Television co-host Sunny Hostin used her platform on Monday to deliver a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump’s rhetoric regarding Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Speaking on the ABC daytime talk program “The View,” Hostin characterized the president’s decision to label the candidate a jihadist as both Islamophobic and despicable.
During the broadcast, Hostin drew a historical parallel between El-Sayed’s campaign messaging and that of former President John F. Kennedy when addressing the intersection of faith and public service. She noted that Kennedy famously framed his identity by stating he was not running to be a Catholic president, but rather a president who happened to be Catholic. According to Hostin, El-Sayed adopted a similar framework by asserting he is running to be a senator who happens to be Muslim.
The discussion then shifted to the candidate’s professional background and academic credentials. Hostin emphasized El-Sayed’s extensive educational achievements, pointing out that he holds a medical degree from Columbia University, earned a doctorate in public health from Oxford University, and was recognized as a Rhodes Scholar. Describing him as one of the most qualified Senate candidates to emerge in recent memory, she argued that he handles politics effectively while facing persistent Islamophobic commentary surrounding his bid for office.
Expanding on her critique, Hostin addressed the broader implications of such rhetoric on the nation’s values regarding religious inclusion. She asserted that political figures using such terms are out of line and out of pocket, expressing concern over whether the country remains welcoming to all faiths. Concluding her remarks, she reiterated that the treatment directed at the candidate’s campaign is deeply regrettable.
