Democratic Michigan Senate nominee Abdul el Sayed refused to say whether Israel or Iran poses a greater threat to the United States during a debate Thursday night, calling the question a “ridiculous hypothetical” as he defended his opposition to American involvement in the conflict with Tehran.

Pressed repeatedly by moderator Rick Albin to identify which country he considered more dangerous, el Sayed instead pivoted to domestic priorities, arguing that taxpayers should spend money on education, healthcare, and other needs at home.