Former President Barack Obama threw his support behind Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul el Sayed in a new ad touting the progressive Democrat’s platform.
Obama and el Sayed had announced plans to join forces later this month for a campaign rally in Detroit, but the former president had not released an endorsement video until Monday.
“America was founded on a simple idea. This country belongs to all of us,” Obama said in the video. “Not just the wealthy, not just the well-connected, everyone. Today, that idea is under attack. And Michigan is where we fight back. That’s why I’m asking you to support Abdul el Sayed for the United States Senate.”
Obama pointed to el Sayed’s resume as a doctor who has “taken on special interests to fight for good jobs, better healthcare, and lower costs” when backing the candidate. He also cited el Sayed’s push for Medicaid for all, refusal to accept corporate political action committee money on the campaign trail, and opposition to foreign wars as reasons for his support.
The former president’s announcement of his support for el Sayed comes after the Michigander said on Sunday that his past criticism of Obama was due to his “younger” and “angry self.” El Sayed has a history of criticizing Obama’s leadership, particularly on his immigration, healthcare, and foreign policies.
While el Sayed did not retract his past critiques of Obama, he acknowledged that “You grow up, you start to appreciate just how hard change is and how important it is to pick up and push.” He added that he and other progressives learned from Obama’s tenure.
Obama’s ability to mobilize centrist and black Democratic voters is much needed for el Sayed as he works to unite voters who sided with his primary opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). El Sayed will face former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers on Nov. 3 in one of the most closely watched races in the country.
WHO HAS OBAMA ENDORSED IN THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS?
The former president has increasingly lent his star power to Democratic hopefuls as the midterm elections approach. Also on Monday, Obama endorsed Mississippi Democratic Senate candidate Scott Colom, who is challenging Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS). Obama championed Colom’s work as a district attorney fighting violent crime in the state.
While Colom is challenging an incumbent Republican in a deep red state, Obama’s support could help move the needle or mobilize Mississippi’s large black population. Hyde-Smith has consistently led in polling by a roughly 6-point margin.