Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville has drawn criticism for his vulgar remarks comparing Michigan Democratic Representative Haley Stevens to a "used condom" after she endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers over the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed.
Carville's comments, made on a podcast episode, suggested Stevens was not valuable to Democrats, stating, "The Democrats don’t even think you’re worth a used condom, but that’s about where you are." He further speculated that Stevens had "sold her soul to the GOP for 'two cheeseburgers.'"
The remarks came days before an election, following a public disagreement between Stevens and El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate whom Stevens had previously lost to by a narrow margin. Carville concluded his criticism by suggesting Stevens consider opening a cheeseburger restaurant, similar to Senator John Fetterman, who has also been known to cross party lines.
Carville's inflammatory language prompted backlash on social media, particularly from Republicans. Conservative commentator Scott Jennings criticized the remarks as an "anti-woman crash out," while actor Michael Rapaport called Carville an "old bag of bones." Other users expressed that while questioning Stevens' motives was fair, the "sexist vitriol" was "disgusting."
Leading Democrats also voiced strong opposition to Stevens' endorsement. Michigan Democratic Party chairman Curtis Hertel stated that Mike Rogers is "Donald Trump’s handpicked candidate for Senate" and a "rubber stamp for Trump’s toxic agenda." Hertel affirmed the party's full support for Abdul El-Sayed, calling him a "proven, committed fighter for Michigan’s working families."
Hertel added that Stevens' decision to campaign with Rogers, who he described as having "repeatedly sold out Michigan’s working class" and supporting a "national abortion ban," indicated she had "abandoned everything she claims to care about." He concluded by stating the party rejects any attempts by Stevens or "bad-faith actors" to divide them.
According to RealClearPolitics, El-Sayed is currently leading Rogers by 4 percentage points in polls. However, Rogers' campaign claims their internal polling shows the Republican candidate ahead.