“Obsessed with Israel and Gaza instead of Michigan.” Trump’s deputy renews his attack on the “bogeyman” Abdul Rahman Al-Sayyid

- US Vice President J.D. Vance revived his dispute with the Democratic candidate for Senate, Abdul Rahman Al-Sayyid, during an election rally in the state of Michigan, on Thursday, describing him as “obsessed” with the conflicts of the Middle East, instead of focusing on the issues of the state he seeks to represent. Vance said during an election event in Monroe: “He is obsessed with the State of Israel and Gaza, and his interest in what is happening in Palestine is ten times greater than his interest in what is happening in Port Huron. He is also much more interested in what is happening in Gaza than in Grand Rapids.”

Depicting the midterm elections as “a battle between those who hate the United States of America and those who love it,” Vance asserted that the state of Michigan “has become ground zero in this battle.” In the context of his confirmation of his support for Republican candidate Mike Rogers, he added: “It is a battle between grievance and gratitude, between politicians obsessed with foreign issues, and leaders who realize that their first duty is to fight for the people here at home.”

Vance and Al-Sayed exchanged harsh criticism throughout the election campaign, as Republicans sought to exploit this progressive candidate - whose views sometimes raise controversy - as a Democratic "bogeyman", whether in Michigan or in other states witnessing intense electoral competitions. “The hardliners within the Democratic Party are on the rise,” Vance said.

They are testing - through candidates like Abdel-Sayed - how far they can go in a Midwestern state characterized by moderation and common sense. Trump won Monroe County - where Vance delivered his speech - by 27 points in the last presidential election.