Democrats, Women, and Trump Supporters React to Hillary Clinton’s Nomination

Clinton’s speech was historic, but was it good? Both sides of the aisle discuss.

Rick Pluta/Michigan Public Radio Network (MPRN)

Hillary Clinton became the first woman to accept the nomination for president from a major political party at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night.

It was a historic moment, but what does it mean to Bernie supporters, or to Republicans?

To discuss the speech, Clinton’s nomination, and the campaign moving forward, Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson speaks with Kelly Rossman, CEO of the Truscott Rossman PR firm, and DNC delegate Gretchen Whitmer, who currently serves as Ingham County prosecutor. Whitmer is also the former state Senate Democratic leader. 

“She set her own tone,” says Whitmer. “It was substance and optimism, and all of the people that spoke before her really did a beautiful job, too. I’ve never been prouder to be a Democrat than I was this week.”

The speech was masterful, says Rossman, particularly when Clinton thanked Bernie Sanders for mobilizing voters, and when she made use of self-deprecating humor.

She made a joke about having such detailed plans, she says, but didn’t, and shouldn’t, apologize for it.

“There could not have been more pressure on any individual in terms of one speech,” says Rossman.

Henderson also speaks with state Sen. Joe Hune (R-Whitmore Lake), one of the first elected state officials in Michigan to endorse Trump, to get his perspective.

Where Hillary’s acceptance speech fell flat in comparison to Trump’s, Hune says, was that the Republican nominee was refreshingly unconcerned with political correctness. He was better about getting to the point, he says. 

Hune acknowledges the significance of Clinton being the first female nominee of a major party, but adds that the night is historic for another reason.

“It’s the first time either party has ever nominated a presidential candidate that was so recently investigated by the FBI,” he says.

To hear more of the discussion, click on the audio player above.

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.