Debate Over Xenophobia in Michigan Senate Race

Peter Alexander, anchor of MS NOW, questioned Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on whether Republican leaders were using ‘xenophobia’ as a campaign strategy ahead of the midterm elections. Alexander highlighted the notable focus on the Michigan U.S. Senate race between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers, mentioning appearances by former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

In a segment from his show ‘State of Play,’ Alexander showed a clip of his interview with Whitmer. He asked her about the ‘ugly recent rhetoric’ directed at El-Sayed by Rogers and Trump. Alexander suggested these comments could stem from ‘xenophobia.’

Do you worry that there is some hidden xenophobia in Michigan right now that Donald Trump and Mike Rogers are trying to tap into?

Whitmer replied that she believed Rogers and Trump might hope such sentiments exist and are trying to nurture them.

Alexander later aired additional footage from the interview, pressing Whitmer on whether Trump’s remarks about El-Sayed were ‘dangerous.’ Whitmer agreed they were and pointed out a larger problem: Republicans overlooking economic issues.

She stated, ‘The point is that they’re talking about anything other than the cost of living, which has risen due to this administration’s choices. You ask yourself, are you better off two years ago than you are today? I doubt many Americans could say so.’

Fox News Digital reached out to Whitmer’s office and both campaigns for comments but received no immediate replies.

Olivia Wales, White House Assistant Press Secretary, commented that Trump is addressing ‘radical extremists stoking division’ and is determined to ‘fight for American greatness.’

Both Trump and Rogers have been outspoken about El-Sayed, citing allegations related to his family’s connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, although El-Sayed denies any link. The accusations have sparked responses and discussions about voter sentiments in Michigan.