Outside the Democratic National Convention, I found many Michiganders. Though sharing widely different political views—ranging from America First to union booster—they all shared something that stuck out from the histrionic mob: a calm and civil attitude to discourse.

Risa

“Like ‘Lisa’ with an ‘R’ instead” is how she corrected me as I struggled to pronounce her name. I found her just outside the entrance of the United Center. She was finishing a conversation with Tyrone Muhammed from ExCons 4 Trump, an organization that supports Trump for his judicial-form policies. Risa lives in Detroit and came to Chicago to attend a separate conference, one that I suspect is related to Democratic activities. Tactful with her answers and never explicitly revealing her own politics, she told me her discussion with Tyron had been illuminating. She didn’t agree with his conclusions; however, she said, “I can see how, after his life, I would think that way.” She said this out of empathy, not condescension. Between crowds who chanted venom at each other, Risa told me that the only way forward was through civil discourse.

Ronald

Ronald was taking out some garbage outside his home half-a-block away from the United Center. He was wearing an Upper Peninsula T-shirt, and he wasn’t part of the DNC. “I’m very happy they are here. They’re doing a great job.” Though he was born in the U.P., he hadn’t been back for decades. He said he was baffled that the state had turned purple. A union supporter, it didn’t make sense to him that Michigan had Republicans. More than anything else, he was upset that I hadn’t visited the Indian Mounds in Grand Rapids. This seemed to animate him more than any political questions I had asked him. “Really? You’ve never heard of them. They’re famous!” 

Andre

Andre was released from military service two weeks ago. Born and raised in Detroit, he joined the 82nd Airborne Division and parachuted out of planes. He said it is very important to him to serve his country. He drove to Chicago to represent New Frontier, a nonprofit that promotes the principles typically understood as America First. In Union Park, in a sea of Palestinian flags with the odd Israeli flag waving in contradiction, Andre was the only person waving the American flag. Later, a social justice agitator ripped it from his hand. It was retrieved forcefully by one of his friends, but the police then escorted Andre to the edge of the park and away from the crowds, where the media rushed to interview him. He wasn’t the least bit surprised that holding an American flag is enough to provoke hostility. 

Steven

Steven is from Detroit and was standing outside the DNC entrance, handing out Harris/Walz stickers. He works for the United Steelworkers. He told me that, though he was eager to talk, he was forbidden from speaking with the media. “Staff representatives aren’t allowed to give interviews.” Apparently, distrust of the media is no longer a partisan issue. He was happy to pose for a picture, however, and grabbed his colleague who was also from Michigan. 

David

David is from Detroit and works freelance photography. On the first day, I found him on one knee, snapping pictures of the delegates, volunteers, delegates, and protestors outside the United Center. He remarked about how crazy things were. David told me that he had also been at the RNC, and it had much better energy. “There was lots of excitement,” he said. “Joe hadn’t yet stepped down, and everyone felt Trump was guaranteed to win.” He also felt that the attendees for this convention seemed like usual establishment, white-collar political types. “The people in line look very normal,” he told me. 

Mitch Miller is an adventure writer and conflict journalist. He’s more than happy to join in on any extreme activity, and can be reached at mitchenjoyer@gmail.com. Follow him on X at @funtimemitch.