In a recent development, the Harris campaign has criticized former President Donald Trump's planned event in Howell, Michigan, scheduled for August 20, 2024. This criticism comes in the wake of a white supremacist rally that occurred in the city on July 20, 2024, where participants expressed support for both Hitler and Trump.
Alyssa Bradley, the Michigan communications director for the Harris campaign, stated:
"The racists and white supremacists who marched in Trump's name last month in Howell have all watched him praise Hitler, defend neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, and tell far-right extremists to 'stand back and stand by.' Trump's actions have encouraged them, and Michiganders can expect more of the same when he comes to town next week."
The Trump campaign, however, strongly refuted any connection between their event and the recent extremist activities. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump campaign, emphasized that the former president's visit would focus on law and order, stating that "crime, violence, and hate of any form will have zero place in our country" under a future Trump administration.
Howell, a city of approximately 10,000 residents located 55 miles northwest of Detroit, has a complex history regarding racial issues. In the 1970s and 1980s, the area gained notoriety for Ku Klux Klan rallies held on a nearby farm by Robert Miles, a prominent KKK figure who passed away in 1992. Despite this past, community leaders have worked diligently to change the city's image.
Howell boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1836. The city's downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases beautiful Victorian-era architecture. Notable landmarks include the Livingston County Courthouse, built in 1889, and the Howell Opera House from 1881, which is currently undergoing restoration.
The choice of Howell as a campaign stop is reportedly strategic, aimed at reaching the Detroit media market. Michigan's status as a swing state in recent elections underscores its political significance. In the 2020 election, while Biden lost Livingston County by over 20 percentage points, he still secured a victory in Michigan. Conversely, Trump narrowly won the state in 2016.
It's worth noting that President Biden visited Howell in 2021 to promote infrastructure initiatives, facing protests upon arrival. The city's diverse economy, encompassing manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors, reflects the broader economic landscape of the region.
As the political spotlight shines on Howell, the city continues to host various cultural events, including the Michigan Melon Festival and the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, showcasing its community spirit beyond political controversies.