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What democratic socialists are showing us about the midterms | Opinion

What democratic socialists are showing us about the midterms | Opinion

The big scary wave of socialism that President Trump wants you to fear is just a small group of politicians appealing to voters with mixed success.

The new kingmakers: Crypto, AI and betting firms fuel record spending on the 2026 midterms

The new kingmakers: Crypto, AI and betting firms fuel record spending on the 2026 midterms

By Dawn Kopecki NEW YORK, Aug 20 (Reuters) - A handful of billionaires and companies are driving corporate spending in U.S. midterm elections this year, and they aren’t the usual power brokers who have sat atop the political food chain in Washington in previous decades.

Abdul El-Sayed's Watch Collection Draws Scrutiny Amidst Political Campaign

Abdul El-Sayed's Watch Collection Draws Scrutiny Amidst Political Campaign

Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan progressive running for a Democratic Senate seat, has faced scrutiny from Republican critics regarding his watch collection. Opponents have characterized his timepieces as 'luxury watches,' suggesting hypocrisy given his focus on reducing wealth inequality and supporting the working class. However, watch experts and enthusiasts, including Adam Craniotes, founder of RedBar Group, and Asher Rapkin, co-founder of Collective Horology, argue that El-Sayed's collection primarily consists of 'tool watches' and 'geek chic' pieces rather than extravagant luxury items. They highlight watches like the Mühle-Glashütte S.A.R. Rescue-Timer and the Sinn U-1 SE, which retail between approximately $2,350 and $2,799. These experts emphasize that El-Sayed's choices reflect a discerning taste for well-researched, intentional timepieces, not a desire for ostentatious display. The Washington Free Beacon, a conservative site, initially brought attention to the collection, but a closer examination by ot...

The real “electability” question is about Donald Trump

The real “electability” question is about Donald Trump

Democratic infighting is distracting from the top story of the midterms.

Hasan Piker's Influence on Progressive Politics Sparks Democratic Party Debate

Hasan Piker's Influence on Progressive Politics Sparks Democratic Party Debate

Hasan Piker, a prominent online political commentator with 3.1 million followers on Twitch and millions more across other platforms, is increasingly shaping progressive and socialist political discourse in the U.S. Piker, known for his multi-hour livestreams that combine socialist politics, criticism of the American establishment, and strong pro-Palestinian views, has become a significant figure in the online left. His influence was recently highlighted during the Michigan Senate primary, where he campaigned alongside Abdul El-Sayed. El-Sayed acknowledged Piker's ability to reach younger audiences, stating, 'Hasan reaches people no one else talks to.' Piker's controversial statements, including past remarks about 9/11 and comparisons of liberal Zionists to 'liberal Nazis,' have drawn criticism, particularly from Republicans who used them to attack El-Sayed. Despite these controversies, Piker has successfully supported several progressive and socialist candidates, including New York City Councilman Zohran M...

Former Rep. Mike Rogers Attributes 9/11 Comment to Abdul El-Sayed Amid Senate Race

Former Rep. Mike Rogers Attributes 9/11 Comment to Abdul El-Sayed Amid Senate Race

Former Rep. Mike Rogers, the Republican nominee for Senate, has attributed a controversial 2019 comment made by Hasan Piker, suggesting the U.S. deserved the 9/11 terrorist attacks, to Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Piker, a far-left streamer, had walked back his remark within days, claiming it was a faulty attempt to emphasize the consequences of U.S. foreign policy choices. El-Sayed has appeared on the campaign trail with Piker, leading to concerns among Democratic strategists as Republicans link the two progressives. Former Democratic primary opponent Haley Stevens has called on El-Sayed to cut ties with Piker. El-Sayed dismissed Piker's remark as a 'dumb statement' but did not disavow it when questioned on national television, stating he wants to be held accountable for his own words and actions, not for 'gotcha politics' regarding someone else's past comments.

How democratic socialists fared in 2026 until Angie Nixon's win

How democratic socialists fared in 2026 until Angie Nixon's win

The Florida Democratic Senate primary gives the growing leftwing political group its biggest upset yet of 2026. Here's their overall record.

Senator Katie Britt Criticized for Inflammatory Rhetoric Against Michigan Senate Nominee

Senator Katie Britt Criticized for Inflammatory Rhetoric Against Michigan Senate Nominee

U.S. Senator Katie Britt of Alabama has faced criticism for her remarks concerning Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan. According to Allison Berkowitz of the Alabama Reflector, Senator Britt referred to El-Sayed as a “terrorist sympathizer” and a “jihadist sympathizer” during a television appearance. Senator Tommy Tuberville, also of Alabama, reportedly escalated this rhetoric by posting online that Dr. El-Sayed is a “terrorist” and a “radical Islamist.” These accusations are directed at a physician and public servant whose career has focused on improving the lives of Americans. Berkowitz argues that such inflammatory language is dangerous and moves beyond legitimate policy debate, instead branding political opponents with harmful labels. Dr. El-Sayed's campaign is centered on advocating for 'Medicare for All' and reducing corporate influence in government.

Woke 1 and Woke 2 are new political buzzwords. Here's what they mean.

Woke 1 and Woke 2 are new political buzzwords. Here's what they mean.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told ABC News, "Woke 1 was crazy," using a term that originates in online culture. Here's what it means, along with Woke 2.

Political Polls Face Scrutiny After Primary Misses in Wisconsin and Michigan

Political Polls Face Scrutiny After Primary Misses in Wisconsin and Michigan

Recent primary elections in Wisconsin and Michigan have sparked renewed discussion about the reliability of political polls, particularly heading into the 2026 midterms. In Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley unexpectedly defeated state Rep. Francesca Hong, despite polls showing Hong with a substantial lead. Similarly, in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won against Rep. Haley Stevens, even though some polls had indicated a larger advantage for El-Sayed. These instances highlight the challenges pollsters face, especially in primary elections with smaller, more volatile voter pools and the difficulty in predicting voter turnout, particularly in states without party registration.

El-Sayed Aide Faces Backlash for Comparing GOP Opponent's Campaign Video to 'KKK Cross Burning'

El-Sayed Aide Faces Backlash for Comparing GOP Opponent's Campaign Video to 'KKK Cross Burning'

Mason Pressler, political manager for Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, sparked controversy by likening a campaign video from Republican opponent Mike Rogers to a 'KKK cross burning.' Rogers' video featured him riding in a red antique Ford pickup truck with two American flags, accompanied by Toby Keith's 'American Ride.' Pressler, in a post on X, stated that Rogers' campaign had 'the aesthetics of a 1960s white flight suburb and a KKK cross burning.' Rogers' campaign quickly condemned the remark, accusing Pressler of suggesting that 'driving a Michigan-made Ford truck is akin to the KKK.' El-Sayed's communications director, Roxie Richner, clarified that Pressler's views are his own and not representative of the campaign, citing Pressler's X bio which explicitly states his posts are personal opinions. The incident adds to existing scrutiny of El-Sayed's campaign, which has faced criticism for its left-wing politics and associations.