Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed says his “ogre on a pike” comment was not directed at his primary rival, Haley Stevens. In a televised debate held Monday, the final head-to-head before the state’s 4 August Democratic primary, the moderator asked El-Sayed about the remark, which drew criticism after leaked audio was reported by Politico. El-Sayed said the line referred to US Senator John Fetterman, explaining that the comment was intended as a reference to Fetterman rather than to Stevens. Both outlets report that El-Sayed linked the remark to Fetterman during the debate. Fox News also reports that El-Sayed did not apologize for the statement, presenting his explanation as part of his defense. The exchange comes as the primary approaches and after the remark became a point of contention within his party. The sources agree the clarification centers on who El-Sayed meant when he used the “ogre on a pike” phrase and that he attributes the comment to Fetterman instead of his opponent, Stevens.