Key facts
- Barack Obama endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and other party nominees at a Detroit rally.
- Obama criticized Donald Trump's administration and its alleged culture of taking favors.
- The rally took place on the first day of Michigan's early voting period.
- El-Sayed supports Medicare for All and has previously called the Affordable Care Act an incremental fix.
- El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers in the Senate race, which is rated a toss-up.
- If elected, El-Sayed would be the first Muslim and first Egyptian American in the US Senate.
Former US President Barack Obama endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and other party nominees at a rally in Detroit on Saturday, the first day of early voting in Michigan. Obama criticized Donald Trump's administration, accusing it of enriching itself and fostering a culture of taking favors. He highlighted El-Sayed's commitment to getting "money out of politics" and ensuring affordable healthcare for all Americans, framing him as a fighter for "real change."
Obama's appearance marked his first public show of support for El-Sayed, a doctor and former Wayne County health official, who emerged from a contentious primary. The rally also featured Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson and Senator Elissa Slotkin. El-Sayed faces Republican former congressman Mike Rogers in a race rated as a toss-up, with polls showing a tight contest.
Despite past disagreements, including El-Sayed's stance on the Affordable Care Act, Obama emphasized shared values and El-Sayed's potential to be the first Muslim and Egyptian American in the US Senate.