Archive · 8 Oct 2026
El-Sayed’s Past Obama Criticism Resurfaces Before Detroit Rally
Abdul El-Sayed is running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan.
Former President Barack Obama plans to campaign with him in Detroit on October 24.
Before the rally, people are discussing things El-Sayed said about Obama in the past.
In a 2012 essay, El-Sayed said he voted for Obama but felt Obama had not kept his promises.
He also criticized Obama’s policies on war, rights, deportations and health care.
El-Sayed has argued that Obama’s gradual approach helped create conditions for Donald Trump’s rise.
El-Sayed is running against Republican Mike Rogers.
The close race could help decide which party controls the Senate.
Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to campaign with Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit on October 24.
El-Sayed’s past criticism of Obama has drawn attention ahead of the planned rally.
In a 2012 HuffPost essay, El-Sayed said he voted for Obama but accused him of failing to deliver on the promise of “hope and change.”
El-Sayed criticized Obama over war, civil liberties, deportations and the Affordable Care Act, which he called insufficient.
El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers in a close Michigan Senate race that could affect control of the Senate.
- Who
- Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and former President Barack Obama; El-Sayed’s opponent is Republican Mike Rogers.
- What
- Obama is scheduled to campaign with El-Sayed, bringing renewed attention to El-Sayed’s earlier criticism of Obama.
- When
- The Detroit campaign event is planned for October 24; the year is not specified. El-Sayed’s cited essay was published in 2012.
- Where
- Detroit, Michigan.
- Why
- El-Sayed’s prior criticism of Obama has resurfaced ahead of their planned joint campaign event.
- Candidate
- Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan Democratic Senate candidate
- Planned campaign event
- Obama is scheduled to campaign with El-Sayed on October 24
- Event location
- Detroit
- Opponent
- Republican Mike Rogers
- Past essay
- El-Sayed wrote a 2012 HuffPost essay after Obama won reelection
- Other campaign appearance
- Former Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned with El-Sayed the previous month
- Race significance
- The article says the close Michigan Senate race could help determine control of the chamber