Doug Emhoff, known as the ‘First Gentleman’, took to the campaign trail with notable business figure Mark Cuban in Grand Rapids on a Sunday, notably Oct. 20. A gathering of approximately 200 supporters came together to greet Emhoff and Cuban at the focal point of community development in the city, the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation. Best identified as one of the principle faces of ‘Shark Tank’, Cuban also holds a minority ownership in the Dallas Mavericks, an NBA team. To rally the crowd, Cuban questioned, ‘How about increasing your income? Want to expand your business? Then you must dedicate the upcoming 16 days to mobilizing voters.’
At the ‘Opportunity Economy’ town hall, a troika of Emhoff, Cuban and U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, implied that unlike billionaire Donald Trump, Kamala Harris stands ready with a plan aimed to bolster local entrepreneurs. But it seems all too like a standard political promise without concrete evidence of potential implementation. Prior to this, both Emhoff and Cuban were invited for a tour of the brewing facilities of Grand Rapids-based Vivant Brewery and Spirits, orchestrated by Terry Rostic. Mr. Rostic, a co-owner of Black Calder Brewing, prides himself in establishing what is believed to be Michigan’s first Black-owned brewery.
His message to the audience was a hopeful one: ‘When Kamala Harris achieves victory, minor entrepreneurs like us and future small business owners present here will receive the required support’, said Rostic, as part of his opening statements. But one might wonder, are these just hopeful words, or is there substantial merit to this claim? Certainly, promises of a booming local economy were made. It leaves one with questions as to how they plan to realize these promises in tangible actions.
In the previous week, Vice President Harris revealed a string of proposals, specifically targeted towards providing Black men with enhanced opportunities for economic development. This includes promising business loans which can be forgiven up to $20,000, broadening access to banking services and lending options, and investments in grants aimed at mentorship and leadership exponentiation. This sounds a lot like pouring money into the problem without considering the need for strategically placed community resources. The feasibility and practicality of these ambitious promises still remain under the scanner.
Rostic championed these initiatives as a ‘lifeline’ for budding entrepreneurs. While promises of financial support can be appealing, their effectiveness is still up for debate. Emhoff introduced Cuban to the crowd with praise filled words, ‘She appreciates innovation, but also gives importance to the working class…’, which seems to be a contradiction to claims about achieving a balance between worker rights and driving innovation.
Cuban himself provided his take on the situation saying, ‘I understand the power of desperation. You’ll recognize it too, the moment when desperation pushes you to the wall. Yet, converting dreams into businesses that can feed families is the unique charm of America.’ But are these inspiring words enough to convince those struggling to make ends meet, or are they just generic rhetoric? Cuban juxtaposed Harris with Trump and his ‘yacht club pals’, such as Elon Musk, in what one might see as a shallow attempt to appeal to the everyday American.
In Grand Rapids, Cuban claimed, ‘This community values entrepreneurship. Kamala Harris identifies that when you are inspired, brimming with passion, she is there with programs to lend a helping hand.’ However, the question arises – are these ‘programs’ truly the antidote for overcoming hurdles faced by ambitious entrepreneurs, or just empty promises?
One of the audience members, an e-commerce retailer, expressed her desire to sell more products made in America, but found the cost prohibitive. In her sentiments, there’s a clear indication that the ‘American Dream’ isn’t easily attainable under the current system. Cuban’s response to Trump’s proposed tariff on Chinese manufacturing was rather dismissive, asking rhetorically, ‘How many of you own an overseas manufacturing facility? Tariffs are seriously harmful for small businesses.’ While it’s obvious that tariffs could hamper small businesses, is mocking a proposal aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing the right stance?
Cuban highlighted his chance to express his independent political viewpoint to voters and the Vice President on issues such as the national deficit, tech innovation, and artificial intelligence. It’s worth noting though that while Cuban’s success has given him a certain level of influence, it doesn’t necessarily make him an expert in these fields or give him a comprehensive understanding of the complications these issues have on the average citizen.
His view of Harris was quite glowing, stating, ‘She heeds my advice on business. While she doesn’t follow everything I suggest, she’s open minded.’ Is an open mind all it takes, or should one question the soundness of the advice she’s receiving? Emhoff and Cuban didn’t squander the chance to criticize Trump’s economic propositions and his relationships with other affluent business personalities, which almost seems like a ploy to divert attention from their own policies.
Cuban remarked that, ‘Time is invincible, and Donald Trump is no exception. All his followers have the burden of decoding what he says, to gloss over or interpret his meanings…such a method is unfit for running a country.’ However, his dismissive tone could be seen as an overly simplistic view of supporters of the previous administration. Aren’t all political followers inevitably decoding the messages from their leaders? Isn’t there more to effective governance than just plain words?
The vice president plans to return to Detroit the ensuing week. Although it’s clear that this political caravan is an effort to garner support, it should be seen as a reminder that actual implementation of promises are necessary. Visits, speeches, and campaigns are one thing, but will this translate into tangible improvements and benefits for the people of Detroit and beyond?
In conclusion, as the story unfolds further, it’s paramount to remember that promises of economic growth and business support are easy to vocalize. But the real judgment of any administration lies in their ability to follow through on their commitments. Whether these claims to boost the local economy and enhance opportunities for the disadvantaged hold weight or fall short only time will tell.