Standing in front of a sea of mostly white supporters at an August 2016 campaign rally in Michigan, Trump argued that life in America is so horrific for black Americans, they might as well change things up and vote Republican.
“You’re living in poverty, your schools are no good, you have no jobs, 58% of your youth is unemployed. What the hell do you have to lose?"
Trump speaking to supporters in Michigan in August 2016. Photo by Jeff Kowalsky/AFP/Getty Images.
Let's look past the inaccuracies and oversimplifications in his statement for a moment (most black people are not living in poverty, that 58% figure is wildly off the mark, and the assumption that every predominantly black school is "no good" is, at best, incredibly offensive), and take his assessment at face value.
What would black Americans have to lose under President Trump?
Many of us knew the answer, of course: a lot. Reporters and activists jumped on Trump's condescending remarks, pointing out that black voters would, in fact, be harmed by several key points of the then-candidate's policy agenda.
Six months into Trump's term, Rep. Maxine Waters of California hasn't forgotten Trump's now-infamous question.
And she's helping us understand just how much damage has already been done.
Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images.
In a fiery five-tweet response, Waters recalled the president's remarks from last year and lambasted what's happened since.
Trump asked what Blacks had to lose. It was apparently healthcare, housing, college admission, & freedom after Sessions locks everyone up— Maxine Waters (@Maxine Waters) 1501699819
In her first tweet, Waters pointed out that Trumpcare would have a devastating effect on black Americans (fact check: true), that the president's massive budget cuts would slash housing assistance to low-income communities of color (fact check: true), and that his more recent attacks on universities' affirmative action policies would make college less accessible for black students (fact check: true).
Then she went in on Attorney General Jeff Sessions, calling him "a threat to our democracy."
Sessions is a threat to our democracy, working to reverse civil rights gains in college admission, police misconduct, & crim justice reform— Maxine Waters (@Maxine Waters) 1501700019
Coretta Scott King warned everyone in '86 about Sessions' "reprehensible conduct" & "abuse of elderly black voters." Sessions hasn't changed— Maxine Waters (@Maxine Waters) 1501700123
Sessions' history of hardline positions against criminal justice reform, immigration & the violence against women act are well documented— Maxine Waters (@Maxine Waters) 1501700216
Trump wants to fire Sessions b/c he can't count on his protection. He should be fired for his racist agenda - but that's why Trump chose him— Maxine Waters (@Maxine Waters) 1501700270
With the power of the federal government at his disposal, Sessions has dismissed reports of police brutality, is working to stomp out the growing national consensus that our criminal justice system needs reforming, and voted against expanding protections under the Violence Against Women Act — all moves that disproportionately harm black Americans.
As Waters pointed out, we should have listened to Coretta Scott King when she warned us about him in 1986.
"Trump wants to fire Sessions [because] he can't count on his protection," Waters concluded in her final tweet, referring to Sessions' recusal from the Russia investigation. "[Sessions] should be fired for his racist agenda — but that's why Trump chose him."
So, what do black voters have to lose, according to Waters?
Apparently, quite a lot.
"At the end of four years, I guarantee you," Trump said during that 2016 speech in Michigan, "I will get over 95% of the African-American vote. I promise you.”
Considering Trump's approval rating among black Americans remains laughably poor, I wouldn't hold my breath through 2020.
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12 non-threatening leadership strategies for women
We mustn't hurt a man's feelings.
Men and the feels.
Note: This an excerpt is from Sarah Cooper's book, How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men's Feelings.
In this fast-paced business world, female leaders need to make sure they're not perceived as pushy, aggressive, or competent.
One way to do that is to alter your leadership style to account for the fragile male ego.
Should men accept powerful women and not feel threatened by them? Yes. Is that asking too much?
IS IT?
Sorry, I didn't mean to get aggressive there. Anyhoo, here are twelve non-threatening leadership strategies for women.
Encourage.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When setting a deadline, ask your coworker what he thinks of doing something, instead of just asking him to get it done. This makes him feel less like you're telling him what to do and more like you care about his opinions.
Sharing ideas.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When sharing your ideas, overconfidence is a killer. You don't want your male coworkers to think you're getting all uppity. Instead, downplay your ideas as just "thinking out loud," "throwing something out there," or sharing something "dumb," "random," or "crazy."
Email requests.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Pepper your emails with exclamation marks and emojis so you don't come across as too clear or direct. Your lack of efficient communication will make you seem more approachable.
Idea sharing.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
If a male coworker steals your idea in a meeting, thank him for it. Give him kudos for how he explained your idea so clearly. And let's face it, no one might've ever heard it if he hadn't repeated it.
Sexism.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When you hear a sexist comment, the awkward laugh is key. Practice your awkward laugh at home, with your friends and family, and in the mirror. Make sure you sound truly delighted even as your soul is dying inside.
Mansplain.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Men love explaining things. But when he's explaining something and you already know that, it might be tempting to say, "I already know that." Instead, have him explain it to you over and over again. It will make him feel useful and will give you some time to think about how to avoid him in the future.
Mistakes.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Pointing out a mistake is always risky so it's important to always apologize for noticing the mistake and then make sure that no one thinks you're too sure about it. People will appreciate your "hey what do I know?!" sensibilities.
Promotions.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Asking your manager for a promotion could make you seem power- hungry, opportunistic, and transparent. Instead, ask a male coworker to vouch for you. Have your coworker tell your manager you'd be great for the role even though you don't really want it. This will make you more likely to actually get that promotion.
Rude.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Sometimes not everyone is properly introduced at the start of a meeting. Don't take it personally even if it happens to you all the time, and certainly don't stop the meeting from moving forward to introduce yourself. Sending a quick note afterward is the best way to introduce yourself without seeming too self-important.
Interruptions.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When you get interrupted, you might be tempted to just continue talking or even ask if you can finish what you were saying. This is treacherous territory. Instead, simply stop talking. The path of least resistance is silence.
Collaboration.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When collaborating with a man, type using only one finger. Skill and speed are very off-putting.
Disagreements.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When all else fails, wear a mustache so everyone sees you as more man-like. This will cancel out any need to change your leadership style. In fact, you may even get a quick promotion!
In conclusion...
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Many women have discovered the secret power of non-threatening leadership. We call it a "secret power" because no one else actually knows about it. We keep our power hidden within ourselves so that it doesn't frighten and intimidate others. That's what makes us the true unsung heroes of the corporate world.
About the Author: Sarah Cooper
Sarah Cooper is a writer, comedian, and author of 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings. Her new book, How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men's Feelings, is out now.
The comedic book cover.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
A satirical take on what it's like to be a woman in the workplace, Cooper draws from her experience as a former executive in the world of tech (she's a former Googler and Yahooer). You can get the book here.
This article was originally published on March 25, 2019.