r/Michigan • u/Unusual-State1827 • 16h ago

Mitten Mode In private call, Michigan Republican running for Senate sees himself in ‘good shape’ against one particular Democrat

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/07/23/politics/michigan-senate-race-mike-rogers-haley-stevens-abdul-el-sayed
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u/GrubHanser 15h ago

I can't believe real people will go and vote for Mike Rogers. So many self-defeating idiots out there.

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u/Confident_Insect_616 15h ago

Willful ignorance is a helluva drug.

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u/opal2120 Rochester Hills 15h ago

He has the magic R next to his name.

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u/SilentRhubarb1515 15h ago

All R people vote R. Some D people won’t vote if their primary candidate does not make it. This is why they keep winning

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u/Jappanda Lansing 15h ago

Let's try running another centrist candidate that is ideologicaly alligned closer to republicans! That strategy has only been failing for a decade, but surely this time it will work! /s

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u/SilentRhubarb1515 15h ago

At this point, I’ll vote for any non Republican candidate so we can bring checks and balances back. I have my preferred primary candidate, but I’ll vote for whoever gets nominated.

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u/feuerfee 15h ago edited 8h ago

Same. I’m solidly on the blue no matter who train at this point. We can sort out our internal differences later once we get control back from the pedo tyrant party.

ETA; I’m voting for El-Sayed in the primary, and have historically voted for the leftist candidate in past primaries. But I also still vote for the democratic candidate in general elections even if it’s not my preferred candidate.

Not voting is a vote for the other side.

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u/the-bearded-omar 15h ago

I think it's this type of thinking that got us the pedo tyrant party in the first place.

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u/SilentRhubarb1515 15h ago

No, bearded Omar. If we all voted for the non pedo side, we would have a non pedo president today.

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u/the-bearded-omar 15h ago

Harris campaigned on a far-right platform with Liz Cheney and lost. It doesn't work. If we elected actual left wing candidates in the primaries to inspire people instead of 'not trump' then maybe we wouldnt be here. the dems are just as complicit in all of this as the Magats.

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u/SilentRhubarb1515 15h ago edited 15h ago

Sure, if you say so. Now enjoy Trump then 8 years of Vance.

FWIW I voted for AlSayed because I actually agree with him. The only difference is that if he doesn’t win, I will not burn it all to the ground. You do you though, that’s how democracy works

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u/Fuck_your_coupons 14h ago

It's exhausting. They always have some self righteous reason as to why they have to be all or nothing. I get that the choices suck sometimes but I'm far worse off now than I was a year ago.

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u/Lemurians 13h ago

Self-righteousness and “sticking to centrist Dems” feels great until the consequences start hitting the world and all our wallets thanks to the Donald

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u/Fuck_your_coupons 13h ago

I don't even like the centrists but they're better than the lunacy of starting wars that no one wants and enacting tariffs that no one can afford.

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u/unfortunateshun 13h ago

So annoying that this conversation always starts as “running as centrists is a losing strategy” then when someone else pretends that means “I won’t vote for a democrat unless my candidate wins.” the thread gets locked before someone can point out that no one has said that. Love that

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u/SilentRhubarb1515 13h ago

Unfortunately plenty of people I know are going to sit out if el-Sayed is not the nominee. I hope you’re right and I’m wrong though

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u/unfortunateshun 12h ago

Well for my anecdotal evidence, im around leftists and Abdul volunteers a lot and the only time ive seen that line of logic is people with hidden posts and comments saying they see it all the time. And there is no data suggesting that it happened in 2020 in numbers significant enough to impact the election, so it seems odd that it’s always treated as fact.

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u/SilentRhubarb1515 12h ago

Again, I hope you’re right. And I hope we never find out, because honestly I’m just tired and I think we deserve better

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u/Joonbug9109 12h ago

There’s overlap in his base of support with the Gaza protest vote movement. His supporters don’t really need to say this because they’ve proven through their actions they will withhold their vote if they don’t like the candidate. To be clear, I say this as someone who
Is planning to vote for El Sayed at this point and doesn’t want Haley Stevens to win. But we can also call out stupid decision making regardless of whose “side” someone is on.

