Rep. John James boosts Trump at the RNC 

GOP congressional nominee John James speaks at a Macomb County Trump rally, Oct. 1, 2022 | Laina G. Stebbins

U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Twp.) spoke on the first night of the Republican National Convention Monday in Milwaukee, lauding former President Donald Trump and his new running mate, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio). 

Much of James’ speech focused on working hard to overcome institutional barriers, like racism. 

“I heard a little earlier today; if you don’t vote Donald Trump, you ain’t Black,” James said, a potential reference to a controversial comment President Joe Biden made in 2020. 

He said Democratic policies get in the way of people’s aspirations. 

“We can once again have a land where hard work truly does get you ahead,” James said. “We can once again have a land where you can go from poverty to prosperity in a single generation.”

James is in his first term representing the competitive 10th Congressional District in metro Detroit. He launched two unsuccessful U.S. Senate bids before. 

He is running unopposed in the GOP primary for his current seat. Gun safety advocate Emily Busch, former Judge Carl Marlinga, state education board member Tiffany Tilley and financial planner Diane Young are competing for the Democratic nomination. Marlinga ran unsuccessfully against James in 2022 as the Democratic nominee.

Near the beginning of his speech, James spoke about his father who grew up in Mississippi under Jim Crow laws but started a trucking company in the Midwest. 

“I grew up in awe of that story because it’s my dad’s story,” James said. “It’s part of my story. He and my mother raised me, never telling me that this is a racist country.”

James went on to explain that he sees his father’s story as the “American dream.”

“I firmly believe Americans have not given up on the American dream,” James said. “Joe Biden and the Democrats have given up on the American dream. Joe Biden and the Democrats think they know how to spend your money better than you do.”

He said Democratic politicians spent taxpayer money on “woke and Green New Deal agenda.” The Green New Deal, introduced by U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), refers to policy aimed at transitioning the economy away from fossil fuels. 

James said the Democratic agenda was based on the promise of “hope,” which he linked to crime rates, childhood illiteracy, expensive grocery store bills and government aid for immigrants. He also spoke out against transgender women playing sports and using the changing rooms they identify with. 

He did not explain or elaborate on the Republican platform or priorities, but James did tout southern border security, the economy and peace in Europe under Trump’s previous presidency. 

The post Rep. John James boosts Trump at the RNC  appeared first on Michigan Advance.