice is your power.
(56:11)
In a democracy, while we can hold onto it, our vote is the power that each of us as an individual has. It’s an extraordinary power, and we will not give it away and we will not let anyone suppress our silence, our power. Don’t ever let anybody take your power from you.
Audience (56:35):
Whoo.
Gretchen Whitmer (56:46):
So, Michigan, today, I ask you then, are you ready to make your voices heard?
Audience (56:55):
Whoo.
Gretchen Whitmer (56:56):
Do we believe in freedom?
Audience (56:57):
Yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (57:00):
Do we believe in opportunity?
Audience (57:04):
Yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (57:04):
Do we believe in the promise of America?
Audience (57:09):
Yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (57:09):
And are we ready to fight for it?
Audience (57:13):
Yeah.
Gretchen Whitmer (57:15):
And when we fight, we win.
Audience (57:17):
We win.
Gretchen Whitmer (57:18):
God bless you and God bless the United States of America.
Audience (57:20):
Whoo.
MUSIC (57:31):
Tryna rain, tryna rain on the thunder.
(57:31)
Tell the storm I’m new.
(57:31)
I’ma walk, I’ma march on the regular.
(57:45)
Painting white flags blue.
(57:57)
Lord, forgive me, I’ve been running.
(57:57)
Running blind in truth.
(57:57)
I’ma rain, I’ma rain on this bitter love.
(58:11)
Tell the sweet I’m new.
(58:11)
I’m telling these tears, “Go and fall away, fall away,” oh.
(58:22)
May the last one burn into flames.
(58:22)
Freedom! Freedom! I can’t move.
(58:22)
Freedom, cut me loose! Hey.
(58:22)
Freedom! Freedom! Where are you?
(58:22)
‘Cause I need freedom, too!
(58:27)
I break chains all by myself.
(58:43)
Won’t let my freedom rot in hell.
(58:43)
Hey! I’ma keep running’.
(58:44)
Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves.
(58:46)
I’ma wade, I’ma wave through the waters.
(59:17)
Tell the tide, “Don’t move.”
(59:17)
I’ma riot, I’ma riot through your borders.
(59:19)
Call me bulletproof.
(59:19)
Lord, forgive me, I’ve been runnin’.
(59:19)
Runnin’ blind in truth.
(59:19)
I’ma wade, I’ma wave through your shallow love.
(59:29)
Tell the deep I’m new.
(59:34)
I’m telling these tears, “Go and fall away, fall away,” oh.
(59:41)
May the last one burn into flames.
(59:41)
Freedom! Freedom! I can’t move.
(59:41)
Freedom, cut me loose! Hey.
(59:41)
Freedom! Freedom! Where are you?
(59:41)
‘Cause I need freedom, too!
(59:41)
I break chains all by myself.
(59:41)
Won’t let my freedom rot in hell.
(59:41)
Hey! I’ma keep running’.
(01:00:03)
Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves.
(01:00:12)
People keep on learnin’ …