MIKE DODGER: Fox 2 Prepared For Empty Podium As Rogers Refuses To Commit to Sept. 15 Debate

Fox 2 Detroit Prepares For Potential Debate With Empty Podium As Rogers Campaign Ignores Debate Invite

Abdul Has Committed To Sept. 15 Debate, Continues Calls For Five Debates

MICHIGAN – Today marks 15 days since the primary, and pressure continues to mount for Mike Rogers as he dodges both Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and news outlets on scheduling any debates. 

Fox 2 Detroit invited both Abdul and Mike Rogers to a debate on September 15th. While Abdul has committed, the Rogers campaign has ignored “multiple” requests from Fox 2 over the past two weeks.

Roop Raj of Fox 2 says “Bottom line, the debate stage is being prepared, a live broadcast is scheduled and two podiums will be present… We have unapologetically been the station that has set up debates, invited candidates with more than enough notice and even set up an empty chair for one candidate who chose not to attend.” 

“What’s more cowardly than an empty podium at a debate? Whether Mike Rogers shows up or not, Abdul El-Sayed will be on stage on September 15th making his case to Michigan voters,” said campaign spokesperson Cole Wozniak. “Mike Rogers is a corrupt corporate sellout running to hand out tax breaks to the wealthy and continue endless wars that spike our costs. It’s no surprise he’d rather let Michiganders spend an hour staring at an empty podium on TV than defend his record.” 

Abdul participated in as many forums and debates as possible throughout the Democratic primary, in addition to over 500 public events across Michigan. Abdul has called for five debates to give Michigan voters the opportunity to hear directly from both candidates seeking to represent them in the U.S. Senate.

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