El-Sayed is gaining traction in Michigan in the Senate race as an unapologetic outsider challenging his own party. But campaigning is one thing. Governing is another.
Agree. One thing he seems to understand too, like Zoran, is how to deal with a pathology like Trump’s. Some may think confronting T face-to-face won’t get you anywhere, but he actually folds a bit b/c he so desperately wants the adoration (if you’re a man and popular). T’s ego is super fragile and he’s not used to being called out face-to-face. He was actually somewhat submissive to Mamdani when he said Trump is a fascist. Trump didn’t kick him out, he gazed at him and worked with him. I actually think if more folks with power and influence (esp men) confront him face to face with conviction would have some effect.
Yeah just watched he’s very interesting! I think he definitely has a chance since he’s speaking directly to people’s frustrations right now! Oh and I had no idea about the intense Ohio VS Michigan rivalry!
He's what AMERICA needs for change and to rid this country of the cancer which is CORPORATE OWNERSHIP OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. *(Just look at the ignorance of feckless Israel supporter chuck schumer)
Wow! What an exciting voice. I love hearing that real people are running for office, not career politicians who’ve lost the plot on helping Americans. His point about going on podcasts and such is spot on (and what Pete Buttigieg has been saying for years): we have to meet people where they are and talk to them to build a coalition of change.
I heard him on Wajahat Ali’s Substack program 4/26/26 @ 5:40 pm. Why Is Establishment So Afraid of Abdul El-Sayed. Hes is a physician who works downtown. He sees the injustices in our healthcare systems.
Also fighting against the establishment getting wealthier off healthcare yet patients aren’t receiving what they need & hospital staff such as nurses aren’t paid enough nor is there sufficient staff
He has been campaigning all over the state, went to MSU recently & I’m sure others
In his medical position, he was responsible for creating systems the people needed for their healthcare (it’s been awhile since I listened to the program so don’t recall specifics)
He was amazing. But he needs our financial support & volunteers since he doesn’t take any AIPAC MONEY. I believe he the only candidate who doesn’t accept this nasty funding
I access most of my information from Substack so I’m not familiar w other sites
When they had the democratic conference few weekends ago, I heard Haley Stephen’s was booed the entire time for promoting Israel. Mallory Marrow didn’t receive much support from the crowd either
Before Abdul even came on stage they say at least 4000 of those present where standing & cheering for Abdul
Check him out. He speaks his beliefs, ideas, etc & calls out the wrongs of others
Where does he work? I only see 18 months in Detroit public health a few years ago. He claims to gave transformed the city’s health dept. He is brilliant, his education stellar, but why inflate his resume on his website? Authored 100 academic papers? I like all of his policies and beliefs. I’m just unsure of his character. Can you shed any light? I met him a couple times when he ran for governor. He seemed full of himself then. Like running for any office besides gov or senate was beneath him.
I seriously doubt he's inflating his resume. Go find the podcast on SUBSTACK from Wajahat Ali. Excellent conversation there. Waj asked tough questions without getting his ego involved
I’ve heard him many times. I plan to ask him a few questions if I get to speak to him again. He is a phenomenal speaker. I guess I am also done with putting faith in firebrands… they are politicians after all. I won’t vote for Stevens, but I am undecided between Abdul & Mallory. If Abdul loses the primary a good chunk of youthful enthusiasm goes down the tubes. I’ve been active in MI progressive politics for decades. The old guard is too old for sure. Abdul doesn’t need to claim that he’s done more than he has, so it puzzles me why I cannot substantiate his belief that he transformed public health. Your name on 100 papers is not the same as authored 100 papers, etc.
The guy is a smooth talker and a natural politician. He says all the right things. But what is he like to work for or with? What are his actual accomplishments? Basically, is he competent or is he just all talk?
Thanks Tara: Schumer claiming he is OK with the other two candidates , says a lot about himself. Schumer has got to retire. I like both Mallory McMorrow & Abdul El-Sayed. Its a tough choice. The fact that Abdul does not take corporate money is a bonus . Abdul's name and faith should have no bearing on your vote. He sounds very progressive . Its all about his straight talk.
Is his personal candidacy, however noble, groundbreaking, or virtuous, a risk?
Is his candidacy worth the possible loss of a Democratic seat in the Senate?
IMHO, the most important task is to put forward candidates who can all be those that represent the best possible winning majority for a crucial Democratic-majority US Senate.
