Obama defends Abdul El-Sayed against attacks targeting his Muslim faith: ‘We have seen this movie before’

The former president said efforts to portray El-Sayed as dangerous or less American echoed attacks he faced during his own political rise.

Barack Obama defended Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed against attacks targeting his name and Muslim faith during a Detroit campaign rally Saturday, Oct. 24. The Obama rally in Detroit also featured Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson and took place as statewide in-person early voting began.

Speaking at Cass Technical High School, Obama compared the attacks on El-Sayed with those he faced during his 2008 presidential campaign. As Michigan Public reported, he warned that opponents could use a candidate’s name or faith to portray them as dangerous, untrustworthy or less American.

“We have seen this movie before. I starred in it,” Obama told the crowd. He then joked about having to produce his long-form birth certificate during his own political career.

El-Sayed, Detroit’s former health director, is the Democratic nominee for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. He faces former Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers in the Nov. 3 election.

Republican campaign ads have highlighted El-Sayed’s earlier criticism of the Obama administration. At the rally, Obama downplayed those disagreements, joking that he also disagrees with his wife, Michelle.

Obama praised El-Sayed’s proposals on health care and economic issues, while criticizing President Donald Trump’s administration. He also campaigned for Benson, Michigan’s secretary of state, who is running for governor against Republican U.S. Rep. John James.

El-Sayed spoke about growing up as the child of an immigrant and raising his two daughters in the United States. He said he loved the country enough to call on it to provide opportunities for all its children.

Rogers campaign adviser Greg Manz criticized Obama’s appearance in a statement, arguing that bringing the former president to Detroit signaled weakness among Michigan Democrats.

Other Democrats at the gathering included U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib and state Sen. Jeremy Moss. Some attendees told Michigan Public they were concerned about the economy, education and divisions within the country.

The Detroit rally came on the first day of Michigan’s required statewide early-voting period, which runs through Nov. 1. Voters will decide the Senate and governor’s races in the Nov. 3 general election.