MI State Senator McMorrow on Why Hate Won’t Win

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast: MI State Senator McMorrow on Why Hate Won’t Win

Episode Details:

• Title: MI State Senator McMorrow on Why Hate Won’t Win
• Release Date: March 27, 2025
• Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)
• Guest: Michigan Democratic State Senator Mallory McMorrow

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Introduction to the Episode

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow. The discussion centers around the rising sentiments of regret among Michigan voters who backed Donald Trump in the 2024 elections, the disruptive actions of the Trump administration, and strategies to restore democratic values and support within communities.

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Focus Group Insights: Michigan Trump Voters Regret Their Choice

Timestamp [01:00 - 03:49]

The episode opens with a news segment highlighting a focus group conducted by Axios and Engages Sago, which reveals significant dissatisfaction among Michigan voters who supported Donald Trump in the 2024 elections. Participants expressed feelings of betrayal, noting that Trump's administration has been detrimental to both the country and the state.

• Trump Voter 1 [01:57]: "See, he wasn't elected to do anything. I don't understand his position... he's been going through with the sledgehammer, just actually dismantling everything."

• Trump Voter 2 [02:28]: "I don't feel like he was this aggressive last time... tariffs... now things are just getting more expensive."

The voters voiced disappointment over unfulfilled promises and unexpected aggressive policies that have negatively impacted their lives, leading to widespread regret and disenchantment.

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Senator Mallory McMorrow’s Perspectives and Book Promotion

Timestamp [04:29 - 07:47]

Senator McMorrow joins the conversation to discuss her new book, Hate Won't Win: Find Your Power and Leave This Place Better Than We Found It. She elaborates on the public's frustration with the Trump administration and the need for collective action to restore stability and support democratic institutions.

• Senator McMorrow [04:50]: "People are pissed... Trump and Elon Musk has just given Elon Musk a chainsaw to slash and burn the government in a way that people did not vote for."

• Senator McMorrow [07:47]: "The book is really to answer the question that I've heard from thousands of people... it's about what I've learned and how I've seen people find their own voice and be effective."

Her book serves as a guide for individuals seeking to engage in meaningful political action and rebuild community resilience against divisive politics.

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Veteran Access to Services Under Strain

Timestamp [05:11 - 06:32]

Senator McMorrow addresses the alarming reports of veterans struggling to access essential services. She recounts a constituent's experience with telehealth services being cut off, highlighting the administration's disregard for veteran welfare.

• Senator McMorrow [05:23]: "...people there have either been fired, they're too scared to answer the phone... This is no way to treat veterans."

This segment underscores the urgent need for accountability and support systems to ensure veterans receive the care and assistance they deserve.

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Protests and US-Canada Relations Amid Trump’s Policies

Timestamp [06:32 - 07:12]

The discussion shifts to the international implications of Trump’s trade policies, particularly the strained relationship with Canada. McMorrow emphasizes the strong ties between Michigan and Canada, pointing out the absurdity of policies that threaten this alliance.

• Senator McMorrow [06:32]: "Canada is our neighbor... The idea that we would treat our friend and our neighbor and our ally in this tit for tat tariff war is absolutely insane."

These aggressive policies have not only damaged international relations but also ignited cross-border protests, reflecting widespread public opposition.

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The Role of Empathy and Action in Restoring Democracy

Timestamp [07:47 - 10:24]

Senator McMorrow discusses the central themes of her book, advocating for empathy, love, and community-driven action as antidotes to political hatred and division. She encourages Democrats and citizens alike to engage actively in their communities to effect meaningful change.

• Senator McMorrow [09:37]: "We can no longer accept things that we've seen on the federal level... People right now are raising their hands and saying, put me in, coach. I'm ready."

She emphasizes the importance of grassroots involvement and collaborative efforts to rebuild trust and functionality within democratic institutions.

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Addressing Incompetence and National Security Concerns

Timestamp [10:24 - 11:54]

The conversation turns to the troubling revelations of national security officials mishandling classified information. Senator McMorrow condemns the reckless behavior, calling for the dismissal of responsible individuals to prevent further jeopardizing national safety.

• Senator McMorrow [11:05]: "It's insane... I think anybody who grew up in the Internet age... we know that you just don't do that."

She ties this incompetence directly to the administration’s broader failures, stressing the necessity of reinstating qualified personnel in key positions to safeguard the nation.

