Haley Stevens says viral ‘stick it to ’em’ ad is pure Michigan
The Michigan Senate candidate defended her energetic campaign spot after online mockery, telling TMZ DC it reflects who she is and where she’s from.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Rep. Haley Stevens is standing by the campaign ad that turned her into a political punchline online, telling TMZ DC the much-shared moment was no act.
The Michigan Senate candidate was stopped Tuesday night on Capitol Hill, where TMZ DC asked about the ad and the wave of reaction it kicked up. Stevens said the style people have been picking apart is “authentically Michigan.”
TMZ DC producer Jacob Wasserman pressed Stevens on why she chose to own the viral attention instead of ducking it. According to TMZ DC, Stevens said she sees herself as a reflection of the people she represents back home.
The line that took off
The campaign spot showed Stevens giving a fired-up pitch about fighting for Michigan residents. In the ad, she promised to bring “a little bit of joy, a little bit of enthusiasm, a little bit of energy, and a little bit of stick it to ’em.”
She then capped the bit by saying, “That’s the Michigan way.”
The delivery quickly became internet fodder, with clips spreading online and critics mocking the performance. A Fox News YouTube short highlighted the campaign speech and described it as awkward.
Stevens, according to TMZ DC, did not retreat from the ad or suggest the tone was a mistake. Her answer framed the clip as a real expression of her campaign style and her state, rather than a polished Washington routine.
Capitol Hill response
The exchange took place as Stevens is running for Senate in Michigan. TMZ DC identified her as a Democratic Senate candidate and reported that the viral ad was the focus of its Capitol Hill question.
Stevens also took aim at President Trump during the conversation, according to TMZ DC, though the outlet did not detail the full substance of that criticism in its written report.
The core message from Stevens was clear enough: the line that made her a target online is staying with her. She told TMZ DC the energy in the ad comes from Michigan, and from the constituents she says she represents.
For now, the “stick it to ’em” moment is doing what viral political ads do best: giving supporters, critics and cable-news clip machines something to chew on. Stevens is choosing to treat the attention as part of the pitch.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.