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How Big of a Tent Do Democrats Want? Michigan's Senate Primary Is Testing the Limits
Michigan Democrats and Jewish groups said the planned rallies could normalize antisemitic rhetoric, and one state representative withdrew from the events.
- On Tuesday, Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is scheduled to appear with streamer Hasan Piker at two state universities, sparking immediate unease among Jewish leaders and fellow Democrats just weeks after a violent attack on a local synagogue.
- Critics label Piker a "known antisemite," citing his past claims that the October 7th attack by Hamas was a "direct consequence" of U.S. and Israeli actions. The Hillel at Michigan State University expressed being "deeply troubled" by the streamer's planned campus visit.
- State Sen. Mallory McMorrow compared Piker to white nationalist Nick Fuentes, while Rep. Haley Stevens criticized El-Sayed for "choosing to campaign with someone who has a history of antisemitic rhetoric." Anti-Defamation League head Jonathan Greenblatt called the association a "dangerous normalization of antisemitism."
- Ann Arbor-based state Rep. Carrie Rheingans backed out of the rallies amid the backlash. Matt Bennett of the Third Way think tank called El-Sayed a "disgrace to the Democratic Party," warning the involvement could help Republicans win back legislative seats.
- Defending his decision, El-Sayed told critics he agrees with Piker on some issues while insisting the progressive cause is larger than specific critiques. He tweeted that he loves "ALL people" and criticizes Israel's actions, rejecting calls to distance himself from the streamer.
37 Articles
37 Articles
Michigan Arabs warn Democrats 'haven't learned from 2024' as McMorrow, Stevens criticize Hasan Piker - The Midwesterner
Leaders in Michigan’s Arab communities are issuing a warning for Democrats they contend “haven’t learned from 2024.” “They are not showing empathy toward Lebanese and Muslim communities,” Basim Elkarra, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Action, recently told The Guardian. “Some in the Democratic party haven’t learned from 2024,” he said. “Especially in a battleground state, I think they’re going to suffer the conseq…
Michigan’s El-Sayed Suggests Hasan Piker’s ‘America Deserved 9/11’ Remark Must Be Viewed in ‘Context’
The left-wing Democratic candidate for Michigan’s open Senate seat, Abdul El-Sayed, defended his decision to campaign with Hasan Piker, who said "America deserved 9/11." El-Sayed argued in a televised interview that the influencer's comments need to be viewed in "context."The post Michigan’s El-Sayed Suggests Hasan Piker’s ‘America Deserved 9/11’ Remark Must Be Viewed in ‘Context’ appeared first on .
Associated Press News
How big of a tent do Democrats want? Michigan's Senate primary is testing the limits
Progressive Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is teaming up with online streamer Hasan Piker for campus events that are already sparking backlash.
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