DETROIT, Michigan — Former US President Barack Obama drew a direct comparison between attacks on his own background and criticism directed at Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for Michigan’s open US Senate seat, during a campaign rally at Cass Technical High School on October 24.
“We have seen this movie before. I starred in it,” Obama told supporters, referring to attempts to use a candidate’s name, faith or identity to question their patriotism and trustworthiness. He followed the remark with a reference to the long-form birth certificate he released amid false claims about his birthplace.
Obama warned that political opponents may use a candidate’s name or religion to suggest that they are “dangerous” or less American. He added: “This stuff didn’t work on me—not in Michigan. It’s not going to work on Abdul.”
Identity and faith enter the Michigan Senate contest
El-Sayed, a physician and former Michigan public health official, is Muslim and the Democratic nominee in a closely watched race for a US Senate seat. He faces Republican candidate Mike Rogers in the November 3, 2026, general election.
Obama’s remarks came amid a broader dispute over rhetoric directed at El-Sayed’s Muslim identity and national loyalty. President Donald Trump made attacks on El-Sayed a feature of his own campaign appearances in Michigan the following day. El-Sayed has rejected allegations questioning his loyalty and has criticised such characterisations.
Obama’s intervention drew on his experience of false claims about his birthplace during his presidential campaigns. By invoking that history, he argued that identity-based attacks can distract from the policy choices voters are being asked to consider.
Healthcare, costs and the Iran war also feature
The Detroit rally also covered policy. Obama backed El-Sayed’s calls for more affordable healthcare and housing and criticised the Trump administration’s handling of the war with Iran, linking the conflict to economic pressures and public spending. These were arguments made by Obama at the campaign event, rather than independent assessments of the policies’ effects.
The event also featured Michigan Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson and took place as in-person early voting began in the state. The November 3 vote will decide the Senate race and several other high-profile contests.
Watch the rally
The video below contains footage of Obama’s remarks and the Detroit campaign event.
Why the remarks matter
Obama’s comparison places the debate over El-Sayed’s identity within a longer-running US political argument about religion, race, birthplace and belonging. The exchange also highlights the competing approaches candidates and their supporters are taking as Michigan voters consider the candidates’ records and policy proposals.
GAWAH will continue to report on the campaign, statements by candidates and developments in the US midterm elections.
