How Abdul El-Sayed is pulling US Democrats left in Michigan

Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate, could become one of the most left-wing senators ever elected in a swing state and the first Muslim US senator if he wins Michigan's election on November 3. His race is seen as a test of whether the Democratic Party's new progressive wing can attract voters. El-Sayed campaigns against corporate money in politics, calling it a "disease" with Donald Trump as its worst symptom. His platform includes universal healthcare and removing big money from politics. Republicans attack him using his full Islamic name, a tactic previously used against Barack Obama. El-Sayed is not a democratic socialist but is highly progressive, including being a vocal critic of Israel. The Democratic Socialists of America are gaining ground, though moderate Democrats fear their radical ideas, such as abolishing the police, could alienate voters. President Trump has called democratic socialists "communists."