Hasan Piker Says Democrats Got 'Outwoked' on Abdul El-Sayed Smears

Hasan Piker, the left-wing streamer, said Democrats had been outdone by a former Trump aide in defending Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed from anti-Muslim attacks. He named Neera Tanden, Sarah Longwell and Van Jones as Democratic-aligned figures who should have done more.

Piker made the comments on his show days before Michigan voters choose between El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers in one of the races likely to decide control of the Senate. He had just watched Sarah Matthews, a former Trump White House deputy press secretary, criticize the Rogers campaign on CNN.

"Shame on every lifelong Democrat. Shame on you that you are getting outwoked by a former White House deputy press secretary, presidential campaign spokesperson. Shame on you. Shame on you, Neera Tanden," Piker said. "Shame on you, Sarah Longwell. Shame on you, Van Jones."

What Sarah Matthews Said on CNN

Matthews was on a CNN panel on Thursday about Representative Haley Stevens, the Michigan Democrat El-Sayed narrowly beat in the primary. Stevens' fiancé, Jason Turkish, has said he will vote for Rogers. Stevens said in a CNN interview that she still wants El-Sayed to win and is voting for the Democratic ticket, though Piker noted she kept questioning whether he could unite the party.

"That campaign has been centered on racism and bigotry. They're not even trying to disguise it," Matthews said of the Rogers operation. She said Donald Trump "is calling him a jihadist, calling him Mohammed, tying him to 9/11." She described Stevens as "bitter" and said she "needs to grow up."

Piker asked whether Matthews was "a bulwark guy," then answered himself: "Oh my gosh, she is." He followed with a quip: "We take those."

Moreno's Remarks on El-Sayed

Piker also pointed to Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, who said he had campaigned with Rogers on Monday. Moreno said El-Sayed "can be nowhere near Washington, D.C." and asked whether he understands "that Jesus came here for our salvation," as MS NOW reported. The Constitution bars religious tests for federal office.

"Imagine if a sitting Republican senator said voters should reject Jon Ossoff or Josh Shapiro because they reject Jesus. That would be a big story," Piker said.

Piker's Complaint About Democratic Critics

Piker's broader complaint was about what drew the loudest reaction from Democrats. He said "the same Democrats who had little to say about the barrage of anti-Muslim hatred Abdul received immediately complained about a random anti-Israel ad from Rebellion PAC." The PAC is unaffiliated with El-Sayed, Piker said, and El-Sayed called the ad unhelpful.

He also praised Hillary Clinton's criticism of the GOP's tactics, calling it "something that Neera Tanden seemingly is incapable of doing."

"But once again, I cannot stand the Democrats who have allowed this to continue," he said.

Michigan Senate Polling

The fight inside the party is playing out as El-Sayed holds a lead. He leads Rogers 49.1 percent to 44.5 percent in PolitiKool's polling average.

A Fox News poll conducted September 24-28 had El-Sayed ahead 50 percent to 49 percent among likely voters. Among voters who said U.S. policy toward Israel mattered to their vote, El-Sayed led by 8 points. A Mitchell Research poll conducted October 26-27 put him up 51 percent to 44 percent, compared with a 4.2-point lead at the start of the month.

The Michigan seat is one of several that will decide a Senate majority now rated a toss-up. Whether the attacks hurt El-Sayed or drive turnout against Rogers will be known on Tuesday.