Michigan GOP leader sounds midterm alarm: 'communist crazy' vs 'American values'
WASHINGTON, DC: With the midterms approaching, Michigan GOP leader Lisa McClain has laid out the stakes of the upcoming elections, framing it as a choice between “communist crazy” vs “American values.”
Michigan is among the highly watched races, featuring firebrand Democratic progressive leader Abdul El-Sayed. If El-Sayed secures victory in the upcoming midterms, he will be the first Muslim to sit in the US Senate.
House rep draws sharp midterm contrast
Appearing on CBS’s 'Face the Nation' with Margaret Brennan on Sunday, September 6, House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain weighed in on what the midterms are about for Republicans, saying the party plans to use its upcoming Republican midterm convention in Dallas to highlight its achievements and draw a contrast with Democrats.
McClain said the midterms will focus on contrasting the two parties, describing the choice as “one communist crazy versus traditional American common-sense values.”
McClain also said that the Dallas convention is aimed at bringing Republicans together, energizing the party’s base and highlighting what she said the GOP has achieved over the past two years, including securing the border and passing tax cuts.
She additionally pointed to passing what she called the “largest tax cuts in history,” saying Republicans want Americans to keep more money in their pockets.
“I'm pretty excited to go,” the Republican leader added about the convention.
GOP leader trusts Trump despite tariffs costing Michigan billions
Notably, Trump’s tariffs have cost Michigan $23 billion since January 2025, according to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation. That translates into about $5,619 per Michigan household.
Asked how much the latest tariffs from Canada could hurt the state, McClain said Trump was trying to “level the playing field” and make Canada a better trading partner.
She argued that Canada allows Chinese goods to enter the US through its market to avoid tariffs on China.
The latest Canadian tariffs are expected to hit key Michigan industries, including aluminum, dairy, steel, and appliances.
Trump will remain on the ballot
Amid reports that some Republican nominees in the battleground districts are distancing from Trump and have asked Trump's staff to stop the president from visiting their states, McClain confirmed that Trump is on the ballot.
According to a report by Politico published on Friday, citing “more than two dozen GOP lawmakers, candidates and operatives,” Trump “appears eager to get on the campaign trail” and plans to be “heavily involved in the final 30 days” before the midterms.
But Republican candidates are “not all thrilled” about the prospect.
As per the report, “many Republicans facing tough elections, even in areas the president carried by double digits in 2024, are wary of tying themselves too closely to Trump as his approval rating continues to drag.”
