I’m angered by President Biden’s campaign visit to my hometown of Saginaw, MI - here's why

[Pamela Pugh for Congress]( {NAME}, last week President Biden visited Saginaw, Michigan, where I’ve lived for 52 years. This week, the AP [reported about our community’s reaction]( to the visit and quoted part of my sentiments. You can read it [here](. Here’s why I’m mad at the Biden campaign and Democratic Party insiders... Black faith leaders, other community members, and I personally reached out to the Biden campaign to try and put together a back-and-forth conversation that was inclusive and inviting of the larger base of voters in the area. A proposal was made for a large event at a Black church where union workers, community leaders, long-time Democrats, students, and other supporters could head out after the event to knock on doors for President Biden’s campaign. Ultimately, the President only met with a small crowd, mostly invited by a few party insiders, where he spoke briefly on the porch of a city council member. He also met with my pastor, Hurley Coleman III, and his young son at a golf course. This botched visit to a majority Black and Brown community exemplifies a systemic issue within our party and President Biden’s campaign that needs quick attention. Ignoring or sidelining parts of the base, while expecting their votes, looks like deliberate exclusion and self-sabotage. To avoid blaming losses on a disenchanted base, our party needs to genuinely engage and respect its members, showing that their involvement and votes are truly valued. I personally believe President Biden and Democrats will only win in Michigan in 2024 by listening to the voices of disenfranchised voters and thoughtfully engaging them. This is one key reason I’m running for Congress in 2024, to speak up for our communities and be a leader who is unafraid to have these tough conversations and stand up for what I believe in. Thanks for listening and following along, and for your support, {NAME}. In solidarity, -- Dr. Pamela Pugh If you've stored your info with ActBlue Express, we'll process your contribution instantly: [DONATE $1]( [DONATE $20.24]( [DONATE $100]( [ANOTHER AMOUNT]( --------------------------------------------------------------- I’m Dr. Pamela Pugh, and I’m a Saginaw native running for Congress in Michigan's 8th District. I've spent my career fighting to improve the lives of Michigan residents through public health initiatives, and as the Chief Public Health Advisor for Flint I played a pivotal role in standing alongside Flint residents during the water crisis. As a public servant, I currently serve as the President of the Michigan State Board of Education, a statewide elected position. I believe in standing up for the people and fighting for our democracy, our children, and our future. I've lived in Michigan's 8th District for my entire life and it will be the honor of a lifetime to represent my community in the House of Representatives. I'm relying on grassroots contributions to fuel my campaign to victory — [so please chip in what you can right now!]( Our email list is an important tool for us to reach Democrats and activists in Michigan and around the country. If you no longer wish to receive emails from us, please use [this link to unsubscribe.]( Pugh for Michigan 4580 State Street Saginaw, MI 48603 United States Unit 138 Paid for by Pugh for Michigan | Eric Welsby, Treasurer