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Empowering Constituents Amid Economic and Social Uncertainty

Timestamp [11:54 - 13:42]

Senator McMorrow offers reassurance and actionable advice to constituents worried about economic instability, social services, and the integrity of governmental support systems. She advocates for collective resistance against policies that jeopardize public welfare.

• Senator McMorrow [12:31]: "You should be scared. It's okay to be scared... Let's fight back together."

She outlines a vision for rebuilding societal structures that prioritize public needs over corporate interests, urging citizens to reclaim their power and participate actively in democratic processes.

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Final Messages and Closing Remarks

Timestamp [13:42 - 14:15]

As the episode draws to a close, Senator McMorrow reiterates the core message of her book and the importance of sustained activism. She thanks the hosts for the conversation, leaving listeners with a sense of urgency and hope for a united effort to overcome political hatred.

• Senator McMorrow [14:14]: "Thanks, Ben. I appreciate it."

The episode concludes with the hosts encouraging listeners to engage with additional resources and support the movement towards a more inclusive and functional democracy.

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Key Takeaways

• Public Regret: A significant number of Michigan voters regret their support for Donald Trump in the 2024 elections due to unmet promises and disruptive policies.

• Administration's Impact: The Trump administration's aggressive actions have led to economic strain, strained international relations, and diminished trust in government institutions.

• Veteran Support Crisis: There is a critical need to address the failure of the VA and other support systems to adequately serve veterans.

• Empowerment through Action: Senator McMorrow emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism, empathy, and community engagement to restore democratic values and counteract political hatred.

• Accountability in Governance: Calls for the removal of incompetent officials responsible for national security breaches highlight the imperative for competent leadership.

• Collective Resistance: Building a unified front against harmful policies and fostering an environment of support and collaboration are essential for societal progress.

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Notable Quotes:

• Senator McMorrow [04:50]: "People are pissed... Trump and Elon Musk has just given Elon Musk a chainsaw to slash and burn the government in a way that people did not vote for."

• Senator McMorrow [09:37]: "People do want to see you fight, and they want to see you fight with them."

• Senator McMorrow [12:31]: "You should be scared. It's okay to be scared... Let's fight back together."

---

This episode serves as a clarion call for activism, unity, and the reclaiming of democratic principles in the face of political turmoil and divisive leadership. Senator Mallory McMorrow's insights and strategies offer listeners practical guidance on how to contribute to meaningful change within their communities and beyond.

Transcript

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[News Host]

Michigan voters are having some serious regrets about picking Donald Trump. Michigan went for Donald Trump in 2024. But a recent focus group by Axios and the group called Engages Sago spoke with some of the Trump voters in Michigan who are livid, to say the least. Overwhelmingly, the Trump voters in this focus group were pissed off. They said they feel utterly betrayed. They say that Donald Trump has taken a wrecking ball to the country and their state and they want their vote back. We'll just show you a little bit from this focus group that was released a short time ago. Let's play it a show of fingers.

[Ad Sponsor]

Who approves of what Elon Musk has been doing in the Trump administration? None of you? Who disapproves? All seven of you.

[Trump Voter 1]

See, he wasn't elected to do anything. Like, I don't, I don't understand his position. It's a made up position that they made department or whatever. And he's been going through with the sledgehammer, just actually dismantling everything with the approval of Trump. So I'm, I'm almost at the point where did he actually buy the election to do what he wanted to do?

[Ad Sponsor]

He was president for four years. You knowingly chose to put him back in office. Having watched him in office for four years, how can you be surprised?

[Trump Voter 2]

I don't feel like he was this aggressive last time. So I don't think anyone would have voted for him if they expected to see what we're seeing now. I don't understand the need to make, like, piss every other country off. Like Canada. Like, we, we love Canada, don't we? Like, I just, my whole life, there's.

[Senator Mallory McMorrow]

Never been a problem with Canada.

[Trump Voter 2]

I thought he was going to, like, change things with affordability and make things cheaper, but by like putting these tariffs in and terrorizing the world, now things are just getting more expensive. Everything I believe was going to happen, I think is going to go the opposite direction.

[Trump Voter 1]

I feel like a lot of his.

[News Host]

Actions have just been disruptive and creating chaos. He didn't come out and be real with us and say, hey, I'm going to cut hundreds of thousands of jobs and you could possibly. Your bills are going to go up. Like, that wasn't campaign.

[Ad Sponsor]

You voted for Trump in 2024, but you've been very critical of him so far in our conversation. Someone watching this might say, why did she vote for the guy?

