Fox News host Jesse Watters said on “The Five” that he liked Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El‑Sayed after a prior interview, though he added he did not trust him. The comment came after a contentious discussion in which Watters questioned El‑Sayed about transgender athletes and the Green New Deal.

El‑Sayed, a progressive Democrat, appeared on Fox News for the third time since winning his primary in early August, reaching an audience of roughly 2.5 million primetime viewers. He answered Watters’ questions by speaking over the host and describing his Republican opponent, former Rep. Mike Rogers, as a “beta” male.

Analyst Nathan J. Robinson of Current Affairs said the short‑form format offers a brief platform that can reach millions, but any misstep can be clipped and used against the candidate. Other progressive candidates, including Pennsylvania House nominee Chris Rabb, Wisconsin Rep. Francesca Hong, and DSA co‑chair Gustavo Gordillo, have also appeared on the network this summer. Rep. Ro Khanna said he wants the network’s audience to view him as someone who loves the country, has ideas for the economy and is a reasonable person, aiming to find common ground. Campaign spokesperson Cole Wozniak said El‑Sayed is willing to confront Rogers, who declined to debate, and is taking tough questions directly to voters. Earlier in the cycle, DSA co‑chair Megan Romer faced criticism for a one‑word answer to a question about replacing the presidency and Supreme Court, illustrating the risks of unprepared progressives on the network. Consultants note that candidates need a cohesive platform and preparation to handle rapid, adversarial questioning.