Abdul El-Sayed Admits Smashing Vodka Bottle in Detroit Store as Michigan Democrats Near Aug. 4 Primary
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 29
Abdul El-Sayed Admits Smashing Vodka Bottle in Detroit Store as Michigan Democrats Near Aug. 4 Primary
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 29
Abdul El-Sayed said on a recent podcast that he smashed a fifth of vodka on a Detroit liquor-store floor after a clerk told him his beard was “too short” for a Muslim.
The Michigan Democratic Senate candidate described buying the bottle, then telling the clerk, “You’re right, and you can’t sell it,” before breaking it and walking out.
Republicans quickly seized on the account in the closely watched Senate race, with the RNC calling it evidence of aggression tied to matters of faith.
El-Sayed’s campaign did not address the store incident directly, instead saying he is “angry on behalf of the people” as he runs in a three-way primary to replace Sen. Gary Peters.
The episode adds to scrutiny around El-Sayed, the leftmost candidate in the Aug. 4 primary, who has already faced criticism over Israel policy and past campaign associations.
When does a candidate's righteous anger become a liability for holding public office?
How can a candidate navigate divisive foreign conflicts when their own community is deeply affected?