[News Host]

Sure.

[Trump Voter 1]

I think what he campaigned with and.

[Trump Voter 2]

Compared to what he's doing is pretty opposite.

[News Host]

Yeah. I just didn't, I didn't see this coming. I didn't think he was going to take these, these points of views that he's taking.

[Trump Voter 1]

I thought that his first hundred days like he talked about would be so much better than they are. It's, it's a little fright.

[News Host]

Well, that's an understatement. And the MAGA Republican Congress members in Michigan, like Tom Barrett are avoiding their town halls. Let me just share with you from a local news segment. They are finding time to show up to basketball games, but not see their constituents who are holding their own town halls in the absentia of the MAGA Republican Congress members. Let's play it.

[Senator Mallory McMorrow]

There is a town hall planned today in Lansing, and Congressman Tom Barrett has been invited to attend, but it doesn't look like he's going to show up. The organizers behind the event say they will still leave an empty chair on the stage anyway and give people a chance to voice their concerns about recent changes to the government.

[News Host]

Now, let's bring in Michigan Democratic State Senator Mallory McMorra out with the new book. By the way, Hate won't win. Find your power and. And leave this place better than we found it. Here's the book right here. And I read it. Thank you for sending me a copy of it. And when I show you that focus group, is that what you're hearing on the ground in Michigan?

[Senator Mallory McMorrow]

Oh, yeah. I mean, people are pissed. They are livid to see that Trump and Elon Musk has just given Elon Musk a chainsaw to slash and burn the government in a way that people did not vote for. This is directly impacting people's lives. And the Republicans are just running away and hiding from their own constituents.

[News Host]

Now, one of the things you're hearing a lot, you spoke about it recently at a committee hearing is how scared the veteran community is not being able to access services. Can you speak to that?

[Senator Mallory McMorrow]

That's right, Yeah. I had a town hall in my district and a woman came out who works for federally qualified health center. They do a lot of work with the va. And she told me she can't even get callback from the va, that people there have either been fired, they're too scared to answer the phone, they are afraid to do their jobs. And this is no way to treat veterans, is to just completely cut them off from their health care and their support system. And that's what's happening right now.

[News Host]

We've been covering the protests across the country. There was a big protest in Detroit and then kind of a corresponding one in Windsor showing support between the American people and the Canadian people with this wedge being driven by the Trump regime, saying they want to annex or conquer Canada. You know, as Michigan's proximity to our ally, people that we love Canada. What are you hearing in Michigan and how is this all affecting your constituents in Michigan?

[Senator Mallory McMorrow]

I mean, you heard it right there in that focus group. We love Canada. Canada is our neighbor. You drive around Detroit, you take one wrong turn, you're in Canada. It happens all the time. We have people who cross the border every single day between Detroit and Canada to come to work, to see their family, to see their friends. The idea that we would treat our friend and our neighbor and our ally in this tit for tat tariff war is absolutely insane. And people are so angry. This is such an overreach. And as we saw, you know, it's bringing Canada and the United States together in protest against Donald Trump.

[News Host]

You know, your book Hate Won't Win, it's perfect for this time as well. And it's also, I think you talk about, you know, just as Democrats, but as people not sacrificing your values. I mean, just because we saw what happened in the 2024 election doesn't mean to become clones of this hateful message, to lead with empathy and love and bridging the gaps between people. So it's a very timely book and maybe speak to the book in the current context of what we're seeing right now, late March of 2025.

[Senator Mallory McMorrow]

The book is really to answer the question that I've heard from thousands of people across the country who said to me, I'm so overwhelmed. I want to do something, have no idea where to start. So part of it is about my story, my very unlikely journey into politics. I quite literally googled how to run for office in the wake of the 2016 election and found my footing and found my voice. So the book is a lot about what I've learned and how I've seen people find their own voice and be effective. Right now, what we're seeing at town halls is people not just asking Democrats to do something, they're asking what they can do, too. And it is going to require all of us to step up and use our voices and tell Donald Trump and this administration that they're not going to take our country away from us. And this book is a guide that I hope people take and use and learn how to do this themselves.

[News Host]

It's so funny because when I was getting involved as well in building this media network, the first way I started was googling, like, what do I do if I want to make a video and how do I go about it?

[Senator Mallory McMorrow]

We all start somewhere.

