Abdul El-Sayed (a potential US President?)
At time of writing, it’s terrifying that Trump’s cronies are now planning to drill for oil in Greenland, against the permission of the people of Greenland. In an area that includes a Ramsar-protected wetland.
If you’re feeling disillusioned by US politics, it may feel hopeful to think that on 20 January 2029, Trump’s time in office will end (he can’t run again under the rules). JD Vance is even more unpopular than him, so it’s likely there will be a Democratic president.
And someone making the news in the US is Abdul E-Sayed (Egyptian heritage but born in the USA, so unlike say the Mayor of New York who is also popular, he can legally run for President).
Restore Britain’s definition of a ‘white Briton’ is someone whose parents were born in the UK. Nearly all of us have proud roots elsewhere. You could imagine the comical results: the overwhelmed harbour master at Dun Laoghaire who has ‘all of Liverpool docking at one time!’
Abdul is currently running for Senate, but fans say he could run for President (he has likeability and the same oratory skills of Obama or Luther King).
People are looking for an alternative that really can fight for people without having to worry about whether or not that politician is being bought off by a corporate lobbyist. Abdul El-Sayed
A medical doctor (and serious weightlifter!), Abdul is endorsed by popular indie politician Bernie Sanders. And even written a book on Healing Politics.
So what are Abdul’s policies for the Senate? As they would likely be the same if he ran for higher office:
Medicare for all
El-Sayed supports a universal government-run health insurance, a bit like our NHS but people pay premiums (better than the present system, where if you get ill and you’re poor, you die).
At present, most people are insured by their employers. But this leaves vulnerable people without income even worse off.
Make everyday life more affordable
His policies are quite similar to Andy Burnham on this level, believing that everyday living costs for ordinary people should be the focus of policies, not tax cuts for wealthy individuals.
He’s also passionate about ‘getting money out of politics and into your pocket instead’. He focuses on affordable healthcare, groceries, housing and jobs.
He’s also a strong supporter of workers’ unions to protect workers. And supports a $15 minimum wage.
Restrict corporate power
El-Sayed says big corporations and wealthy donors should have no say over elections or policymaking. He also wants to ban corporate stock buybacks, so shareholders don’t decide public policy.
Climate and energy
Now here’s a would-be President who does believe in climate change! He wants clean energy and stronger environmental protection (thank you from the polar bears in Alaska!) He also is a fan of organisations like Earthjustice (which at present is sueing Trump for drilling in areas that could send endangered species extinct, against wishes of local people).
He wants to abolish the Supreme Court system (where the President can appoint people to vote for what he wants). And make corporate polluters pay to clean up the earth and water.
Immigration and world peace
ICE would go and be replaced by a civilian immigration agency focusing on law. He does not say to ignore issues, but shooting people dead in the street is off the agenda for sure.
Abroad, he has publicly said (as a Muslim) that he loves Jewish people, but is very critical of Israel’s conduct in Gaza. And says that it’s perfectly possible to say both. He wants a ceasefire and focus on peace, over war.
I love Judaism and the Jewish people, because I love People. And I love Palestinians, because I love People. Abdul El-Sayed