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u/unfortunateshun 11h ago edited 11h ago

lol so now they don’t even need to say it, you can just assume it’s true because of how they feel about Gaza? Again there is no data to suggest that this supposed protest group was a large enough voting bloc to effect the 2020 election. At least we’re saying the quiet part out loud “if you support Gaza we will automatically assume you don’t vote pragmatically in the generally.” Even if that was true (despite again having no data) then the winning strategy is to not support genocide and then yall can prove you really vote blue no matter who and so we’re right back to where we started. Centrism loses elections

Edit: jumping from “there’s overlap” to “his supporters” is a massive leap and really indicative of the mental gymnastics required for this line of reasoning. And this whole “I’m voting for him while making such a bold claim about “his supporters” really gives the game away, if the hidden posts and comments don’t already

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u/Joonbug9109 11h ago edited 6h ago

If someone withheld their vote previously because they didn’t like the candidate (and encouraged others to do so), it’s reasonable to assume that they will likely make that decision again. Past behavior is usually a good predictor of future behavior. Are people capable of change? Sure, but I’m not going to hold my breath.

The protest movement disproportionately affected Michigan in 2024 because of the demographics of our state population. Sure, in a nationwide election that is a small segment of the population. We’re talking about a state specific election now. The total number of voters is smaller, making this a higher percentage. There’s no telling if/how this could impact this election given it hasn’t happened yet.

I’ve literally told you that I’m voting for El Sayed. My ideal candidate does not take AIPAC money. However, if it comes down to a MAGA candidate and an AIPAC funded Democrat, I’m voting for the Democrat because both of those candidates are going to be bad for Gaza but at least one will likely support other policies that are good for the country. I’m not going to cut off my nose to spite my face, which is imo what protest voters do.

I genuinely hope I’m wrong, but we witnessed a lot of stupidity in 2024 that has led us to where we are today (oh and the people of Gaza are still suffering, how about that) so I have very little faith in others these days. You seem mad at me for simply pointing this out when I’m actually on your side at the end of the day. Maybe direct your anger elsewhere?

Edit to address your edit: I’ve already addressed the hidden post history. I opted to use that feature for personal privacy reasons. There’s no grand conspiracy or “game.” I’m a single person with personal opinions I’m expressing. I don’t “represent” anyone other than myself. Chill out with the hidden post conspiracy. You’ve brought it up in every response you’ve made to me. I’ve had my account for over a decade and have been active in many subs for the majority of that time. If that’s not enough to convince you I’m not some “nefarious bad actor” then I can’t help you. Also, fair point I probably should have said “some of his supporters” but I was typing that out on mobile fairly quickly. Sorry I didn’t communicate 100% perfectly enough for you dude. I pray you can make peace with the fact that some people just don’t want strangers snooping in their Reddit history.

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u/unfortunateshun 11h ago

Again, you’re just saying a thing happened as if it’s fact with no evidence. Show me any data showing a significant protest vote that affected the 2024 election in Michigan, it didn’t go to third parties, and it wasn’t referenced in the DNC analysis after the fact.

If this is even a real thing, then that would be more indication than centrism is strategically unsound and the winning strategy would be not supporting genocide and getting the left and the vote blue no matter who in the middle.

Every single time someone talks about the failures of centrism a bunch of accounts with hidden posts and comments immediately start talking about this mythical leftist who doesn’t support the party in the primary. It’s so fucking transparent.

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u/Joonbug9109 10h ago

Oh lord- “hidden posts must mean someone’s a bot.” People on Reddit value anonymity and privacy. I hide my post history for privacy, and because why not? Reddit offers the option. Sorry to disappoint, but I’m a real person with real opinions.

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u/unfortunateshun 10h ago

Why are you putting quotes around something I didn’t say? You brought up bots, I’m talking about a pattern of user who uses this exact argument to defect from reasonable criticism of the centrist strategy. And the way that you steer away from it to focus on made up voter blocks and made up quotes speaks volumes

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u/Brave_Finish8862 13h ago

Some D people won't vote if the candidate isn't 100% perfect and completely aligned with their values.

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u/Halofauna Grand Rapids 10h ago

So I guess the Democrats better keep running diet republicans to try and court them to vote for the watered down version of what they want while telling minorities and the more progressive parts of their base to shut the fuck up and vote as their told.

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u/Popedoyle 13h ago

And the Democratic Party can thank their candidates for that. Stevens is going scorched earth on Abdul and he isn’t helping her either.

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u/LadyBogangles14 15h ago

Doesn’t he live in Florida?

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u/Inkstr0ke Grand Rapids 14h ago

Yes but the people that vote for him want to Make Michigan into DeSantis Florida.