It is not a luxury for our country. It is an absolute necessity to wrest the Senate away from Republicans. The House is not enough. Is he the one who can retain that Seat? His personal ambition is immaterial, however, and is secondary to our mission to take the Senate. Crucial to slowing the Supreme Court's radical RW ideology and to exposing the racketeering Trump and family and appointees' corruption and backward agenda.
I am from Michigan and I am voting for him. He is for legislation removing all money from politics. I believe this is the reason why we are in this situation.
Apparently he went to medical school but did not complete his residency and is not licensed to work as a doctor. His background is confusing because he can say he has an MD degree for completing medical school but he can’t actually work as a doctor. Ok, you can give him the benefit of the doubt and say, well, he started out in the wrong career, it happens. But still, what has he actually accomplished that makes him fit for Congress? That Schumer doesn’t support him does not mean he would be good.
Thank you so much for including a progressive on your show! It was great to hear him (I haven't had a chance yet - I'm aware of his campaign, think it's amazing, but glad to hear this interview). He's spicy - in a good way. And we need more of that! So great!
Maybe have James Talarico and other more progressive-minded candidate on your show? That would be amazing to introduce them to your following.
Je salue l'audace de cet homme. Toutefois, si je nourrissais à l'égard de notre président les mêmes sentiments que lui, je ne les exprimerais pas par des mots. Au contraire, si je venais à rencontrer Trump, je lui serrerais la main, puis je lui dirais "Oh non! On dirait que vous avez quelque chose sur votre cravate. De la sauce barbecue, peut-être?" Ensuite, au moment où il baisserait la tête pour regarder, je placerais ma paume ouverte et lui donnerais une petite tape ferme sur le menton. "Vous êtes victime d'une farce! Il n'y a jamais eu de sauce barbecue!" m'exclamerais-je alors d'une voix forte, afin que tous m'entendent et partagent mon hilarité face à cette ruse. Cette stratégie désopilante ferait passer un message pertinent, sans recourir à la moindre rhétorique méchante ou haineuse.
I just did a search regarding his work & its history. I didn’t know how to post it here but I posted it under myself on Substack. Wish I was more technically savvy
First, thank you for having him on. That’s one of the reasons I subscribe.
I’d heard his name, now I know more about him. I lived in Michigan for many years and now live in NY. If you met me you’d think I’d vote one way…. But Abdul is my cup of tea. I’m impressed, he’s very good at honing in on what everyday people want, need and deserve! We do deserve to live with dignity… thank you for a good listen!
Got it. Here is your text with grammar fixed only, no changes to meaning or additions:
I’m a Mallory McMorrow guy. I’m always team whoever is the attractive candidate because I am an asshole. It’s also why I like Flanagan over Craig. Sometimes it is that simple. The interesting thing is the fact that if Mallory McMorrow loses (I think she will pull it off because there is no way Steven voters would pick Abdul over Mallory when Steven is going to end up polling at like 5 percent by July), Lis Smith Senate candidates could all lose to Rebecca Katz candidates lol. Flanagan is winning 90 percent on Polymarket compared to Craig. Nobody knows if Klobuchar would appoint Craig to her own seat in January. If Abdul loses, I think it inspires people to turn out against him in a similar way had Crockett beat Talarico. Talarico still will lose in Texas just by less than Crockett
Abdul and Mallory keep swapping between 45 and 48 on Polymarket between the two of them. Who knows if AIPAC is going to screw things up by either attacking Mallory. Whatever they did in Illinois to make sure Kat Abughazaleh lost I guess kind of worked, though it did backfire in the Senate race. Strantton was better than Raj. I don’t know what the next controversial race AIPAC is going to attempt to meddle in.
Wow I legit hadn’t heard of him or his candidacy yet, will check this out!
he's interesting right? He's also leading in the polls right now
Agree. One thing he seems to understand too, like Zoran, is how to deal with a pathology like Trump’s. Some may think confronting T face-to-face won’t get you anywhere, but he actually folds a bit b/c he so desperately wants the adoration (if you’re a man and popular). T’s ego is super fragile and he’s not used to being called out face-to-face. He was actually somewhat submissive to Mamdani when he said Trump is a fascist. Trump didn’t kick him out, he gazed at him and worked with him. I actually think if more folks with power and influence (esp men) confront him face to face with conviction would have some effect.
