Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is displayed on a screen as he delivers a video message during the Republican National Midterm Convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Wednesday.
Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty Images
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Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty Images
In an unexpected move, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman appeared via video at the Republican midterm convention on Wednesday evening. During the 64-second clip, Fetterman introduced his fellow Pennsylvanian, Republican senator Dave McCormick, with whom he has developed a strong rapport.
Fetterman praised McCormick as “the kind of senator that gets the job done,” expressing pride in their friendship.
Prior to the video, speculation suggested Fetterman might openly commend President Trump. However, he stopped short of doing so. Instead, speaking from an industrial site in Pennsylvania, clad in his signature black hoodie, Fetterman emphasized the importance of safeguarding steel jobs in the area.
He noted, “That’s the iconic U.S. Steel mill and we’ll work on that together. We’ll collaborate with President Trump to protect the steel way of life here in the Steel Valley.”
Fetterman’s mention of working with the president was the closest he came to applauding Trump. Throughout the video, he repeatedly identified as a Democrat and hinted at his discontent with certain aspects of his party’s direction.
“Yes, I’m a Democrat. Why am I here talking to you today? Because I’m a common sense Democrat,” Fetterman stated. “I’m committed to standing with America, rejecting extremes, socialism, and anti-American values.”
Fetterman’s alignment with the Democratic Party appears to be waning. A Wall Street Journal article from earlier this month claimed Fetterman has shown little enthusiasm for his senatorial duties, instead focusing on relations with conservative media and advocating for Israel. This account was based on interviews with his former staffers and lawmakers.
In response to the story, Fetterman remarked, “Per usual — lies, half-truths, innuendos, smears and anonymous,” according to a statement to CNN. “Regardless of the smears or stories, I’m proud to continue delivering for Pennsylvania.”
Fetterman, who previously told CNN he would depart the Democratic Party only if it adopted an anti-Israel stance, claimed the leaked text messages in the story lacked context.
Elected in 2022, Fetterman experienced a stroke during his campaign and faced a public struggle with depression shortly after taking office.
A recent New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Sienna University Poll revealed Fetterman is viewed more favorably by Pennsylvania Republicans than McCormack, the Republican senator. However, only 22% of Democrats in his home state currently hold a favorable opinion of him.
