Obama rallies for Michigan Senate candidate El-Sayed

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 21:20 · Archive

Former President Barack Obama is rallying for Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit.

Former President Barack Obama rallied for Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit on the first day of early voting, ten days before election day. Obama formally endorsed El-Sayed earlier in October with a campaign advertisement urging his supporters to back the progressive candidate.

The rally occurred against the backdrop of scrutiny over El-Sayed's past criticism of Obama. In a 2012 essay, El-Sayed delivered what Fox News describes as a 'sharply worded' verdict accusing Obama of failing to deliver on the promises of his presidency. Conservatives have raised questions about whether El-Sayed is relying on Obama to build support among the African American community.

Fox News reports that undecided Black voters in Detroit say the Obama endorsement has not influenced their decision. Questions have been raised about El-Sayed's support among Black voters, a crucial Democratic constituency in Michigan. During his primary race against Democratic Representative Haley Stevens, El-Sayed performed strongly among Arab American voters but narrowly won after polls showed Stevens attracting stronger support among Black Democratic voters. Fox News suggests that low turnout or defections to Republicans among African Americans could seriously endanger the Democratic Party's path to control of the Senate.

How it is being reported

• Barack Obama to rally for Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan ahead of key US Senate race – US politics liveThe former Democratic president is showing major support in Detroit for the progressive Michigan candidate in final days before US midterm elections Sign up for Breaking News US email Good afternoon and welcome to a rare weekend edition of the Guardian’s US politics live blog. We are coming to you live as US midterm elections draw closer and candidates are jockeying fiercely to win the hearts, minds and votes of the American people. Continue reading...The Guardian · 24 Oct, 21:02
• Obama prepares to rally with Michigan Dem who once delivered scathing verdict on his presidencyAbdul El-Sayed rallies with Barack Obama in Michigan, but undecided Black voters in Detroit say the endorsement hasn't swayed their decision.Fox News · 24 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Barack Obama · Abdul El-Sayed · Michigan · Detroit · Haley Stevens · Democratic Party

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