Pennsylvania state Senator John Fetterman referred to Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdulrahman El-Sayed as a “Pontiac Platner,” a remark that drew attention after El-Sayed suggested putting a “demon” on a “pike” during a campaign event. This phrase seems to connect back to Fetterman after a donor called out El-Sayed on a Zoom call, where he harshly criticized those who oppose his far-left agenda, specifically mentioning Fetterman and even joking about hanging his head on a stake.
In a subsequent response to CNBC’s Joe Kernen, Fetterman commented on El-Sayed’s new nickname, saying, “I’ve never worked with male models. You know, you can call me ‘Senator Schreck’ or whatever you want, but this guy is very much a Pontiac Platner… he’s really running to become the leader of the pro-Hamas faction that’s emerging here in the party right now.” It’s curious how these terms are thrown around in political discourse. I wonder how that all impacts their campaigns.
The name “Pontiac” has historical significance in Michigan, named after Chief Odawa, and it also refers to a brand from General Motors that ceased operations after the 2008 financial crisis. El-Sayed has a reputation for criticizing the Israeli government, with some of his policy views mirroring those of Graham Platner, who recently withdrew from the Senate race amid sexual misconduct allegations.
Fetterman expressed some confusion over El-Sayed’s anger, stating, “Politically, some of the things he said and did were unacceptable to me. I’m not sure what I actually did or voted for that made this little guy so angry.” His comments hint at a more convoluted party dynamic that not everyone may fully grasp.
During El-Sayed’s Zoom call, he articulated a need for leftists to unite, suggesting that securing a seat for Fetterman should be a key goal. He mentioned feeling pressure to distance himself from certain elements in the party and appeared ready to confront influential figures, including Fetterman.
El-Sayed dismissed the traditional approach that discourages primaries against incumbents, a norm recently challenged in the Republican Party when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ousted Senator John Cornyn. El-Sayed stated, “Then what happens is… you put one demon on the pike and… it starts to sound a lot different.” I find that imagery rather striking and somewhat theatrical.
Fetterman took the jab calmly, suggesting that El-Sayed’s characterization could resemble a quirky meme, noting, “That’s our responsibility as Republicans and Democrats alike.” He emphasized the necessity of evaluating lawmakers’ performances, warning against the elimination of the filibuster, for instance.
Both El-Sayed and Platner share several progressive policy views, advocating for Medicare for All, corporate housing reforms, and increased taxes on affluent Americans, establishing connections with Bernie Sanders. Interestingly, El-Sayed has distanced himself from the Democratic Socialists of America, even though he has participated in several of their events in the past. It’s a bit of a balancing act, isn’t it?
Despite asserting he is not a socialist, El-Sayed admitted to attending DSA events from 2017 to 2020, claiming, “I am not technically or factually a DSA.” He further maintained his belief in capitalism while advocating for its regulation.
FOX News Digital has reached out to both Fetterman and El-Sayed for their thoughts on the matter.
Fetterman calls El-Sayed ‘Pontiac Platner’ following ogre on a pike comment
Pennsylvania state Senator John Fetterman referred to Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdulrahman El-Sayed as a “Pontiac Platner,” a remark that drew attention after El-Sayed suggested putting a “demon” on a “pike” during a campaign event. This phrase seems to connect back to Fetterman after a donor called out El-Sayed on a Zoom call, where he harshly criticized those who oppose his far-left agenda, specifically mentioning Fetterman and even joking about hanging his head on a stake.
In a subsequent response to CNBC’s Joe Kernen, Fetterman commented on El-Sayed’s new nickname, saying, “I’ve never worked with male models. You know, you can call me ‘Senator Schreck’ or whatever you want, but this guy is very much a Pontiac Platner… he’s really running to become the leader of the pro-Hamas faction that’s emerging here in the party right now.” It’s curious how these terms are thrown around in political discourse. I wonder how that all impacts their campaigns.
The name “Pontiac” has historical significance in Michigan, named after Chief Odawa, and it also refers to a brand from General Motors that ceased operations after the 2008 financial crisis. El-Sayed has a reputation for criticizing the Israeli government, with some of his policy views mirroring those of Graham Platner, who recently withdrew from the Senate race amid sexual misconduct allegations.
Fetterman expressed some confusion over El-Sayed’s anger, stating, “Politically, some of the things he said and did were unacceptable to me. I’m not sure what I actually did or voted for that made this little guy so angry.” His comments hint at a more convoluted party dynamic that not everyone may fully grasp.
During El-Sayed’s Zoom call, he articulated a need for leftists to unite, suggesting that securing a seat for Fetterman should be a key goal. He mentioned feeling pressure to distance himself from certain elements in the party and appeared ready to confront influential figures, including Fetterman.
El-Sayed dismissed the traditional approach that discourages primaries against incumbents, a norm recently challenged in the Republican Party when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ousted Senator John Cornyn. El-Sayed stated, “Then what happens is… you put one demon on the pike and… it starts to sound a lot different.” I find that imagery rather striking and somewhat theatrical.
Fetterman took the jab calmly, suggesting that El-Sayed’s characterization could resemble a quirky meme, noting, “That’s our responsibility as Republicans and Democrats alike.” He emphasized the necessity of evaluating lawmakers’ performances, warning against the elimination of the filibuster, for instance.
Both El-Sayed and Platner share several progressive policy views, advocating for Medicare for All, corporate housing reforms, and increased taxes on affluent Americans, establishing connections with Bernie Sanders. Interestingly, El-Sayed has distanced himself from the Democratic Socialists of America, even though he has participated in several of their events in the past. It’s a bit of a balancing act, isn’t it?
Despite asserting he is not a socialist, El-Sayed admitted to attending DSA events from 2017 to 2020, claiming, “I am not technically or factually a DSA.” He further maintained his belief in capitalism while advocating for its regulation.
FOX News Digital has reached out to both Fetterman and El-Sayed for their thoughts on the matter.
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