Mike Rogers, Michigan’s Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, seemed worried President Donald Trump’s unpopularity could be contagious as he made his case to undecided voters on Sunday.
With Election Day just a week out and Trump’s poll numbers looking more dismal than ever, Rogers decided to dodge a question about whether he considers himself a “MAGA Republican” during an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.”
Scolding anchor Kristen Welker for even asking, the former congressman said, “Listen, I’m going to tell you something. I get you guys on the national press, but this is a little bit disgusting to me.”
Welker refused to let Rogers off the hook that easily, repeatedly pressing him for an answer as he rattled off a list of Democrats and typically liberal voting blocs that have come out against his opponent, Abdul El-Sayed.
Though she gave it one last shot before the interview wrapped, the Republican told her, “Kristen, I’m going to go right back through this. There is a reason we have support from people in Detroit and Flint and Pontiac. Because we’re there talking about issues, talking about their needs and future. And this guy is too extreme for them.”
“He comes in and alienates these communities,” Rogers went on. “Nobody wants to talk about that on national press. We invite you to come to Michigan, talk to some of these people. I think you’ll have a very different opinion if you’re open to it.”
Earlier in the interview, the GOP candidate ducked a question about whether he plans to back “the Trump agenda” with a conveniently timed technical issue.
“Um, I’m apologizing. I’m having some difficultly in my earpiece,” he said. “But is a vote for you? I’m not sure. I’ll tell you what a vote for me is. It’s a great day for the state of Michigan.”
With polls showing razor-thin margins between Michigan’s candidates for U.S. Senate, Rogers has been trying to strike a balance between appealing to El-Sayed skeptics without alienating Michigan’s Republican voter base and inciting Trump’s wrath. He’s voiced opposition to the trade dispute with Canada and called for an end to the war in Iran, while also arguing that his ties to Trump would make him an effective voice for Michigan in Washington, D.C.
“I’m going to be able to go in, sit down, talk to him about the things that work for Michigan,” he said during an interview with ABC News on Tuesday.
He’s also spit plenty of venom at El-Sayed, repeatedly painting the Muslim politician as a threat to Americans’ safety.