Wisconsin DSA candidate rips ‘clueless’ Obama adviser who said El-Sayed should hope she loses
David Axelrod said El-Sayed "is a serious person" while Francesca Hong "is a font of zany liberal, faculty lounge exotica."
Ryan Cooper 
Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong is firing back at former Obama adviser David Axelrod, labeling him "totally clueless" following his public critique of her campaign. The clash began when Axelrod suggested that Michigan Senate nominee @AbdulElSayed would benefit if Hong were to lose her upcoming primary.
A War of Words
In a post shared on X, Axelrod, a CNN contributor and co-host of the “Hacks on Tap” podcast, weighed in on the political optics of the Democratic field. Axelrod stated, "It would be good for @AbdulElSayed if Francesca Hong loses her bid to become the Democratic nominee in Wisconsin next week. He is a serious person. She is a font of zany liberal, faculty lounge exotica."
Axelrod further argued that Republicans are looking to connect the two progressives as "philosophical kin" to distract from an unpopular @POTUS. The Republican strategy has already involved painting El-Sayed as a radical, often citing his ties to controversial influencer Hasan Piker.
Hong Fires Back
Hong, a Wisconsin state legislator and former line cook, did not hold back in her response to the veteran political consultant. Her campaign has previously faced scrutiny regarding her past rhetoric on "defunding the police."
"This tweet is a perfect example of why the consultant class keeps losing elections. They’re totally clueless, and they’re hellbent on keeping working-class people out of politics," Hong asserted. She underscored her background, noting she has spent more time in commercial kitchens than in faculty lounges. Hong even extended a challenge to the strategist: "Perhaps you’d like to come to Wisconsin and work a Friday night dinner rush with me?"
Path to the Primary
Despite the criticism from national figures, Hong maintains momentum in her bid for the nomination. She has held a healthy lead in Wisconsin Democratic primary polls, a position solidified following the withdrawal of former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes from the race. 205focus.com will continue to monitor the primary developments as voters head to the polls next week.
