Fox News host Laura Ingraham has drawn criticism for repeatedly focusing on the fitted black T-shirts worn by Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. The commentary, which has been labeled as "thirsty" by some online, has also included personal remarks about El-Sayed's physique.
During a segment discussing healthcare policy, Ingraham accused El-Sayed of being evasive and glib, adding that his attire was "exactly what you would expect from a guy who thinks he gets working class cred by wearing a tight, black t-shirt." She also referred to him as "gym boy."
Ingraham extended this line of questioning to El-Sayed's Republican opponent, Mike Rogers. "Are we going to see you in a tight black t-shirt, Mike? Are you going to try to outdo him on the pecs, or what? Because that seems to be his new campaign, working class costume," Ingraham asked.
Rogers responded by noting that El-Sayed "wears the same schmedium t-shirt at every event." Ingraham also mentioned El-Sayed's appearance while questioning whether moderate Democratic voters would support him, calling him a "socialist dreamboat of diversity" and referencing his "silly gym rat flex and his tight-fitting black tee."
The repeated focus on El-Sayed's clothing and physique has prompted reactions on social media. NowThis joked on Instagram that "Laura Ingraham has a crush on Abdul El-Sayed." Other social media users have echoed this sentiment, with one user posting, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. And damn that horse is THIRSTY." Another commented, "Normally this level of horny is reserved for republican men talking about AOC. Really wild Laura!"
El-Sayed, who is a medical doctor, public servant, and a Rhodes scholar, has not directly responded to Ingraham's specific comments about his attire. The commentary has been interpreted by some as an attempt to objectify him or distract from his policy positions.