Detroit in Black and White: Congressman John James Makes His Case for Being Governor

Republican Congressman John James makes his case for being governor of Michigan on the podcast, "Detroit in Black and White."He talks with co-hosts Adolph Mongo and Allan Lengel about the economy, his Democratic opponent Jocelyn Benson, Black voters, education, Michigan under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Medicaid, abortion, car insurance in Detroit, tariffs and whether President Trump will campaign for him in Michigan.He also answers questions from viewers.

Host Saeed Khan talks with guests, seasoned attorneys Steve Fishman, Bill Seikalyand Joel Sklar, labor and community activist Barb Ingalls and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel.They talk about pro athletes returning to college to play; Mike Rogers pitch as a fake Wolverine and his push for some key issues his opponent has been advocating for; The incompetent Pete Hegseth; What's up with Mayor Mary Sheffield and the her ex-boyfriend's allegations about kickbacks? Michigan poll says 37 percent likely not to vote for a Muslim candidate;  Two Wayne County judges recuse themselves in Grosse Pointe lawsuit over KKK Post; Schmuck of the Week.

Republican strategist Jason Roe says it was "stupid" for ex-Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan to drop out of the gubernatorial race as an independent, insisting "there was definitely a lane for him to win.""I do not accept on its surface his arguments as to why" he dropped out, Roe said during an appearance Saturday on the podcast "Detroit in Black and White.""I have told this to him, to face," he said. "I went to the Tigers game with his son Tuesday; that would be the third time that, you know, I've argued with him about the wisdom of that decision."In a statement in May, when dropping out of the race Duggan said: "If we were even in the polls and behind in fundraising, we have a path to winning. If we were behind in the polls and even in fundraising, we have a path. But we’re behind in both. ... I no longer feel good about our chances to win."Jason RoeRoe also said he didn't buy into Duggan's argument that opposition to the Iran war and rising gas prices was creating more unity among Democrats. Some also thought he had big challenges getting name recognition in different parts of the state."You know, Duggan's argument is...the war in Iran was overtaking the race, my ass," Roe said. "The governor of Michigan has nothing to do with the war in Iran.""Why six months from an election would you make this decision to drop out when you're polling at 20 percent-plus? You were competitive.""I live in Bloomfield Hills. How many Republicans came up to me, 'Can Duggan win? I can't wait to vote for him. He's great.' It happened several times a week.""Duggan's not a Republican on a single issue, not one, and I had argued that with them when they say that he's an independent...He's a Democrat who took the label away from his name.""He's the only candidate in either party...who had a story to tell. When you look at his leadership in the city of Detroit, what he inherited and where that city has gone over the 12 years of his leadership, there is a story to tell. And you can travel the state and point to the accomplishments of that story.""Jocelyn Benson does not have a story to tell. John James does not have a story to tell to show people what is possible."Roe also talked about Republicans making inroads among Black voters in the city of Detroit."Since 2024, the only demographic group in the broad political universe that has moved closer to Donald Trump is the Black community," he said. "Now, that is primarily Black men who don't vote quite at the rate that Black women do. Black women have not moved at all; they don't feel any better about Donald Trump today than they did two years ago. But you have seen some movement with Black men."

Host Saeed Khan talks with special guests, Detroit Free Press columnist M.L. Elrick; seasoned attorneys Steve Fishman, Bill Seikaly and Joel Sklar; labor and community activist Barb Ingalls; veteran journalist Nancy Derringer; and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel.They talk about: Trump's controversial aide Natalie Harp; Why did Black pastor Lorenzo Sewell show up at the Dearborn City Council meeting on a night far-right-wingers were rallying against Muslims; the never-ending war in Iran; anti-Muslim activist brings Christian crusade and rally to Dearborn; Fox 2 News responds to accusations in suit by fired anchor Taryn Asher with allegations of its own; Canadians launch petition to expel U.S. ambassador Hoekstra; some Israelis could move out of Israel if Netanyahu is re-elected; and Schmuck of the Week.

Hosts Allan Lengel and Jim Nardone talk about Lorenzo Sewell, the Black pastor of Detroit's 180 Church, who joined white right-wing agitators and spoke last Tuesday before the Dearborn City Council, railing against Muslims and accusing the city of operating under Sharia law.The hosts and viewers criticize his appearance and wonder how he could possibly appear that night.The pastor, who is a big supporter of President Donald Trump, also expressed concerns to the council about Jake Lang, the anti-Muslim, right-wing agitator who was physically attacked recently while appearing in Dearborn.The pastor said:"The spirit of Hubbard is still in this city. The spirit of racism still dwells in this city. This is a city that has prospered with your mosques and your call to prayer, but yet it's on the back of my people, it's on the back of Black people, that we are funding everything you do. You look down on us, your police enacting justice on us, and when Jake Lang talked about Jesus, he was assaulted because you are not under American law, you are under Sharia law. That is the reason why you have made no arrest."

Host Saeed Khan talks with guests, seasoned lawyers Bill Seikaly and Joel Sklar, and labor and community activists Barb Ingalls and Nancy Derringer.They talk about the confirmation of Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Trump's expanded powers, problems with the Navy, Trump's escape on the catering truck, Trump's endless war in Iran, some U-M students getting no grades the first semester, and Schmuck of the Week.

Hosts Adolph Mongo and Allan Lengel talk about the U.S. Senate race and whether candidate Abdul El-Sayed can win over Black voters who overwhelmingly supported Congress member Haley Stevens in the Aug. 4 primary.Mongo also addresses what Black voters are thinking.

Host Saeed Khan talks with guests, pollster Ed Sarpolus, seasoned attorneys Steve Fishman, Bill Seikaly and Joel Sklar, labor and community activist Barb Ingalls, veteran journalist Nancy Derringer and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel.They talk about Tuesday’s election and the U.S. Senate race, including what winner Abdul El-Sayed needs to do to win over Haley Stevens’ voters.

Host Saeed Khan is joined by attorney Joel Sklar, labor and community activist Barb Ingalls, veteran journalist Nancy Derringer, and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel.The panel discusses:The hostility Dr. Anthony Fauci encountered on Capitol Hill.President Trump's visit to Michigan.The Nov. 4 election and what to expect.Trump's jokes—and bombs—at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.How accurate are the polls?Are televised debates too light on details and too heavy on slogans

Hosts Vanessa Moss, Allan Lengel and Jim Nardone talk about the upcoming election, the polls and Detroit Black voters' attitudes about Arab candidates