Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed described a “really warm” conversation with former President Barack Obama on Sunday, as the party sought a path forward following last week’s bitter primary that exposed deep rifts between its progressive and moderate wings.
“I like to keep private conversations private, but it was a really, really warm conversation,” El-Sayed told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.” “I was really grateful for his advice, and we’ve got a long road to go here, but we’re perfectly unified in the need to win Michigan, take back the Senate, and hold Donald Trump accountable.”
What Did El-Sayed And Obama Actually Discuss?
El-Sayed offered little detail about the substance of Friday’s call, but said the two discussed how to bring Democrats together to hold the critical Michigan seat in November, according to representatives for both men cited by CNN. Speaking separately to NBC’s “Meet the Press,” El-Sayed said, “I was grateful for his advice. It was very warm, very inviting, and I know that he knows the critical role that Michigan is going to play.” He added that he hoped Obama would campaign with him ahead of the midterms, noting that Obama “knows a lot about winning Michigan” after carrying the state twice.
How Deep Are The Party’s Divisions After The Primary?
El-Sayed narrowly defeated Stevens, the Democratic establishment’s preferred candidate, last Tuesday, in a primary marked by sharp criticism of her support from the pro-Israel group AIPAC. Acknowledging the fallout on CNN, El-Sayed said, “we aired our differences” during the campaign, but argued the party’s internal divisions are “so much smaller than the similarities that we share,” adding, “You’re seeing folks come together.”
Who Else Has Rallied Behind El-Sayed Since His Win?
Prominent Democrats who had backed Stevens during the primary have since moved quickly to unite behind El-Sayed. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters at the Capitol on Wednesday that he had a “very good talk” with El-Sayed, adding, “I’m feeling optimistic about winning the Senate and with Michigan,” according to NBC News. Stevens herself endorsed El-Sayed shortly after his win, according to CNN.
What Challenge Does El-Sayed Face In The General Election?
Republicans are hoping to exploit the primary’s divisions as El-Sayed now turns to face Rogers, a former congressman who narrowly lost Michigan’s 2024 Senate race to Democrat Elissa Slotkin. Rogers has already released a direct-to-camera video appealing to Stevens supporters uneasy with El-Sayed’s candidacy, telling them, “You have a home with us,” according to the Associated Press. With Senator Gary Peters retiring and Michigan considered a pivotal battleground in Democrats’ push to reclaim the Senate majority, both parties are expected to invest heavily in the race through November.
