Abdul El-Sayed Faces Mackinac Backlash

A resurfaced clip of Abdul El-Sayed criticizing Mackinac Island drew partisan attacks.

•Leans Right

Of Course Abdul El-Sayed Hates Michigan's Top Tourist Destination

'No place like Mackinac': Mike Rogers trolls Abdul el Sayed

El-Sayed under fire for resurfaced clip trashing Michigan’s Mackinac Island

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A neutral summary of the key facts most outlets agree on, drawn from reporting across the political spectrum.

Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed drew criticism after a clip from the 2020 documentary “How to Fix a Primary” resurfaced showing him on Mackinac Island during his failed 2018 gubernatorial campaign saying, “I hate Mackinac so much.” In the footage, El-Sayed walks toward the Grand Hotel and says he has disliked the island on every visit. Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers amplified the clip with a post referencing Mackinac, while El-Sayed pushed back as the video circulated online.

Analysis & opinion

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Out of touchLeans Right

Abdul El-Sayed’s Mackinac Island remark revealed disdain for a beloved Michigan destination. That attitude suggests he is disconnected from Michigan voters and the places they value.