Democratic front-runners in two of the nation’s premier swing states are betting that campaigning alongside a controversial internet personality will help more than it hurts.
Hasan Piker, a far-left streamer with 3.1 million Twitch followers, has previously said America “deserved” the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, called Mao Zedong “one of the great leaders of this world,” and said he would “vote for Hamas over Israel every single time.”
Despite that history, Francesca Hong, the Democratic front-runner for Wisconsin governor, rallied with Mr. Piker Sunday in South Milwaukee, joined by Rep. Ilhan Omar, Minnesota Democrat. Abdul El-Sayed, the front-runner in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, has also repeatedly campaigned with Mr. Piker.
At the Wisconsin rally, Mr. Piker predicted Republicans would never win the state again once “our movement” is finished.
Ms. Hong’s campaign says she doesn’t endorse Mr. Piker’s comments. “Hasan speaks for himself, and Rep. Hong speaks for herself,” said Allison Geyer, Ms. Hong’s communications director, adding Mr. Piker helps “mobilize volunteers” and reach young voters.
Republicans have pounced. Rep. Thomas Tiffany, the GOP candidate for Wisconsin governor, accused Ms. Hong of standing with “terrorist sympathizers.”
Mr. Piker has also backed Melat Kiros, who ousted three-decade incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s Democratic primary in June.
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• Front-runners in swing states put trust in ’America deserved 9/11’ internet star
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