[News Host]

And that's what you have in your book, Find your power, a whole section on the step by step guide about what you do. And don't view politics as a dirty word. And just, just, just start by starting. What do you think in this moment? Look, the Democrats, on the federal level, it's a different situation than in Michigan, but on the federal level, Democrats don't control the House, don't control the Senate, obviously don't control the executive branch, but that's not an excuse. People are saying, okay, that's fine, but we want to see you fight. You're known as a fighter in Michigan and in the state Senate. So what do you tell the Democrats who don't control the House and the Senate at the federal level, what does fighting look like to Senator McMorrow?

[Senator Mallory McMorrow]

People do want to see you fight, and they want to see you fight with them. We can no longer accept things that we've seen on the federal level, like holding a press conference in front of the Capitol and telling people that you're fighting for them and then following up with a text message that says, I'm fighting for you. Give me $5. People want to know that we're in this together. People right now are raising their hands and saying, put me in, coach. I'm ready. What do we do? And it requires getting out of Washington, getting into your communities. Going to town halls, answering people's questions, and leading all of us to a place where we recreate this country in a way that isn't about hate and demonizing other people. It's about building a new American dream and that we do it together.

[News Host]

What do you make of this whole situation? Just the incompetence and the dangerousness. And then they always mounted on top of, with the lies of what happened with the Trump regime. Department of Defense officials, National security advisors sending like war plans on text messages. And then earlier on Tuesday, there were hearings with the top Director of National Intelligence, head of the CIA. And they go, yeah, you know what? It's not, that's not even classified information. It is what it is. And then the senators were like, we would be talking about war plans. Of course that's classified information. And it's just this, it's this gaslighting strange time. What do you make of it all?

[Senator Mallory McMorrow]

It's insane. You know, the idea that you're sharing classified information in a text group. I mean, I think any of us who grew up in the Internet age, in group chats, we know that you just don't do that. I think everybody responsible for this should be fired. And our new senator from Michigan, Alyssa Slotkin, has said just as much. She served two tours in Iraq as part of the CIA alongside the military. This is incredibly dangerous. It's not a game. And it just goes to show how incompetent the people in this administration are. But we can't let them get away with it. We have to make sure we keep the pressure on and that we are clear eyed about the path ahead to return competent people to all of these offices.

[News Host]

And finally, when you see that focus group and you see all of those people who now have regret, like, what's the message as you're traveling around Michigan right now as part of the book tour? But just in general, what are you saying to the people who are scared about Social Security? Elon Musk calling it a Ponzi scheme, Trump's Commerce Secretary saying, you're probably engaged in fraud if you complain, complain if a Social Security check is missed, gutting Medicaid, $4.5 billion, tax cuts for billionaires, so on and so forth. What are you telling people who are like, I'm nervous. What do I do tomorrow?

[Senator Mallory McMorrow]

First of all, that you should be scared. It's okay to be scared. It's okay to be anxious, it's okay to be angry about what's happening right now. We got an email from a constituent who saw that telehealth visits have been cut off and she's on Medicare and she's like, this is a lifeline for me. I don't have transportation. I live al and I don't know what to do. And as Democrats, we have to reach out to people and tell them, you have every right to be angry. Let's fight back together. Here is how we are going to build this back together. I see some corners of the Internet are kind of reveling in, you know, f around and find out and treating people like you should have known what you were voting for. We have to win. And we win by bringing people back into the Democratic Party, by showing them that we have a path forward that is not about slashing all of these things that you worked so hard and pay for with your tax dollars. We are not about to give your tax dollars to Elon Musk and to Mark Zuckerberg. We're going to rebuild these systems for you. And we have to create a system where they want to be a part of.

[News Host]

Joining us and as you say in your book, don't check out. Stay in the fight. Stay in there. Everybody get a copy of this. Hate won't win. Find your power and leave this place. Better than we found it. State Senator Mallory McMorrow. And of course, everybody knows the historic speech that you gave. I normally would play it at the beginning, but everybody knows. State Senator McMorrow. I'll ask you the obvious question if you're gonna be running for Senate, but I'm not sure you'll give the answer anyway. And so I'm rooting for you. And that's all that I will. That's all I will say. Thank you for joining us.

[Senator Mallory McMorrow]

Thanks, Ben. I appreciate it.

[News Host]

Everybody. Hit subscribe. Let's get to 5 million subscribers. Can't get enough Midas. Check out the Midas plus substack for ad. Free articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski and more. Sign up for free [e-mail].