Detroit’s Rashida Tlaib Becomes A National Name — Was It The Right Introduction?

On Detroit Today, Stephen Henderson explores who Tlaib is, compared to what most of America is seeing or thinking about.

Rashida Tlaib for Congress

Most of America doesn’t know Rashida Tlaib. And their introduction to the new congresswoman from Detroit has been met with controversy over her comments about impeaching President Donald Trump.

Yes. She can be terse. And profane. But those of us who know the new congresswoman from Detroit, and I mean really know her, know there’s so much more — her deep sense of justice, her passion for fairness, and her abiding love for this community.

On Detroit Today, Stephen Henderson explores who Rashida Tlaib is, compared to what most of America is seeing, or thinking about.

Henderson looks back to the interview he had with her right after she won the Democratic primary in Michigan’s 13th congressional district, and was poised to become the first Muslim woman to serve in Congress.

He also speaks with Susan Demas, editor-in-chief and chief columnist for Michigan Advance. Demas wrote a column this week for the Advance about the controversy, comparing it to Michigan’s so-called “Vaginagate” scandal in 2012.

Many listeners get in on the conversation as well, sharing their reactions to the story.

Click on the audio player above to hear that conversation.

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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.