Donald Trump finally decided to visit Flint, Michigan, and of course, the controversy began upon his arrival.
On Wednesday, Sept. 14, Trump took a tour of the city and its water facilities. He also took time to plead his case to Black voters in the Flint community regarding issues he would solve should he be elected president. As the Flint water crisis has taken a toll on the city, it would seem that now is more important than ever for both candidates to be on their A game to appeal to the Flint community. But Trump seemed to be either incapable or too insensitive to do this. He used his time at a local church to disparage his presidential opponent, Hillary Clinton, rather than appeal to a city in dire need. Trump’s speech was even interrupted by a local pastor when he began to stray off topic.
According to CNN.com, Pastor Faith Green Timmons stopped Donald Trump when he began speaking on politics and Clinton. Timmons said, “Mr. Trump, I invited you here to thank us for what we’ve done in Flint, not give a political speech.”
At this point, it looks like the people of Flint have no tolerance for games. After all, the city has now been struggling with tainted water for two years. As for appealing to Black voters, it is unclear whether Trump has accomplished that either, as he has been silent on issues surrounding the Flint water crisis up until this point. It is safe to say the people of Flint are less concerned about the details of the presidential candidates’ careers and more worried about who will solve the issue of poisonous drinking water streaming from residents’ faucets, causing lead poisoning, rashes, and legionnaires disease, among other complications. Right now, it’s looking like Trump is not going to be our hero.
