Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed shared insights into a recent phone call with former President Barack Obama during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, August 9. The conversation took place following El-Sayed’s narrow primary win in Michigan on August 4, a contest in which he defeated Representative Haley Stevens.
Speaking with moderator Kristen Welker, El-Sayed characterized the interaction as both encouraging and meaningful. “I like to keep private conversations private, but it was a really warm and inspiring conversation,” he stated. El-Sayed noted that he had not envisioned a career in public office until witnessing Obama’s presidential victory shortly after his own graduation from the University of Michigan. He praised the former president’s tenure, remarking that he watched Obama serve with a level of “class” and “elegance” that remains memorable.
El-Sayed expressed a desire for Obama to participate in the campaign, emphasizing that the former president possesses significant expertise regarding electoral success in Michigan. He told Welker that he was grateful for the advice provided, adding, “I know that he knows the critical role that Michigan is going to play in holding Trump accountable, in winning back the Senate and in building forward the future that we need.” Michigan has been a volatile swing state, having been won by Obama, lost to Donald Trump in 2016, won by Joe Biden in 2020, and flipped back to Trump in 2024.
The primary race highlighted internal Democratic divisions. El-Sayed, a vocal critic of the Israeli government, held positions that contrasted sharply with those of Stevens, who identifies as a Zionist. Throughout the campaign, Stevens frequently highlighted her background as a chief of staff during the Obama-era auto bailout. While Obama did not issue an endorsement in the race, his legacy remained a central theme. El-Sayed secured backing from Senator Bernie Sanders and Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, while Stevens received support from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Senator Gary Peters. Additionally, El-Sayed faced scrutiny during the campaign for his public appearances alongside streamer Hasan Piker, whose commentary on the United States has drawn controversy.
Haley Stevens, the progressive said he spoke with Obama as Democrats seek unity during an interview Sunday, Aug.
“I then watched the next year Barack Hussein Obama run for and win the presidency,” El-Sayed added.
Stevens stressed her role as chief of staff in Obama’s auto bailout in Michigan during speeches and in her campaign ads, a part of her resume she has wielded since her first congressional run in 2018.
