Ex-Michigan Democratic Party Chair Discusses Close Race and Voter Concerns

Democratic voters in Michigan are reconsidering their choices over controversial foreign policy statements by U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Lon Johnson, former Michigan Democratic Party chair, highlighted these concerns alongside Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum on ‘The Story.’ Johnson discussed how Jewish and African-American communities view these issues.

Controversy arose after American forces killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, involved in planning the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. El-Sayed criticized President Joe Biden, suggesting he used the operation for political gain rather than focusing on its significance. On August 1, 2022, Biden confirmed Zawahiri’s death via a U.S. drone strike, indicating Zawahiri’s substantial role in 9/11 and other attacks.

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, nominated by Democrats for the U.S. Senate, criticized Biden’s response, alleging political motives behind the strike. Writing for The New Republic in 2022, El-Sayed remarked, “President Biden is using the strike to bolster his approval here at home. It is troubling to watch yet another American president flog ‘War on Terror’ themes to resurrect a laggard term.” He further stated that Biden’s actions were aimed at demonstrating control over Afghanistan despite Taliban presence.

The essay by El-Sayed, reported by the Washington Free Beacon, also portrayed Biden’s handling of international relations as inadequate. El-Sayed called for stronger challenges against Middle Eastern autocratic leaders whom the U.S. has traditionally allied with. Despite these criticisms, El-Sayed unequivocally condemned Zawahiri as a “craven terrorist” with innocent blood on his hands.

This stance is not new for El-Sayed. He has previously criticized other U.S. military interventions. During Trump’s tenure, he opposed the 2020 drone strike on Iranian leader Qassem Soleimani, and during Obama’s presidency, he labeled the killing of Anwar al-Awlaki a “extrajudicial assassination.” Furthermore, El-Sayed has controversially compared Trump to Osama bin Laden, arguing both have prompted terrorist acts.

El-Sayed’s campaign has not responded to inquiries about these statements. Concerns about his foreign policy views continue to influence Democratic voters as the elections draw near.