Folks, I almost spilled my coffee reading this one. It seems like the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan is getting heated, and Barack Obama’s name is being thrown around like a hot potato. Now, I know what you’re thinking – didn’t Obama endorse someone in this race? Well, not exactly. It turns out that supporters of Rep. Haley Stevens have spent a whopping $5 million airing an ad that features Obama praising her work as chief of staff for the US Auto Rescue Task Force back in 2008. The ad has been played nearly 4,000 times, making it the most aired political ad in the state over the last year.
The ad is part of a larger effort to link Stevens to the former president, who is still pretty popular in Michigan, especially among Black voters. And it’s not just the ad – Stevens’ campaign has also been touting her role in the auto bailout, which saved over 200,000 jobs in Michigan. Her opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, is trying to push back, but it’s an uphill battle when Obama’s name is being invoked like this.
Now, I’m not saying that El-Sayed is a bad candidate or anything, but it’s hard to compete with the Obama brand. I mean, the guy is still a rockstar in Democratic circles, and his endorsement can make or break a campaign. But in this case, Obama hasn’t actually endorsed Stevens, which is why some people are crying foul.
Denzel McCampbell, a Detroit City Council member who is backing El-Sayed, said that the ads could mislead voters into thinking that Obama has endorsed Stevens. But Keith Williams, chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus and a Stevens supporter, countered that the ads are just stating facts. “He did say that,” Williams said. “So, give credit where credit is due. He’s a hot ticket.”
The auto bailout is a big deal in Michigan, and Stevens’ role in it is a major part of her campaign. She’s been touting her experience as chief of staff on the US Auto Rescue Task Force, and the ads featuring Obama’s praise are just one part of that effort. But El-Sayed is trying to push back, highlighting his own progressive credentials and criticizing Stevens for taking money from corporate PACs.
It’s a tough race, and it’s going to be interesting to see how it all plays out. The stakes are high, with the winner facing off against former Rep. Mike Rogers in the general election. And with outside groups pouring millions into the race, it’s going to be a wild ride.
In the end, it’s all about who can win in November, and Stevens’ supporters think she’s the best bet. “All I’m going to say is Michigan is not New York,” said Williams. “We are a purple state. And it ain’t gonna be like it was in New York. It’s gonna come down to the finish, it’s going to be a tight race.” And that’s why they’re pulling out all the stops, including invoking Obama’s name. It’s a clever move, but will it be enough to win the day? Only time will tell.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
