Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens’ decision to support Republican Mike Rogers in the U.S. Senate race has sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party. To discuss the changing dynamics of the Senate race, Amna Nawaz spoke with Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell.
Amna Nawaz:
Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens’ decision to support Republican Mike Rogers in the U.S. Senate race has sent shock waves through the Democratic Party.
For more on the changing dynamics of the Senate race, Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell joins me now.
Madam Congresswoman, it’s good to see you. Thank you for joining us.
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI):
THANKS. It’s good to be with you.
Twenty-four hours. We will be finished in another day.
Amna Nawaz:
Another day, but in the meantime, there are some big headlines today, as we just noted. You said you spoke with Haley Stevens several times over the last week. She told you she wouldn’t support Mike Rogers, and she did.
I’m sure you’ve seen it in some of his recent interviews. She said she did it because she thought Rogers loved this country. Based on your conversations with her, does this explanation make sense to you?
Representative Debbie Dingell:
I was stunned when this happened on Sunday. Haley is a human being. She had a very difficult race in the primaries. I don’t know what changed or why she did that.
And I think that has become — it has been and continues to be a huge distraction from the issues that will arise when people go to the polls tomorrow.
Amna Nawaz:
Congresswoman, there is no doubt that the cost of living remains the number one issue, but this is a key state that Democrats must win. And, as you mentioned, it was a very close primary race, a very heated and divisive primary race.
We know that this issue of America’s approach and policy towards Israel has deeply divided the two candidates Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed. Stevens is a staunch supporter of the state. El-Sayed sharply criticized the state.
I mean, it’s fair to say that your party hasn’t addressed this issue. How do you count this?
Representative Debbie Dingell:
The hatred that we have seen in this state for several months, the advertisements from all sides are despicable. They are full of hatred.
They have helped pit Michiganders against each other, and they are unacceptable, and I condemn every single one of these negative ads. The Jewish community has always been important because I hear them, I talk to them, I understand what they say, because I lived in Dearborn for 30 years.
And Arab Americans and Muslims were my immediate neighbors. They were my friends. And yet, I had lunch Saturday with a group of Arab American leaders. You should have heard the fear in their voices: they want Abdul to win, but they are afraid of the violence that might be directed against them.
Everyone deserves, whatever their faith, whatever their cultural background, to live in this country feeling safe and to be treated with respect and dignity.
Amna Nawaz:
However, when it comes to this Senate race, which is the Democrats’ fight for control of the Senate, it is crucial for your party. Are you concerned that Haley Stevens, by supporting the Republican, means that voters who were unsure about El-Sayed feel that they also have permission to vote for the Republican?
Representative Debbie Dingell:
You know, I was trying to figure this out when it happened.
On Saturday, I felt it was leaning in Abdul’s favor. This is going to be a close race. But as I was out yesterday, the NAACP, the UAW Disability Dinner, was doing polls, it put a lot of energy in people. You have seen several members of our congressional delegation issue strong statements of support for Abdul.
Amna Nawaz:
Do you think this tipped the scales in favor of El-Sayed?
Representative Debbie Dingell:
I do. I think it’s backfiring on me.
Amna Nawaz:
Well, let me ask you before I let you go. Democrats say it’s a big tent party. Is there room for someone like Haley Stevens in the Democratic Party?
Representative Debbie Dingell:
Haley got hurt with many Democrats. And I think there are people who can — who have strong feelings and who need to be part of the Democratic Party. But I think the way it was handled left a lot of people upset, not thinking they could trust him.
It’s just been a very difficult weekend.
Amna Nawaz:
Joining us today is Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan.
Madam Congresswoman, we know this is a busy day for you. Thanks for taking the time.
Representative Debbie Dingell:
THANKS.
Gn headline
