Sanders Claims Democratic Donors May Want Nominee to Lose

Sen. Bernie Sanders has accused a segment of Democratic leaders and donors of being willing to see Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed lose his race, arguing that progressive candidates like El-Sayed threaten wealthy interests and the party's current approach to foreign policy.

Sanders told Politico Playbook that this resistance comes from a "small number of people who are at the head of the Democratic Party" and the "donor class." He stated that these individuals are "less than enthusiastic about Abdul."

Sanders, who backed El-Sayed during the primary, suggested that these Democrats view candidates like El-Sayed as a challenge to "oligarchy" and a "threat to American foreign policy and our continued support for the extremist Netanyahu government in Israel."

This dispute arises as El-Sayed faces renewed scrutiny over his ties to streamer Hasan Piker, who has drawn widespread criticism from Democrats for remarks made about American Jews and Israel. Prominent Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Sens. Cory Booker, Elissa Slotkin, and Jacky Rosen, have condemned Piker's comments. However, Sanders dismissed the controversy surrounding Piker, calling his remarks "dumb things that people should reject" and suggesting that Republicans and the media are using the issue to distract from economic concerns.

El-Sayed has also sought to move past the controversy, emphasizing his campaign's focus on issues pertinent to Michigan residents, such as affordability and healthcare. He apologized for remarks made after a synagogue attack in March, stating, "To anybody who feels like my comments may have been hurtful, I’m really sorry. That was not my intention."

Despite these efforts, polling indicates a close race. An August Fox News poll showed Republican nominee Mike Rogers leading El-Sayed 51%-47%, within the survey's margin of sampling error. A subsequent AARP survey also indicated a tight contest.

Democratic strategist Yemisi Egbewole countered Sanders' framing, emphasizing the party's need to secure a Senate majority. She noted that El-Sayed has apologized for his controversial remarks and has not campaigned with Piker recently, stating that El-Sayed's focus should be on consolidating support after his primary victory over Rep. Haley Stevens.

Conversely, RNC national press secretary Natalie Baldassarre criticized El-Sayed, calling him unfit for the Senate due to his record and associations. She alleged that El-Sayed has downplayed 9/11 and associates with a streamer she described as radical.

Sanders urged El-Sayed to maintain his campaign's focus on economic issues affecting working families in Michigan, expressing confidence that El-Sayed can win if he stays on message.