Two thoughts on Rep. Haley Stevens, who once called Mike Rogers “just the latest MAGA grifter in politics for a paycheck.”
First about her: Haley Stevens is perfectly cast for her new MAGA role. Insincere. Petulant. Immature. Dishonest. Her insipid betrayal is almost a carbon copy of what J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio, and Lindsey Graham did with Trump. Those three tried to slay Trump with their razor like criticism. We won’t ever forget that Vance called Trump a “cynical asshole” and “America’s Hitler.” All three ended up joining the miserable team.
Now Stevens has suited up there, too. She’s done as a candidate in either party. Only MAGA supports a candidate like Stevens, who displays such a deep reservoir of negligence and self-interest in her soul. And MAGA’s moment is passing.
Now for Abdul El-Sayed. Commend his judgment. In Stevens’ appeal to collaborate El-Sayed recognized a faker. He knew what was coming and immediately rejected it. Though my news media colleagues reveled in the personal confrontation and betrayal, El-Sayed understood its political implications were either trivial or redounded to his benefit. Which they have. His campaign today reported $2.4 million in contributions since Stevens defected.
Abdul Sayed looked smart, sturdy, senatorial yesterday. And better today. He’s going to be a great senator for Michigan and the nation.
— Keith Schneider