Democratic U.S. Senate Nominee Sparks Controversy with Unconventional Question to Fox News Host

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, has raised eyebrows after asking Fox News’ Jesse Watters if he is circumcised during a combative prime-time interview. What El-Sayed initially said would be a “wholesome conversation” about his platform quickly became chaotic as he and Watters constantly interrupted each other while sparring over issues including immigration enforcement, taxing the rich and the Iran war. Things went off the rails when Watters asked the progressive if he supports gender-affirming surgery for those under 18 years old. “Sex change for minors. Do you support that?” Watters asked El-Sayed, to which the former public health official said, “I just think the government shouldn’t tell you what kind of healthcare you should have.” “So you think it's okay for a parent to slash his kid’s ding-a-ling off?” Watters asked. El-Sayed retorted: “Do you really want to have this conversation? Are you circumcised?” The shocked Fox News host said, “Yeah, but I mean that’s a personal question, doctor.” Watters then said circumcision is “different than castration,” but El-Sayed argued, “I’m just saying that yes, circumcision is surgery on a kid’s ding-a-ling.” Watters called El-Sayed’s comment “wacky,” adding, “Abdul, Michigan’s not going for that. That is sick stuff.” The end of the nearly 30-minute-long interview was less heated, with Watters giving El-Sayed credit for coming on his show. Watters told El-Sayed, “I respect the fact that you came on. I don't think you've really looked into some of the policies you're pushing. You seem a little naive, Abdul. I give you credit for facing the music, but some of the stuff's just straight up wacky. I don't know if that's going to fly in Michigan, but we're going to find out.” El-Sayed went on the conservative network as he campaigns against Republican nominee Mike Rogers, a former U.S. representative from Michigan who served in the Army and FBI. When El-Sayed won the Democratic primary in Michigan earlier this month, President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Rogers, called it “great news for the Republican Party.” While left-leaning Democrats have gained momentum within their own party by winning primaries, the real challenge is whether they can get elected in November during the general election.