Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed faces scrutiny over past remarks regarding Iranian leader Ali Khamenei and the costs of U.S. foreign wars.
Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed sidestepped questions from CNN's Jake Tapper regarding past comments suggesting that many residents in Dearborn were saddened by the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tapper highlighted the candidate's previous remarks as potentially offensive to those who support the ayatollah, noting that Khamenei led Iran during a conflict that resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians. Abdul El-Sayed defended his position by arguing that the U.S. entered a war it did not need to fight. He suggested that the nation should focus on the economic impact of the conflict on Michigan residents and the loss of service members rather than focusing on the specific emotions of those who support the Iranian leader. As a progressive candidate, Abdul El-Sayed is currently vying for the Democratic nomination in a key swing state. He faces off against centrist Rep. Haley Stevens, highlighting a growing ideological divide within the party regarding Israel and Middle Eastern foreign policy.