Michigan Democratic Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens clashed in their final debate before the August 4 primary, focusing on rhetoric and outside spending. El-Sayed defended his controversial remark comparing Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) to an 'ogre,' while Stevens dismissed concerns about millions in outside funding backing her campaign.
El-Sayed's 'ogre' remark and progressive stance
El-Sayed stood by his comment, saying it was directed at Fetterman for abandoning his campaign values. He framed the remark as a metaphor for holding lawmakers accountable, not a literal threat. El-Sayed also accused Stevens of benefiting from millions in outside spending by the United Democracy Project, a super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). He criticized Stevens' July vote against an amendment to cut $3.3 billion in annual military aid to Israel, calling it a 'worst use of tax dollars.'
Stevens' moderate stance and rebuttal
Stevens, backed by the Democratic establishment, emphasized her moderate policies and electability. She denied that outside spending would influence her views on Israel, highlighting her support for a two-state solution and criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Stevens also pointed to a super PAC supporting El-Sayed, which received $300,000 from his father-in-law, arguing that both candidates face similar outside funding issues.
Broader implications
The race has become a proxy for a larger intra-party debate over progressive versus moderate policies. El-Sayed, endorsed by progressive leaders like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, advocates for Medicare for All and abolishing ICE. Stevens, backed by retiring Sen. Gary Peters and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, represents the party's moderate wing. The winner will face former Rep. Mike Rogers (R) in November in a key Senate battleground.
Reactions and criticism
El-Sayed's 'ogre' remark drew backlash from some Democrats, including Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI), who condemned the 'violent, vulgar threats' in politics. El-Sayed's campaign maintained the remark was metaphorical. Stevens' campaign seized on the comments, arguing they showed El-Sayed's focus on national politics over Michigan issues.