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Pro-El-Sayed PAC banana ad sparks backlash; campaign distances itself
Rebellion PAC released the web ad over the weekend, and Michigan's Senate race is tight, with El-Sayed up 48 to 46 in one polling average; the bananas remain unclaimed.
On air: Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger on BBN After HoursPublished
At a glance
- First reported by The Free Press: “Abdul El-Sayed and the Banana Libel”, with reporting from Mediaite, Hannity and Cleveland Jewish News (JNS).
- Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 4:25 AM ET on BBN After Hours, by Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger.
- Topics: El-Sayed.
- BBN covered this story before: Trump steps up attacks on El-Sayed as Michigan Senate race nears end (October 27).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- The Free PressAbdul El-Sayed and the Banana Libel
- MediaitePro-El-Sayed Ad Sparks Angry Criticism, Campaign Distances facts used on air
- HannityPro-El-Sayed PAC Ad Blaming Israel for Grocery Prices Sparks Fury facts used on air
- Cleveland Jewish News (JNS)Ad for El-Sayed blaming rising grocery costs on Israel a ‘case study’ in Jew-hatred facts used on air
What BBN said about it
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorA pro-El-Sayed PAC ad shows a couple at a grocery store saying they can't afford bananas and eggs, and blaming Israel, and the Anti-Defamation League's chief executive called it a case study in antisemitism!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe campaign says the ad is not affiliated in any way. The PAC, run by a Young Turks co-founder's creation, says it isn't antisemitic.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo the whole thing is a bunch of bananas with no parent, and a dozen eggs averages two dollars twenty-seven, folks!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorOrphaned bananas. Fitting.
The story so far
- Michigan Senate debate turns heated over national security · New York Post
- Michigan Senate rivals clash on Fox's Special Report · Fox News
- Trump escalates attacks on El-Sayed as Michigan Senate race tightens… · Fox News
- Trump faces backlash after invoking 9/11 in verbal assault on El-Sayed · BBC
- Record early voting; Alaska suit; Kane wins Ballon d'Or · ABC News
- Trump steps up attacks on El-Sayed as Michigan Senate race nears end · The Hill
- Pro-El-Sayed PAC banana ad sparks backlash; campaign distances itself (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 · the U.S. archive · all months
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