Schwarz urges national unity, support for successful Trump transition post-election | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
 
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Schwarz urges national unity, support for successful Trump transition post-election

November 18, 2016

Joe Schwarz was interviewed on WBCK’s The Richard Piet Show on November 26 regarding the election. A recording of the segment can be found on WBCK’s website: “Schwarz: The election is over, support Trump.”

While the outcome of the election was unexpected, Schwarz began, “The election is over, and that’s what I want to emphasize. Our job now is to make this administration successful. Do anything we can to steer it in the right direction.”

Schwarz, a former Republican congressman who publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton for President, expressed worries about recent shakeups in Trump’s transition team and what that might mean for the administration’s success. To the transition team, he urged, “Pick the most capable people, irrespective of their political affiliation and irrespective of whether they strongly supported Donald Trump for president. Pick the best people.”

He also voiced concerns about the divisive rhetoric surrounding the election. When asked what he would say to those who are apprehensive about a President Trump, Schwarz advised, “Stay cool, and be positive. You will be heard, and if there’s something to protest, to be against, be against it in a constructive sort of a way; do our very best and hope that the Trump people get the message - that we are one country, we are the United States of America, and we want to do the best for our country. And if we do that, we will get through the next four years.”

Piet and Schwarz also discussed the pros and cons of the Electoral College versus the popular vote. Schwarz explained the benefits the Electoral College provided in the early days of our country, but said he believes the system is outdated today. 


Former U.S. Congressman Dr. John. J.H. “Joe” Schwarz (R-MI) has served as a lecturer at the Ford School since 2006. He is an otolaryngologist who practices at Grace Health, a federally-qualified health center in Battle Creek, MI. He served as Mayor of Battle Creek from 1985-1987 and was a member of the Michigan Senate from 1987-2002.