Leaked El-Sayed donor call reveals progressive strategy to make an example of Fetterman over Israel

Leaked Zoom audio published July 27 by Politico captured Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed telling donors: "Ideally you put one ogre on a pike, and then everyone else gets the message." El-Sayed confirmed at a July 27 debate the "ogre" was Sen. John Fetterman, targeted for his robust support of Israel. Fetterman has suggested leaving the Democratic Party if it became "anti-Israel." The exchange surfaces deep progressive-moderate tensions over Israel policy eight days before Michigan's August 4 primary.