Michael LaRosa, former press secretary to Jill Biden, announced he will not support Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. The decision stems from El-Sayed’s association with far-left streamer Hasan Piker, known for controversial comments about the Sept. 11 attacks.
LaRosa’s stance marks a departure from his party, with reports suggesting support for Republican Mike Rogers instead. At the heart of LaRosa’s criticism is El-Sayed’s connection to Piker. The streamer received backlash after a 2019 livestream where he remarked that ‘America deserved 9/11.’
El-Sayed has shared campaign platforms with Piker. When questioned, El-Sayed maintained that sharing space with Piker does not imply agreement with all his views.
‘I won’t defend or support anyone who is too cowardly to stand up to extremists,’ LaRosa stated. He emphasized his personal connection to the events of 9/11, highlighting that the mother of his best friend died in the attacks.
For LaRosa, this controversy is personal. His friend’s mother perished after deciding to jump from the 95th floor of the World Trade Center, and he finds any suggestion that she ‘deserved’ her fate deeply offensive.
LaRosa further criticized El-Sayed, accusing him of failing to refute Piker’s remarks.
This situation underscores internal tensions within the Democratic Party concerning extremism and acceptable rhetoric. These divisions might lead some Democrats to consider voting across party lines in key races.
El-Sayed faces Republican nominee Mike Rogers in the upcoming contest for the seat of retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. The Michigan race is expected to be pivotal in determining Senate control, and any loss of Democratic votes could have significant outcomes.
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