Obama Backs El-Sayed in Detroit as Michigan Early Voting Opens in 50%-48% Senate Race
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Oct 25
Obama Backs El-Sayed in Detroit as Michigan Early Voting Opens in 50%-48% Senate Race
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Oct 25
Summary
Thousands in Detroit heard Barack Obama make his first public campaign appearance for Abdul El-Sayed, urging turnout on Michigan’s first day of early voting in a Senate race polls show at 50%-48%.
Obama cast El-Sayed as a candidate who would expand the Affordable Care Act and curb money in politics, while acknowledging their past policy differences and saying shared values mattered more.
The rally also doubled as a broad Democratic attack on Donald Trump, with Obama accusing the president of self-enrichment and mocking his administration’s defense, tariff and White House renovation priorities.
Wayne County is a critical target for El-Sayed after he lost Detroit’s home county 51%-45% in the August primary, and Obama’s appearance aimed to strengthen Black voter support there.
Michigan’s Senate contest is rated a toss-up: Republicans have not held the seat in 25 years, Trump-endorsed Mike Rogers is due in Port Huron on Sunday, and the race is one of the GOP’s best pickup chances.