Old El-Sayed Attacks on Obama Emerge Before Michigan Rally
Past criticism of Barack Obama by Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has resurfaced before Obama is scheduled to campaign for him. In a 2012 essay, El-Sayed accused Obama of continuing war, undermining civil liberties, and deporting more people than any previous president. He also faulted Obamacare and argued that Obama's shortcomings helped set the stage for Donald Trump's political rise.
Before Barack Obama is set to appear for Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan Democratic Senate hopeful, reporting by CNN's KFile surfaced old critiques. A 2012 HuffPost piece, written after Obama's reelection, found El-Sayed saying he had backed Obama but faulting him on war, civil liberties, deportations, health care, drone strikes, and economic inequality.
El-Sayed also argued Obama's tenure left economic and health-system problems unresolved, conditions he linked to Donald Trump's later rise. His campaign responded by stressing his personal admiration, noting Obama's 2008 win inspired him and that he anticipates telling Obama himself later this month.
The resurfacing of these remarks could shape how some Michigan Democratic voters view El-Sayed, especially those who hold Obama in high regard. It may also give opponents material to question his consistency or party loyalty. Obama's rally could either quiet the issue or draw more attention to it, potentially influencing donor enthusiasm and turnout in a competitive Senate race.