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Abdul El-Sayed Revisits Past Obama Criticism Amid Michigan Senate Campaign
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Senate Campaign Spotlight: Interview on Obama Remarks
Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed appeared on “Meet the Press” with host Kristen Welker weeks before a joint rally with former President Barack Obama in Detroit. Welker pressed El-Sayed about his 2012 statements that Obama “perpetuated war” and “violated civil liberties.” In the interview, El-Sayed compared his earlier criticism to personal reflections on his father’s parenting and later offered a softened assessment of Obama’s tenure.
Background: Prior Remarks and Controversy
El-Sayed’s 2012 comments resurfaced after a March synagogue attack in Michigan, when he linked the shooter’s loss of relatives in an Israeli strike on Lebanon to the “hurt people hurt people” trope. The remark drew criticism from some Jewish community members, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The controversy intensified as El-Sayed entered the 2026 Senate race, positioning his past statements as a potential liability.
Official Statements & Responses
He explained that his intent was to provide context for the shooter’s background, but admitted the timing was inappropriate. El-Sayed also noted that he consulted with Sen. Elissa Slotkin, who is Jewish, about the comment and expressed a desire to be more considerate of others’ feelings. Obama, slated to headline the upcoming Detroit rally, offered no direct response in the interview but is expected to appear alongside El-Sayed and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson later this month.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I know that President Obama was handed a really difficult set of circumstances, and he did his best,” — Watch Michigan. Abdul El-Sayed
- “I wouldn't have my life but for my dad's efforts... At the same time, there's a lot of things about my dad I would do differently, right?” — Watch Michigan. Abdul El-Sayed
- “I regret anytime, you know, if I step on somebody's grief, of course I regret that. And I really wish I'd thought about how somebody would have felt hearing that, and thought twice about making those comments,” — Watch Michigan. Abdul El-Sayed
What’s Next
El-Sayed and Obama will share the stage at a Detroit rally later this month, a key event for Democrats seeking to flip the Michigan Senate seat. The interview and subsequent apology are expected to shape voter perceptions as the campaign enters its final stretch.