A prominent Democratic attorney, Julian Epstein, known for his roles in high-profile political battles, has publicly declared his support for Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan, sharply criticizing the direction of his own party. Epstein, who previously served as chief legal counsel for House Democrats during the Clinton impeachment proceedings and later represented Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, detailed his reasons in an opinion piece published in The New York Post and elaborated on them in an interview.
Departing from the Democratic Party
Epstein stated that his decision to back Rogers signifies a significant departure from the Democratic Party’s current platform. He expressed deep concern over what he perceives as extreme ideological shifts within the party, suggesting that its leadership has become detached from mainstream values. “The Democrats have gone off the deep end,” Epstein told Fox News Digital. “I think the lunatics are in charge of the asylum.”
His critique extended to specific policy stances and associations he believes are detrimental to the nation’s foundational principles. “I think that there is no room in the tent for people that want to destroy our Constitution. There’s no room in the tent for people that want to align themselves with radical Islam. There’s no room in a tent for people that want to align themselves with antisemitism,” he articulated.
Furthermore, Epstein voiced concerns about economic philosophies dominating the party, arguing against what he sees as an overemphasis on redistribution rather than wealth creation. “And there’s no room, in my view, for people who don’t have any interest in building for the next generation but only want to redistribute what others have created and want to basically tear down the free market that has been the most effective anti-poverty liberation machine that human beings have ever invented,” he added.
Concerns Over Party’s Trajectory
Epstein warned that the Democratic Party is risking electoral disaster by embracing its current positions. He predicted a significant number of Democrats would ultimately switch their allegiance or abstain from voting. “I have been criticizing the Democratic Party for a long time as being far to the left of the median voter,” he explained. “So just as a matter of practical politics and pragmatism, I think the party has gone way too far left, but I think that the party has also lost its moral center.”
The attorney characterized Mike Rogers as a “practical, middle-of-the-road normie guy” who, in his view, would have fit comfortably within the Democratic fold during past administrations, such as that of President Clinton.
The Michigan Senate Race Context
Epstein’s public endorsement comes shortly after Abdul El-Sayed secured the Democratic nomination for the Senate race in Michigan. El-Sayed narrowly defeated U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, who was considered the establishment candidate and whose campaign emphasized support for Israel alongside progressive policies. While prominent Democrats are now rallying behind El-Sayed, the loyalty of Stevens’ former supporters remains a question mark for the upcoming general election.
Critique of El-Sayed and Campaign Surrogates
In his written statement, Epstein asserted that Rogers is well-positioned to highlight El-Sayed’s policy positions and associations. He specifically criticized El-Sayed’s economic outlook, comparing it to that of Senator Bernie Sanders, and his stance on international conflicts. Epstein wrote that El-Sayed “parrots Sen. Bernie Sanders’ delusion that attaches no importance to generating wealth — and only cares about redistributing it.”
Epstein also pointed to El-Sayed’s campaign surrogates, citing Hasan Piker as an example. He alleged that Piker has expressed controversial views, including blaming the U.S. for 9/11, admiration for Mao Zedong, and support for Hamas following the October 7th attacks. Epstein also noted Piker’s alleged admiration for figures like Fidel Castro and Nicolas Maduro.
“El-Sayed expresses sympathy for Mideastern terrorist movements that masquerade as liberation efforts, giving cover to terror attacks on Jewish synagogues in the US (‘hurt people hurt people’) and going to absurd lengths to avoid offending supporters of Iran’s slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He doesn’t believe the planet’s only Jewish state has a right to exist,” Epstein stated in his op-ed. He concluded, “Democrats can’t run from this lunacy in November.”
Looking Ahead
Epstein’s public break from the party and endorsement of a Republican candidate underscores a period of internal debate and potential realignment within the Democratic Party. His commentary suggests a belief that the party’s current trajectory alienates a significant portion of its traditional base and moderate voters, potentially impacting the outcome of key elections like the Michigan Senate race.