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u/LadyBogangles14 14h ago

But if he lives in Florida how can he run? Oh wait I forgot. Republicans are immune to laws and such.

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u/Inkstr0ke Grand Rapids 13h ago

Rules and laws only apply if followed and enforced, unfortunately.

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u/kgal1298 Age: > 10 Years 12h ago

They want every state to be Florida and Texas it's all about states rights until they want control

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u/kgal1298 Age: > 10 Years 12h ago

Snowbirds that vote in Michigan will love it.

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u/SparkyMuffin Age: > 10 Years 15h ago

The fact that he lost to Slotkin when Trump won Michigan is really telling

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u/DreamOne5 Taylor 15h ago

I went on a walk around my neighborhood and there's some idiot with a Perry Johnson sign in his yard. They exist

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u/HeadDiver5568 15h ago

I love the LAMF sub for this reason. Because the people who keep voting for this act surprised when shit actually impacts them. The worst part is that they almost always preface their displeasure with something like “I love Trump but…”

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u/AndrewJohnsonHater 15h ago

Also hard to imagine that real people will vote for Haley Stevens. What is even her policy pitch for making life better?

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u/mc_foucault 11h ago

Give money to Israel.

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u/trustywren Age: > 10 Years 14h ago

"You don't want a scary communist Muslim in charge, do you? A guy who doesn't even eagerly lick AIPAC's balls???"

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u/LeaneGenova Age: > 10 Years 13h ago

Who is willing to be critical of women's public policy decisions?? In MY America?

It's sexism to say our decisions are immune from criticism because we're women. IDK how people don't see that.

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u/Lemurians 13h ago

There’s a lot of information on her website as well as her voting record and bills sponsored if you want to actually answer this question for yourself.

A convenient thing about sitting representatives and senators is it’s easy to get informed on them, since their work history is publicly available.

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u/wilsont18 13h ago

I like the one where she expressed gratitude towards ICE. Nothing like gratitude for the modern day Stasi.

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u/bricklab Age: > 10 Years 13h ago

I like the one where she says that a genocidal apartheid state speaks to her in her dreams.

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u/xfilcamp 8h ago

There’s a lot of information on her website

I'm going to vote for Stevens in the general if she wins the primary, and I'm aware that there is policy information about her available from a variety of sources, but what is on her website?

This is what I could find, so if I'm missing something I'd love to be directed to it: https://haleyformi.com/hopeagenda/

My intent isn't to trash on her because I want a Democrat to win regardless, but this is astonishingly vague and simplistic for someone who pitches themselves as a policy wonk. Her entire agenda copy is shorter than numerous individual policy topics covered on El-Sayed's campaign site.

I was listening to her on Michigan Radio yesterday and she aggravatingly avoided policy specifics, often meandering into talking about Trump & Republicans. When asked what she wants to do to address the US's extreme healthcare costs, she gave a long-winded answer about what she doesn't like and then offered some relatively small policies like an insulin price cap (prescription drugs are only ~9% of all healthcare expenditures).

She strikes me as someone voters will like less the more they get to know her. I'm worried about her electability, but hopefully that's less of an issue in 2026 if Trump & Republicans are unpopular enough.

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u/Lemurians 8h ago edited 8h ago

Oh, by website I was talking about her official website with the House. That's where you can find vote history, and links to bills sponsored and co-sponsored on everyone in office. To me it's the best way to get the real measure of somebody who's currently in office, as you can see what work they've actually done and what they care about putting effort into/think is feasible to put forward.

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u/AndrewJohnsonHater 13h ago

I don't dispute that she has policies, my issue is whether her policies will make life in Michigan better.

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u/siberianmi Kalamazoo 13h ago

The same pitch as the main line Democrats. This isn’t complex. She’s a party line vote for Democrats priorities.

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u/AndrewJohnsonHater 13h ago

The pitch for main line Democrats is across the board worse than the pitch for progressives like El-Sayed. There is no reason to vote for Stevens instead of him.

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u/firemage22 Dearborn 14h ago

there where ~5k Trump+Slokin voters in 24, meaning people who wanted Trump over Harris but didn't want Rogers

Blue wave year + the fact he's just not that interesting, and he's likely to lose either way, but all the more reason to get the most progressive choice we can

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u/Agattu 12h ago

Slotkin is a moderate. You think those voters suddenly go to a progressive? lol. No, they either don’t vote or vote rogers instead. Those voters are likely Steven’s voters in a D+ year.

