Resurfaced video of Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed declaring “I hate Mackinac so much” has stirred a fierce backlash, with Republicans and conservative commentators calling his remark out of touch and un-American. The clip, shot during his 2020 gubernatorial run, shows him walking on Mackinac Island and griping about the place many Michiganders treasure. The reaction has been swift and pointed, with critics seizing on the moment to question his affinity for the state and its traditions.
The footage was dug up and shared widely, and conservatives wasted little time turning it into a political cudgel. “I hate Mackinac so much,” El-Sayed said on camera, followed by, “It’s funny cause, like, if we win, this is gonna be, like, the summer home,” and then, “I’m just gonna be like every time I’ve ever come here. I’ve hated it. Why am I here?” Those lines landed badly for a candidate trying to win back trust in Michigan.
Critics framed the remark as yet another example of an elite Democrat who dismisses Middle America, and the pushback included sharp commentary from national voices. “The rising stars of the Democrat Party loathe America and seek to destroy it,” Federalist editor-in-chief Mollie Hemingway “And unlike their spiritual forebears, they see less of a reason to hide it for political gain. ” That sort of language turned the clip into more than just a local story.
Prominent conservatives pushed the point with personal notes about the island’s meaning to Michiganders. “I got engaged on this island,” Outkick founder Clay Travis . “It’s an awesome place. Honestly, I don’t understand how anyone could hate northern Michigan in summer, absolutely beautiful, most underrated spot in the country.” “Wow hating Mackinac!” former Trump advisor Steve Cortes . “A place that is so iconic to Michigan, to America. Abdul has a dark heart.”
Some commentators went even harsher, linking El-Sayed’s remark to broader grievances about his record and loyalties. “Abdul el-Sayed is a repellent terror-loving anti-Semite–and that’s not even the worst thing about him,” Commentary Magazine editor John Podhoretz “He hates Mackinac Island, one of the most wonderful places on earth. A person who hates Mackinac Island has had his soul ripped from his body.” “He would rather summer at his property in Dubai,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesperson Sarah Gallagher
Local GOP figures and communications staff piled on in a tone meant to paint El-Sayed as disconnected from Michigan values. “Bro has no soul,” On Brand Strategies communications associate Carly Moran . “It’s literally Heaven on Earth.” “Abdul speaks fondly of his Egyptian summers yet he shows utter disdain for one of Michigan’s most beautiful summer destinations,” former Michigan GOP gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon told Fox News Digital. “He wants his history to be respected but belittles Michigander’s favorite memories. He doesn’t respect us, and, therefore, he cannot represent us.”
Conservative influencer accounts amplified the clip as a cultural touchpoint to rally opposition, while some journalists pushed back and argued context matters. “Abdul El-Sayed hot mic: ‘I hate Mackinac so much,'” conservative influencer account End Wokeness . “This is the most American place in MI.” Meanwhile, some reporters noted the line came in a critique of insiders and policy conferences rather than a literal attack on the island as a place.
That defense found limited traction among hardline critics, who labeled it spin and demanded a clearer rebuttal. “El-Sayed was talking about the Mackinac Policy Conference, an annual gathering of policy pros and insiders that he argues brings together well-connected and powerful people and shuts most voters out of politics,” LaPlante wrote. Brad LaPlante’s framing prompted a sharp response from Michigan Young Republicans board member James Asher in a , “Brad, are you dizzy from the way you’re spinning this?”
Mackinac Island itself stands as an emblem of Michigan tradition: motor vehicles are largely prohibited, visitors travel by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage, and Victorian hotels and waterfront streets draw more than a million visitors each summer. Landmarks like the Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac and the island’s famous fudge shops have made it a lasting symbol of state history and small-town charm that many voters cherish.
Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed’s campaign for comment but did not receive a response. El-Sayed to the post from End Wokeness on Friday afternoon saying, “Not sure about ‘End Wokeness,’ but I don’t think the most ‘American place in MI’ can be a place that…bans cars.”
https://x.com/MZHemingway/status/2085764366503157981?s=20
Darnell Thompkins is a Canadian-born American and conservative opinion writer who brings a unique perspective to political and cultural discussions. Passionate about traditional values and individual freedoms, Darnell’s commentary reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue. When he’s not writing, he enjoys watching hockey and celebrating the sport that connects his Canadian roots with his American journey.