Jon Stewart Criticises Michigan's Haley Stevens Over Endorsement

Jon Stewart criticised Michigan congresswoman Haley Stevens on Monday night's episode of The Daily Show, days before Michigan voters head to the polls on Tuesday.

The subject was Stevens's decision to back Republican Mike Rogers over Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. She announced the endorsement in a video posted on Sunday. It was filmed from inside her car. That same night she appeared on CNN with Anderson Cooper to explain her choice.

The switch stands out because of what Stevens had said earlier. She had previously said she shared a goal with El-Sayed: defeating Rogers. She had also called Rogers "a nightmare." In an earlier remark she said Rogers would go along with whatever Donald Trump does, and would not speak out when erratic tariffs hurt the auto industry. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, and the auto sector is one of Michigan's biggest employers.

Stevens has also said she was never invited to one of El-Sayed's campaign events. She made that point as part of explaining where her relationship with his campaign stood.

Variety reported Stewart's remarks on the Monday broadcast. The segment marks the latest moment in which a late-night comedy show has become part of a political fight over a single endorsement.

Endorsements in the final days before an election often draw attention because they can move supporters who were undecided or unhappy with their first choice. Stevens's move has drawn fresh attention on television, and the vote on Tuesday will show how much it matters to Michigan voters.