Mehdi Hasan Questions Abdul El-Sayed’s Physician Claims

Mehdi Hasan, a left-wing host, addressed Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed regarding his use of the term ‘physician’ despite not having a valid medical license. The discussion took place during a Zeteo interview amidst a highly competitive primary.

Hasan pointed out that El-Sayed’s rivals criticized him for labeling himself as a physician rather than a doctor. Hasan asked, “Do you wish you’d just stuck to calling yourself a doctor, which you are, to avoid all of this controversy and attacks on your physician status?”

El-Sayed responded, “At the end of the day, it’s not about whether or not I’m a physician or a doctor. It’s not about my education. It’s about whether or not your kid gets a good education.” Hasan remarked, “That’s a good line, but people would say it’s also about did you tell the truth?”

El-Sayed defended his public service record, emphasizing his impact on healthcare in Detroit as the city’s health director. He stated, “I’ve done more to provide more people healthcare or eliminate their medical debt than most doctors have done in their practice career.”

El-Sayed noted that he trained at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, adding, “I took my medical education in a different direction.” Despite his educational background, El-Sayed had not held a medical license in New York or Michigan.

Regarding personal financial disclosures, Hasan questioned El-Sayed’s extension request. El-Sayed explained that complexities with overseas taxes contributed to the delay. Bridge Michigan reported that his disclosure was extended until August 13, after the primary, while Haley Stevens, another candidate, had regularly requested extensions in previous years.

El-Sayed’s promise to release his personal financial disclosures before the August 4 primary added pressure, as Haley Stevens’ campaign remarked, “Now, the clock is ticking. Abdul needs to make good on his promise to Michiganders and release his PFD immediately. What is he hiding?”

CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News with extensive experience in political journalism, notes the significance of reporting in shaping culture and politics. CJ holds a degree from Long Beach State University and contributes editorial insights to Fox News Digital.