Yes
I do.
No
I don’t.
President Donald Trump is making another prediction about the political future of Michigan, a state that has repeatedly found itself at the center of America’s biggest election battles.
Trump says Abdul El-Sayed would be a losing choice for Democrats in Michigan, raising a larger question about what voters in the critical battleground state are looking for from their political leaders.
Michigan has become one of the most closely watched states in American politics. Its combination of major cities, working-class communities, suburban voters, union households, rural counties, and independent-minded voters makes statewide elections difficult to predict.
Trump has built much of his political appeal around issues that can resonate strongly in Michigan, including manufacturing, trade, the automobile industry, immigration, energy, and opposition to political establishment figures. His supporters believe his performance in the state gives him a good understanding of what motivates Michigan voters.
Democrats may see the situation differently. They could argue that El-Sayed represents a younger generation of political leadership and could energize voters looking for a different direction. Supporters may also believe that changing demographics and political attitudes could make Michigan receptive to candidates who do not fit the traditional statewide mold.
The ultimate question is whether Trump’s prediction reflects Michigan’s political reality or whether Democrats could prove him wrong.
Recent American elections have demonstrated that candidate quality, turnout, economic conditions, and major national issues can dramatically change the political landscape. Michigan is no exception.
With both parties understanding how important the state can be, any major statewide contest there is likely to attract national attention.
Trump has made his prediction clear. Now we want to hear from voters.