Former Michigan Representative and prosecutor Tom Leonard isn’t pulling any punches. His advice to Michigan Republicans? Drop the weak sauce and start playing to win – just like Donald Trump.
Leonard, a seasoned attorney and ex-Speaker of the Michigan House, knows a thing or two about making a case. In a fiery Detroit News op-ed [1], he urged the GOP to ditch Kamala Harris-style rhetoric and follow Trump’s lead. “Walking in and saying ‘the defendant is bad’ doesn’t cut it,” Leonard declared. And he’s right. Trump didn’t just point fingers – he brought the receipts.
Trump makes the case.
Leonard points to Trump’s resounding success in the recent election as a masterclass in persuasion. Trump delivered a clear, fact-driven vision for America: secure borders, lower inflation, affordable energy, and safer streets. Instead of vague promises, Trump gave voters a roadmap, complete with tangible solutions. The result? A win that left Democrats scrambling – and far away from victory lane.
But Leonard wasn’t just waxing nostalgic about Trump’s victory. He laid out a challenge for Michigan Republicans: Step up, present your case, and win the hearts of the jury – the voters. He insists that Whitmer and her Democratic allies have handed the GOP a treasure trove of evidence to work with.
Whitmer and the Democrats have destroyed Michigan.
Under Whitmer’s watch, Michigan families are struggling. The state ranks a dismal 40th in employment, with incomes lagging behind its Great Lakes neighbors. Education is in crisis, with fewer than 40% of third graders able to read at grade level. Detroit schools are in shambles, and parents are fed up. Meanwhile, violent crime is rising, and law enforcement agencies are woefully understaffed. It’s no wonder Michigan ranks 49th in population growth – people are fleeing the state in droves.
Leonard believes the Michigan GOP must channel Trump’s ability to cut through the noise and speak directly to voters. That means offering solutions, not soundbites. He envisions a Michigan where families can thrive, kids can read, and neighborhoods are safe. It’s a vision rooted in bold policy moves: cutting taxes, expanding school choice, building the Line 5 tunnel to stabilize energy costs, and supporting law enforcement.
Leonard’s op-ed has sparked speculation about his political ambitions. Is he gearing up for a run at GOP Chair? Governor? Leonard isn’t saying – at least not yet. But his message to Michigan Republicans is loud and clear: Follow Trump’s lead or risk irrelevance.