A Michigan Senate candidate's combative Fox News appearance turned into a fight over gas prices, healthcare costs and taxing the rich — a plus for Democrats trying to win back working-class voters.

• Abdul El-Sayed pushed back on culture-war questions and kept steering the interview to jobs, gas prices and doctor bills.
• He backed a wealth tax on fortunes over $100 million, arguing billionaires make money off their money, not their work.
• He also pointed out that the very rich borrow against their stock instead of taking salaries, so they pay little tax.
• On the economy, he blamed the escalating trade fight with Canada for making cars more expensive.
• He called the new war a costly mistake and said the old Iran nuclear deal contained the program better.

Outlook: Expect more Democrats to test this affordability-first message on hostile networks as the Michigan Senate race heats up.