Is it too late to move the midterm needle in Michigan?
IS IT TOO LATE TO MOVE THE MIDTERM NEEDLE IN MICHIGAN? Six weeks ago, on Sept. 9, this newsletter asked, “Are midterm results already baked in the cake?” The answer was yes, mostly — although we don’t know what the results are.
TL;DR
- Voter attitudes towards midterms are largely set, but candidate perception can still be influenced.
- The Michigan Senate race between Abdul el Sayed and Mike Rogers is a potential test case for late-stage campaign strategy.
- El Sayed has faced questions regarding his family's ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.
- El Sayed's responses to these questions have been criticized as evasive and potentially politically damaging.
- Rogers has used the issue to question el Sayed's national security suitability.
- The election is 12 days away, with a small margin of undecided voters who could be influenced by these tactics.