Yeah just watched he’s very interesting! I think he definitely has a chance since he’s speaking directly to people’s frustrations right now! Oh and I had no idea about the intense Ohio VS Michigan rivalry!
He's what AMERICA needs for change and to rid this country of the cancer which is CORPORATE OWNERSHIP OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. *(Just look at the ignorance of feckless Israel supporter chuck schumer)
Wow! What an exciting voice. I love hearing that real people are running for office, not career politicians who’ve lost the plot on helping Americans. His point about going on podcasts and such is spot on (and what Pete Buttigieg has been saying for years): we have to meet people where they are and talk to them to build a coalition of change.
exactly!
I really like this guy myself was a great interview superstar Tara
I love your haircut you are beautiful
thank you!
I heard him on Wajahat Ali’s Substack program 4/26/26 @ 5:40 pm. Why Is Establishment So Afraid of Abdul El-Sayed. Hes is a physician who works downtown. He sees the injustices in our healthcare systems.
Also fighting against the establishment getting wealthier off healthcare yet patients aren’t receiving what they need & hospital staff such as nurses aren’t paid enough nor is there sufficient staff
He has been campaigning all over the state, went to MSU recently & I’m sure others
In his medical position, he was responsible for creating systems the people needed for their healthcare (it’s been awhile since I listened to the program so don’t recall specifics)
He was amazing. But he needs our financial support & volunteers since he doesn’t take any AIPAC MONEY. I believe he the only candidate who doesn’t accept this nasty funding
I access most of my information from Substack so I’m not familiar w other sites
When they had the democratic conference few weekends ago, I heard Haley Stephen’s was booed the entire time for promoting Israel. Mallory Marrow didn’t receive much support from the crowd either
Before Abdul even came on stage they say at least 4000 of those present where standing & cheering for Abdul
Check him out. He speaks his beliefs, ideas, etc & calls out the wrongs of others
Yes! I was introduced to him as well via Wajahat Ali 🌺 He's got a great message. We need him here in California but I'm glad Michigan has him.
Where does he work? I only see 18 months in Detroit public health a few years ago. He claims to gave transformed the city’s health dept. He is brilliant, his education stellar, but why inflate his resume on his website? Authored 100 academic papers? I like all of his policies and beliefs. I’m just unsure of his character. Can you shed any light? I met him a couple times when he ran for governor. He seemed full of himself then. Like running for any office besides gov or senate was beneath him.
I seriously doubt he's inflating his resume. Go find the podcast on SUBSTACK from Wajahat Ali. Excellent conversation there. Waj asked tough questions without getting his ego involved
I’ve heard him many times. I plan to ask him a few questions if I get to speak to him again. He is a phenomenal speaker. I guess I am also done with putting faith in firebrands… they are politicians after all. I won’t vote for Stevens, but I am undecided between Abdul & Mallory. If Abdul loses the primary a good chunk of youthful enthusiasm goes down the tubes. I’ve been active in MI progressive politics for decades. The old guard is too old for sure. Abdul doesn’t need to claim that he’s done more than he has, so it puzzles me why I cannot substantiate his belief that he transformed public health. Your name on 100 papers is not the same as authored 100 papers, etc.
The guy is a smooth talker and a natural politician. He says all the right things. But what is he like to work for or with? What are his actual accomplishments? Basically, is he competent or is he just all talk?
IDK. I’ve never met him. You should reach out to him & ask him for clarification
He said he is not taking any PAC money, not just AIPAC. There are lots of PACs corrupting US politics. AIPAC is just one of them.
Very helpful interview, Tara; thanks...
Glad to hear it
Thanks Tara: Schumer claiming he is OK with the other two candidates , says a lot about himself. Schumer has got to retire. I like both Mallory McMorrow & Abdul El-Sayed. Its a tough choice. The fact that Abdul does not take corporate money is a bonus . Abdul's name and faith should have no bearing on your vote. He sounds very progressive . Its all about his straight talk.
Campaigning is one thing.
Governing is another.
Both true, of course.
But winning is the important thing. Can he win?
Is his personal candidacy, however noble, groundbreaking, or virtuous, a risk?
Is his candidacy worth the possible loss of a Democratic seat in the Senate?
IMHO, the most important task is to put forward candidates who can all be those that represent the best possible winning majority for a crucial Democratic-majority US Senate.
