El-Sayed Responds to Rogers’ Remarks on Campaigning

During a recent episode of CNN’s “The Source,” Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed addressed criticism from his Republican rival Mike Rogers. Rogers had taken issue with El-Sayed’s decision to campaign alongside Hasan Piker, particularly in light of Piker’s controversial comments regarding America and 9/11. El-Sayed described Rogers’ focus on this issue as “sad,” suggesting that it reflects a disconnect from the real concerns of voters. “If he thinks that the issue is a streamer in California, then he’s got another thing coming,” El-Sayed remarked.

The discussion took a more serious turn when host Kaitlan Collins highlighted a comment from the crowd at the Republican Convention where someone suggested that “he should be shot” after Senator Ted Cruz mentioned El-Sayed during his speech. El-Sayed expressed dismay at such rhetoric, stating, “This is what has become normal in our politics; literally calls to violence, and the inability for anybody to actually call it out.” He lamented that democracy should be about resolving issues peacefully, adding that disagreements can be handled with respect.

El-Sayed emphasized the need to lower the political temperature, insisting that politics shouldn’t feel like a “bloodsport.” He explained that his motivation to enter politics stemmed from a desire to promote healing, particularly in a failing healthcare system that he believes prioritizes billing over patient care. He called on everyone to denounce the violent rhetoric and to shift political discourse back to critical issues that genuinely impact people’s lives. He asserted that democracy, when respected, is the most effective way to tackle the challenges the community faces together.