As Michigan residents prepare to vote for president, many highlight that their choice is heavily influenced by their expectations of what their candidate will accomplish in office.

However, fear of the opposing candidate’s potential actions can also be a significant factor in elections, possibly more so this year than in the past.

The YSL News Network’s Detroit Free Press interviewed Trump supporters who gathered at a rally on Thursday at Saginaw Valley State University, as well as Harris supporters from a campaign event on Friday in Flint, Michigan, asking them to express their biggest concerns about a Harris presidency and a potential second term for Trump.

Here are their responses.

Insights from Trump supporters

Chris Monk, a UPS truck pre-loader and Teamsters union member from Montrose, Michigan, attended Trump’s Saginaw rally, marking her second event after joining a Trump “town hall” in Flint on September 17.

“Communism — no question about it,” Monk stated when asked about her top worry regarding a Harris presidency. “She prioritizes herself and her elite group, not the people.”

She expressed that the economy is “already in trouble” and fears it would decline further under Harris. Monk criticized Harris for failing to tackle inflation and other key issues during her nearly four-year tenure as Vice President.

“I’m backing Trump because I believe he truly represents the people, which is essential for our country’s leadership,” she affirmed.

Scott Doyen, a construction contractor from Bay City, Michigan, who enjoys drag racing, showcased his specially-built 1967 Chevy II Nova Super Sport at the rally, featuring a powerful 2,000-horsepower engine. He has also decorated his dragster with a striking image of Trump following an incident where a gunman fired shots at him during a campaign event earlier in July.

Doyen’s primary concern regarding a Harris presidency is “open borders.” He worries that continued high numbers of undocumented migrants could result in law enforcement issues. “How many of those individuals could be gang members or criminals?” he questioned.

As a builder, Doyen has observed competition arising from lower-cost work that he attributes to undocumented labor, which he believes has led to complaints about inferior quality among customers. “Quality comes at a price,” he noted. “Cheap labor doesn’t guarantee quality.”

Doyen asserted that Harris “shows a disregard for the American populace.” He concluded with, “If she wins, it’s the American people who will face regret.”

Sarah O’Dea from Frankenmuth, Michigan, attended the Trump rally in Saginaw with her husband, Stan. She had also been at a Trump rally in nearby Freeland and participated in the Flint Town Hall event in September.

O’Dea expressed her fears surrounding “border control, immigration, and grocery prices.” She remarked, “For the first time, I’ve had to use a calculator while shopping for groceries, and it’s frankly ridiculous,” adding, “We support Trump because we want to restore America to how it was during his presidency.”

Insights from Harris Supporters

Shonda Edgerle, 51, from Lapeer, Michigan, is a team leader at the Flint Assembly, where GM manufactures Chevrolet and GMC pickups.

She attended the Harris rally in Flint to express her support. Shonda mentioned that many people, including herself, back Harris but are hesitant to voice their opinions out of fear of backlash from Trump supporters.

Shonda worries that if Trump secures a victory, he would undermine abortion rights and aim for a radical political agenda.

“It’s frightening for me because I love ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ and I absolutely don’t want to experience that reality,” she explained. “Project 2025 seems to reflect that scenario, and it scares me. I’m genuinely terrified.”

LaShawn Lenton, 53, from Flint Township, Michigan, previously served for 13 years as a corrections officer and now manages a senior living community. Her primary concern regarding a potential Trump win?

“That he could act like a dictator and strip away our freedoms,” she stated. “I have children and grandchildren. I genuinely believe that women should have rights over their own bodies. I identify as pro-life. I really do. However, I feel strongly that nobody, especially not the government, should dictate what a woman can do with her body.”

Eugene Behme, 66, from Flint, is a pipefitter employed by Chrysler. He mentioned that he participated in the rally because he wanted to showcase a significant crowd to annoy Trump.

He humorously added that if Trump wins again, he might consider relocating to Canada. Behme expressed strong concerns over Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, deeming them disqualifying, and is apprehensive about what might unfold if Trump were to return to power.

“He has a dedicated following; it’s evident from January 6,” Behme noted. “There are these individuals who seem to be a cult-like group, hanging on his every word. If he gets reelected, his supporters could be unleashed onto the streets again; what authority would he wield with this military? The Michigan militia and various militia groups are backing him, which is quite alarming.”

James Logie, 27, also from Flint, lives with epilepsy and relies on around $1,000 monthly from disability benefits.

Some months, his medication expenses reach $500. He expressed that Harris and President Biden have made strides to reduce prescription prices for individuals like himself. He anxiously speculated how his healthcare would fare under a Trump administration.

James voiced concerns about Trump’s potential implementation of a detailed policy framework known as Project 2025 if he wins.

“I’ve heard a lot concerning Project 2025 and the various implications it has for everyone, especially regarding women’s rights and sales taxes,” he mentioned. “I’m not sure if healthcare is part of that discussion, but what I have heard is quite alarming.”

For further information, reach out to Paul Egan at 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com.