It is not a luxury for our country. It is an absolute necessity to wrest the Senate away from Republicans. The House is not enough. Is he the one who can retain that Seat? His personal ambition is immaterial, however, and is secondary to our mission to take the Senate. Crucial to slowing the Supreme Court's radical RW ideology and to exposing the racketeering Trump and family and appointees' corruption and backward agenda.
El Sayed has campaigned alongside Hassan Piker a racist antisemite who El Sayed won’t condemn
I have no problem with anyone’s faith but his not rejecting Piker’s language will cost him large numbers of Democratic votes in the general election
He will lose the election to Mike Rogers the Republican candidate who barely lost to Elisa Slotkin
Democrats need to win the Senate
Interesting. In the interview it sounded like he just showed up on the guy’s podcast. Campaigning with the guy indicates shared beliefs.
Exactly this!
I am from Michigan and I am voting for him. He is for legislation removing all money from politics. I believe this is the reason why we are in this situation.
Apparently he went to medical school but did not complete his residency and is not licensed to work as a doctor. His background is confusing because he can say he has an MD degree for completing medical school but he can’t actually work as a doctor. Ok, you can give him the benefit of the doubt and say, well, he started out in the wrong career, it happens. But still, what has he actually accomplished that makes him fit for Congress? That Schumer doesn’t support him does not mean he would be good.
https://substack.com/@richardhanania/note/c-258016059
Thank you so much for including a progressive on your show! It was great to hear him (I haven't had a chance yet - I'm aware of his campaign, think it's amazing, but glad to hear this interview). He's spicy - in a good way. And we need more of that! So great!
Maybe have James Talarico and other more progressive-minded candidate on your show? That would be amazing to introduce them to your following.
Je salue l'audace de cet homme. Toutefois, si je nourrissais à l'égard de notre président les mêmes sentiments que lui, je ne les exprimerais pas par des mots. Au contraire, si je venais à rencontrer Trump, je lui serrerais la main, puis je lui dirais "Oh non! On dirait que vous avez quelque chose sur votre cravate. De la sauce barbecue, peut-être?" Ensuite, au moment où il baisserait la tête pour regarder, je placerais ma paume ouverte et lui donnerais une petite tape ferme sur le menton. "Vous êtes victime d'une farce! Il n'y a jamais eu de sauce barbecue!" m'exclamerais-je alors d'une voix forte, afin que tous m'entendent et partagent mon hilarité face à cette ruse. Cette stratégie désopilante ferait passer un message pertinent, sans recourir à la moindre rhétorique méchante ou haineuse.
Great interview, Tara. You are an amazing interviewer and reporter. As always, I appreciate your calm demeanor and incisive questions.
I just did a search regarding his work & its history. I didn’t know how to post it here but I posted it under myself on Substack. Wish I was more technically savvy
I looked on your Substack but didn’t see anything. Try posting it again and/or putting a link here in the comments.
First, thank you for having him on. That’s one of the reasons I subscribe.
I’d heard his name, now I know more about him. I lived in Michigan for many years and now live in NY. If you met me you’d think I’d vote one way…. But Abdul is my cup of tea. I’m impressed, he’s very good at honing in on what everyday people want, need and deserve! We do deserve to live with dignity… thank you for a good listen!
Got it. Here is your text with grammar fixed only, no changes to meaning or additions:
I’m a Mallory McMorrow guy. I’m always team whoever is the attractive candidate because I am an asshole. It’s also why I like Flanagan over Craig. Sometimes it is that simple. The interesting thing is the fact that if Mallory McMorrow loses (I think she will pull it off because there is no way Steven voters would pick Abdul over Mallory when Steven is going to end up polling at like 5 percent by July), Lis Smith Senate candidates could all lose to Rebecca Katz candidates lol. Flanagan is winning 90 percent on Polymarket compared to Craig. Nobody knows if Klobuchar would appoint Craig to her own seat in January. If Abdul loses, I think it inspires people to turn out against him in a similar way had Crockett beat Talarico. Talarico still will lose in Texas just by less than Crockett
Abdul and Mallory keep swapping between 45 and 48 on Polymarket between the two of them. Who knows if AIPAC is going to screw things up by either attacking Mallory. Whatever they did in Illinois to make sure Kat Abughazaleh lost I guess kind of worked, though it did backfire in the Senate race. Strantton was better than Raj. I don’t know what the next controversial race AIPAC is going to attempt to meddle in.