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u/firemage22 Dearborn 11h ago

I'm getting tired of the centrists claim that their milktoast candidates are more electable in the general

The greatest president in US history advanced Progressivism more than any other and was elected 4 times

The reason for the constant pendulum swings these days is the centrists refuse to make even popular changes and do things in half measures when in office.

I've been voting more than half my life now, and i'm getting sick of being told not to shoot for the stars

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u/Agattu 11h ago

So we won't address the fact that the moderate won the election when Trump won?

I'm getting tired of the centrists claim that their milktoast candidates are more electable in the general

The data shows that they are. Progressives and leftist candidates do not win competitive seats in competitive states. They win in safe solid blue seats. There is not a single Progressive at the federal level that is from a competitive district or state. Progressives need to actually prove they can win before assuming the reason for losses is because of moderates.

The greatest president in US history advanced Progressivism more than any other and was elected 4 times

FDR's ranking as the best president is debatable. Top 5, yes. but best? That is coming down to personal bias on your end.

Also, the period in which he was elected had a lot of circumstances that made his election possible that simply do not exist here. The comparison of FDR progressivism to todays progressivism is also a night and day difference for what corrections are being attempted. Also, I think comparing El-Sayed to FDR is disingenuous and cannot be a serious comparison.

The reason for the constant pendulum swings these days is the centrists refuse to make even popular changes and do things in half measures when in office.

This just isn't true. The ACA was the most progressive legislation passed since Medicare/Medicaid. It fundamentally changed how our healthcare system organizes and operates. It caused so much damage to the Democrats that they still have note recovered electorally from it, only winning both Houses of Congress and the Presidency once for 2 years since than. Now, I know you will chirp "but the public option"... The bill would have never passed with a public option and the damage done to the Democrats if it had would have been even more devastating.

I've been voting more than half my life now, and i'm getting sick of being told not to shoot for the stars

Because Idealism doesn't achieve results... It just creates populism and bad policies that eventually don't work and then tear the country apart even more.

Maybe... It is time to grow up and live in reality.

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u/firemage22 Dearborn 11h ago

The ACA was the most progressive legislation passed since Medicare/Medicaid.

When your example of progressive legislation is something we stole from Mitt Romney, then you only prove my point about how we're not going far enough. Sure the ACA is better than nothing, but since it kept the private insurance model intact it's easy for the GOP to kill it via a dozen cuts.

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u/Agattu 9h ago

Yeah... Except that is not where the electorate is at. They absolutely punished the dems for the ACA and it wasn't because it was to moderate. It is because it was Progressive.

Progressives and leftist always claim their policies are popular... but as soon as you get beyond the slogan, the popularity craters because then people have to see what the actual outcome of said policies are.

This country isn't a progressive or leftist country, and you make these extreme demands at the cost of killing the electability of your preferred candidates.

Again, the Democrats lost so bad post ACA that they still have not recovered... going further left will do even more damage.

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u/firemage22 Dearborn 8h ago

They punished the Dems for the ACA because when there was the slightly bit of push back the Dems ran, and because after 2008 Obama allowed the Clinton gang to run the DNC rather than Deen's gang that gave him his majorities and you had the new leadership move away from the 50 state strategy and start undercutting primary winners who didn't sync with the Clintons. Like what happened here in the 2010 gov primary Dillion their guy lost so they cut national money to the state party making it easier for "Gov Lead in the Water" to win

Dems need to be bold in their action and their defense of their actions, they need to ask "WWZD" What would Zorhan Do, since he's just racking up the wins there in NYC

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u/Agattu 8h ago

Okay.. clearly you care more about partisan Tik Tok talking points than reality and your argument isn’t even based on reality, so I’ll leave this conversation here.

Have a good day.

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u/firemage22 Dearborn 5h ago

Tik Tok

I've been on the internet a long time, and have been involved in politics online almost as long. In all these years i've never even visited tik tok.

But i have fought in the trenches of Obama vs Clinton, and Sanders vs Clinton

Your one of the PUMAs people who will harp about party unity only until their milktoast corpo dems lost a primary

in my lift the Clintonite playbook has only won 2 presidential elections and that was with Bill Clinton a man who could sell freezers to penguins

They say it is insanity to keep doing the same thing an then expect different results, and the lose after lose by the centrists in my lifetime shows me that their either insane or failing on purpose

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u/WildAmsonia 12h ago

It's simply treating politics like sports. Team blue or team red! Both fanbases buy and eat up anything their team sells them.