Obama targets 51% Wayne County gap in Detroit rally

Abdul El-Sayed faces a 51% to 45% deficit in Wayne County, a gap that Barack Obama singled out during a Saturday rally in Detroit. The former president addressed a crowd of thousands at Cass Technical High School on the first day of early voting in Michigan. The event took place ahead of the November 3 general election. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic candidate for governor, also spoke to the audience.

Obama stated that El-Sayed will finish the work started with the Affordable Care Act. He described the nominee as a doctor and former Wayne County health official who is fighting for real change. This marked Obama's first public endorsement of El-Sayed. The candidate won the August primary against moderate congresswoman Haley Stevens, who had establishment backing. Obama stayed out of that contest despite questions about his support.

The former president launched a direct attack on Donald Trump, accusing him of enriching his family. Obama claimed the administration has created a culture of taking favors at the top. He mocked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for focusing on the jawlines and testosterone levels of troops. Obama asked the crowd how much time Hegseth spends in front of a mirror. He also ridiculed Trump's White House renovations, comparing the interior design to a Cheesecake Factory opened by Saddam Hussein.

Obama addressed the tariff strategy by noting that Trump is toughest on Canada, just across the bridge from Detroit. He referenced Martin Short and maple syrup as contributions from the neighboring country. The former president also acknowledged past differences with El-Sayed, who previously called the Affordable Care Act an incremental fix. Obama said they do not agree on every detail, noting that even Michelle Obama does not agree with everything he does.

El-Sayed needs to gain ground in Wayne County, where Detroit serves as the county seat. The area is more than three-quarters Black. Obama last campaigned in Detroit in October 2024 for Kamala Harris. Senator Elissa Slotkin, a featured speaker at the rally, told the crowd that Michigan believes in electing fighters. She stated that she and El-Sayed agree on most issues despite any disagreements.

The race is rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report. A mid-October Marist poll showed El-Sayed leading 50% to 48% among likely voters. RealClearPolitics data places him ahead by 2.6 points. Republican candidate Mike Rogers, endorsed by Trump, lost a 2024 Senate matchup against Slotkin by less than half a percentage point. Trump is scheduled to rally in Port Huron on Sunday. That visit will be his first to St. Clair County.

Republicans have not held a Michigan Senate seat in 25 years. The party views this race as a strong pickup opportunity. Trump has attacked El-Sayed by calling him a jihadist and alleging ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. El-Sayed denies those links. Benson faces Republican congressman John James in the governor's race. Obama closed the rally by saying the party values ensuring everyone gets a fair shot in society.