Michigan Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Criticized in CNN Interview Over Israel’s Right to Exist and Social Media Posts
Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed faced scrutiny during a CNN interview over Israel’s right to exist and his previous social media content concerning defunding the police. During the interview, CNN’s Kasie Hunt pressed El-Sayed on his position regarding Israel.
Hunt asked, “Do you believe Israel has a right to exist?” El-Sayed noted Israel’s existence but highlighted the significant expenditures from AIPAC in the election. He responded by questioning whether funds should instead support local needs like education and healthcare rather than overseas spending.
The real issue, according to El-Sayed, is ensuring dignity and equal rights for Jews, Israelis, and Palestinians. He expressed, “I want my tax dollars spent here in Michigan.”
The interview continued with Hunt repeatedly asking about Israel’s right to exist, to which El-Sayed consistently redirected focus to broader issues of rights and spending priorities.
Besides the Israel debate, El-Sayed faced questions about deleted social media posts supporting defunding police departments. One post stated, “Most major US cities spend WAY TOO MUCH on police departments to police poverty & WAY TOO LITTLE on public schools, health departments…”
When asked if he still supported these views, El-Sayed referred to his previous role as director of the Department of Health, Human, & Veterans Services in Wayne County. He argued for a discussion on creating protective systems rather than simply focusing on fund or defund choices.
El-Sayed criticized CNN, suggesting that the focus on past tweets served as clickbait rather than addressing more critical issues like housing or healthcare.