Sanders calls GOP ads in Michigan 'disgusting' as he backs El-Sayed
The Vermont independent defended his preferred candidate against attacks on his religion and criticized a former primary rival.
By Claire Herrera ·
Sen. Bernie Sanders entered the Michigan Senate race on Sunday, labeling recent Republican advertisements as "disgusting, racist, fearmongering ads" in a direct defense of Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
The Vermont independent appeared on "Face the Nation" to address the heated campaign dynamics in Michigan. He specifically targeted remarks made by Republican surrogates, including President Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz.
Republicans in the race have characterized El-Sayed as a supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood. Some have implied that electing him could be deadly for Americans. El-Sayed, a medical doctor who would become the first Muslim senator if elected, has denied any connection to the group. The Trump administration designated certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist groups earlier this year.
"What Cruz and Trump and Vance and others are saying is disgusting," Sanders stated during the interview. He argued that the "overt absolute racism" displayed by opponents should "appall every decent American."
Sanders expressed confidence in El-Sayed's polling position, predicting a "good victory" for the Democrat. He believes voters will "rebel against that type of ugliness" presented in the negative campaign spots.
The Vermont senator also addressed the tension between El-Sayed and his former primary opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens. Stevens called on El-Sayed to condemn an outside group's advertisement linking U.S. military aid to Israel with rising grocery prices. She described the ad as antisemitic.
El-Sayed responded by accusing Stevens of "relitigating a primary that ended three months ago." On Saturday, he reiterated that the specific advertisement was not produced by his campaign and that he disagrees with its contents.
Sanders acknowledged the primary loss for Stevens but argued that Michiganders are focused on the general election. He noted that voters are "standing up" to support El-Sayed against the Republican nominee, Sen. Mike Rogers. Sanders described Rogers as someone who would serve as a "rubber stamp for the Trump administration."
Stevens spoke shortly after Sanders' appearance, stating, "I don't belong in Abdul's campaign." She added that the ballot reflects who Michiganders are, asserting that the state is "not hate" and is not defined by what she called the Democratic nominee's current stance.
El-Sayed responded on Sunday without naming Stevens directly. He said the state of 10 million people "deserve a lot better from their government." He stated he is focused on the 9,999,998 residents who are not vocal critics.
Sanders also addressed the specific criticism that El-Sayed's stance on Israel is antisemitic. He noted his own Jewish heritage and his father's family's history under Hitler. He said, "Anti-Semitism is an extraordinarily disgusting and dangerous ideology that has killed millions and millions of lives in the last century."
However, Sanders distinguished between antisemitism and political criticism. He argued that criticizing a "racist, extremist government in Israel" and opposing taxpayer support for it is not antisemitism. He stated that the stance attacks a right-wing government rather than the religion of its people.
Source: The US Inquirer
