In an unusual act, Donald trump visited this Saturday black church in downtown Detroit, in the key state of Michigan, not in white suburbs where he usually campaigns.

It’s proof that the New York tycoon wants to take advantage of the frayed state of Joe Biden’s government to win the votes of a black community that has traditionally turned its back on him in the Nov. 5 election. his racist controversyas did his years of attacking former President Barack Obama.

But among the audience, who applauded him several times and congratulated him on his 78th birthday, was large group of white followers that helped close out the seat, a sign the Republican has a lot of work to do to win over a group that largely votes Democratic.

“Biden is the worst president that African Americans have ever had,” Trump exclaimed at the altar of Church 180 in Detroit, covered with two American flags and a large Christian cross.

He repeated his usual attacks on Biden, whom he accused of ruining the economy and allowing in illegal migrants who he said are criminals and stealing jobs from African Americans.

Before heading to the far-right forum, Trump listened to several community members, including African-American pastor Lorenzo Sewell, who thanked him for visiting the area. They never did this with Obama, the first black president in history, or with Biden.

“This is not about blacks, whites or Asians. We are talking about Americans. “I’m a black woman, but his (Trump’s) values ​​are mine,” she said. EFE Bernadette Smith, who stood in line for hours to hear it.

Talking about colors creates “division,” and what the country needs to do is embrace “the Christian values ​​that made the United States great,” the woman said.

However, on the door of the temple there was a sign with a clear position: “African Americans for Trump.”

Scratch voting for Biden

According to research from the Prew Center, The vast majority of the black population is still Democrats.as 78% would vote for Biden compared to 18% who would vote for Trump.

However, margins are down from where they were four years ago.

Democrats fear Biden’s low popularity will demobilize the black electorate in cities like Detroit, which could cost them victory in Michigan, which voted for Trump in 2016 and voted for Biden in 2020.

Three weeks ago, Biden attended an event with the black community in Detroit, where he appealed to fears of a possible return to power by Trump, who he said posed a threat to democracy due to the attack on the Capitol.

“I think in the last four years, African Americans have opened their eyes and said, ‘This isn’t working,'” said Brittney Moxley, dressed in a white suit and a red Trump cap.

This Detroiter pointed out what could be Biden’s big Achilles heel: pressing inflation in recent years. “My grocery check is a lot more expensive today,” he said.

Many of those who went to meet Trump They blindly believe his lies that there was election fraud. in 2020 and this could happen again in November.

It’s a different matter for Damont Bellinger, who is convinced that The votes will be counted correctly.

If this man supports Trump, it’s because he believes he can solve the two big problems he sees facing the country right now: the economy and the crisis at the border, more than 2,700 kilometers from Michigan.

In the exit line, Malvin was disguised in a red Republican cap and pants, but admitted in a whisper that in fact It’s unclear who to vote for.

Looking askance at the rest of the crowd so no one could hear him, he said Biden, 81, is “very old,” but there are things about Trump that he doesn’t like either, and he wants the president to be against discrimination and violence. EFE