Can a Progressive Win a Purple State?
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
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There's a huge debate right now in the Democratic primary over electability because conventionally, right, people like Chuck Schumer would say, Haley Stevens is the classic purple state Democratic Senate candidate. She won a Republican-held House seat. She has an ability, they say, to appeal to independents and moderate Republicans. But if you talk to Al-Sayed, which I did, he would say, we've tried that. And people who lost to Donald Trump should not give us any lectures on electability. And if Abdul Al-Sayed wins the primary, it will be a real test to see if somebody as progressive as he is can win not a blue state, but a purple state.
Things are getting tense in Michigan, as Abdul El-Sayed and Representative Haley Stevens vie to become the Democrats' nominee for the state's open Senate seat in November. The two agree that this race is essential for Democrats.
I love America, but I love America enough to be honest about what America owes all her children. And I'm in this fight not just to win, but to get real results, points on the scoreboard for you and your family and our future.
But they represent different factions of the party and method. And with the primary election fast approaching, they represent two different futures as well. I'm Adam Harris. This is Radio Atlantic. And this week, we need to think about Michigan and why it matters for control of Congress. El-Sayed is an epidemiologist and a public health official whose populist appeal and policy platform has earned the endorsements of Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Elizabeth Warren. Stevens, meanwhile, positions herself as a moderate Democrat and has been championed by the party's establishment. People like Senator Chuck Schumer, Representative Jim Clyburn, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand among them.
Now, Michigan isn't a deep blue state, so some Democrats worry that if they elect someone who can energize the base with progressive policy, someone like El-Sayed, they might isolate voters in the general election. And that could lead to Democrats losing a critical seat in the Senate as they seek to gain control of the chamber. But politics isn't a science, and there's no crystal ball that can predict how general elections will go. So why should Americans be paying attention to a primary race in Michigan? And how might it shape the future of Congress? With me to discuss is my colleague, Russell Berman, who covers Congress, elections, and all things politics for The Atlantic. Let's get to questions.
Russell, welcome to the show. Thanks for having me. So, Russell, you're in Michigan. What are you seeing on the ground right now? Are there particular issues that voters seem energized about?
Yes. Well, I mean, Michigan is a huge state for Democrats. They cannot afford to lose it. You know, there's a lot of energy for Abdul El-Sayed. There's a lot of talk about Israel, his willingness to call what Israel is doing in Gaza a genocide, that even in the first few events I've attended, that has come up organically from people. Voters have told me they like that he tells it like it is. He's a very to-the-point, blunt-spoken candidate.
Donald Trump is not himself the disease of our politics. He's just the worst symptom of the disease of our politics.
I mean, again, at least with his supporters, and there are a lot of them, that is really resonating.
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Chapters
5 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:02–4:54
2
Why is the Michigan Senate primary drawing national attention?
4:54–14:41
3
What distinguishes Abdul El‑Sayed’s progressive platform in Michigan?
14:41–16:33
4
Which endorsements are shaping the El‑Sayed vs. Stevens primary dynamic?
16:33–22:48
5
What are voters in Michigan saying about Israel, the economy, and authenticity?
22:48–25:11