Fetterman praised Trump at the GOP midterm convention.
John Fetterman sparked intense controversy by making a surprise video appearance at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas. Labeling himself a “commonsense Democrat,” he used the platform to reject political extremism and socialism.
What’s Ahead for Senator Fetterman?
The Washington Post discusses John Fetterman’s Murky Senate Path to 2028
Last week, the Wall Street Journal unveiled an unflattering portrait of Sen. John Fetterman, contending that behind closed doors, the Pennsylvania Democrat shows “little interest in doing the job” of being a senator.
The article described Fetterman blowing off a meeting with three paralyzed military veterans in wheelchairs to discuss legislation that would improve their care, saying he felt unwell, and then turning up in his office, with no sign of illness, saying he didn’t want to miss doing an interview with Fox News. The Journal article said its reporting included interviews with more than a dozen former staffers.
But Fetterman shunning his duties isn’t why 63 percent of Pennsylvania Democrats now view him unfavorably. The explanation almost certainly lies in his outspoken defense of Israel — according to Gallup in February, Democrats sympathize more with Palestinians than Israelis by a margin of 65 percent to 17 percent.
Fetterman’s votes for some of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet appointees, and his appearances on Fox News expressing support for “a secure border,” would also alienate Pennsylvania Democrats — and endear him to Republicans in the state, where 73 percent of GOP voters view him favorably. In July, former Democratic strategist Ed Kilgore, writing for New York magazine, called Fetterman “every Republican’s favorite Democrat.”
For much of the past year, Washington has buzzed about the possibility that Fetterman would switch parties. In May, he wrote an op-ed for The Post rebutting the speculation.
And, indeed, the party-switching idea doesn’t make much sense, as long as Fetterman keeps voting with the Democratic position 78 percent of the time. The inversion of the usual partisan perceptions of Fetterman are a depressing demonstration that voters don’t pay much attention to a senator’s overall voting record; if you’re a pro-Israel senator who appears on Fox News a lot, that’s enough make many Democrats conclude you might as well be with the other guys. And if you “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” — that’s really the name of the podcast — Republicans will shrug off your voting against their position roughly four out of every five times.
Fetterman’s advocacy for Israel, when his party’s default stance is antipathy for the Jewish state, requires considerable courage. But that isn’t the only job of a U.S. senator. If he wants to seek reelection, regardless of which path he chooses, Fetterman at the very least is going to have to start showing up for meetings with a lot more constituents.
Why Switch?
A friend thinks Fetterman will switch parties if a switch would allow Republicans to hold the Senate.
While possible, it’s quite far-fetched. His voting record is 78 percent Democrat.
Fetterman explained in how WAPO Op-Ed John Fetterman: I haven’t changed. Here’s what has.
Numerous protesters have followed me around D.C. or shown up at my Braddock home to tell me I’m a traitor simply for voting my conscience, unapologetically standing with Israel and the global Jewish community, keeping our government open and our workers paid, securing our border — stances that were not unusual. My values have not changed, and I have always turned to those kinds of ideals that defined being a Democrat. I remain strongly pro-choice, pro-weed, pro-LGBT, pro-SNAP, pro-labor and even pro-rib-eye over bio slop.
Being an independent voice that works with the other side to deliver for Pennsylvanians might put me at odds with the party that I have stayed committed to and have no plans to leave — but I will continue to put the commonwealth and the country first.
Plus, I’d be a terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats.
Post Convention Update – Fetterman Will Still Caucus with Democrats
After the convention Fetterman repeated his message.
The Hill reports Fetterman says he’ll still caucus with Democrats after video appearance at GOP midterm convention
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) confirmed Wednesday night he still plans to caucus with the Democratic Party despite making a video appearance during the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention.
“My remarks introduced Dave McCormick as a great American and friend. We are in different parties, but we are both Team PA,” Fetterman said in a statement released after his prerecorded remarks aired. “We have delivered hundreds of millions of dollars back to Pennsylvania, fought for improved transportation and affordable housing, and the Steel Way of Life.”
He continued, “I’m a lifelong Democrat who votes overwhelmingly with my party—and should the Senate flip in November, I will still be the 51st vote that I ran on.”
Amusing Irony
Republicans have this strange love of someone who only votes with them 22 percent of the time.
Yet, Trump drove out Senator John Cornyn (TX), Senator Thom Tillis (NC), and Senator Joni Ernst (IA) who voted with Republicans over 90 percent of the time because that was not good enough.
Cornyn was primaried out with Trump’s support, while Tillis and Ernst resigned because they had enough of Trump.
The moment Fetterman switched he would be hero for a day (possibly until the first time he crossed Trump). After that, he would be miserable for two more years, despised by Democrats and Republicans alike.
Fetterman has much more power as a swing vote. Indeed, the ideal setup for him in terms of getting concessions is precisely a 51-49 Democrat setup where a flip would give Vance the tie-breaking vote.
Looking ahead, it’s more likely Fetterman drops out because he is toast. He is now unelectable by either party.
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Addendum – What’s Fetterman Up To?
Rebuttals
Thought about rejoining Mish discussions, but the quality is so low that I’ve got better ways to waste time even on a Sunday.
The major thing republicans like about Fetterman is his zionism. All owned by AIPAC.
Fetterman positively reeks of class. His stunning good looks are exceeded only by his dizzying intellect. Y’all are just Carhartt Kid wannabes.
Fetterman, hangin’ with the power people.
190 Democrats voted against a resolution condemning Socialism.
Socialism is, owning nothing. Klaus Schwab said to imagine it being 2030 and owning nothing, not even your clothes. He had a bust of Lenin in his office. A who’s who of global elites meet at the WEF in Davos every year.
Fetterman praised Trump at the GOP midterm convention. > Of course he did! Fetter man is through with the total and absolute BS his old, but much wiser, Democrat Party would cringe beyond belief at! They found a way to break the door down, using pawns (they just blindly follow) that espouse the end of Conservatism. They wish, hope and pray for people in office, that will spend, spend and spend some more on anything that they desire. They don’t care about anything but Power & Control. It’s so obvious to see, that anyone with more than 1 Brain Cell could see and figure out.
The extremism is so out of control right now, it’s down right sinister and evil in its goals. Get rid of Police, Prisons, and free money for everyone and anyone. Open borders, because everyone is welcome, even if their goal is to destroy America, but they will vote Democrat, so let them in immediately!! Destroy, destroy, destroy Capitalism is the upfront goal, but the sinister replacement with Communist/Socialist (one and the same) is the true goal behind their warped thinking. They will take themselves out too, because the newbies Hate Democrats and Republicans Both! They want Sharia Law. They want to dictate, and control, and full say over everything, but not applied to them personally. They want to RULE untouched by any dissent to their ideas and agendas. Good luck with that!!!
you, old sport, sound so innocent and naive and childlike. it’s precious. never change.
Don’t plan on it. I am happy that the Republicans will win again fairly easily imho. We know what they stand for and what they will do to get it. It’s all for the “Love of Country”
Of course we do have the alternative, of “Hatred for our Country” we know they stand for sharia law, No borders, no police, no prisons, no dissent from the dictate of power, or you will be jailed for sure. These people are insane!
aw, that is really so sweet. it must be so cute and childlike to still believe in santa. never ever change. the uniparty con men opened the back door to bin laden one way tickets to the twin towers, 25 years ago this am. what’s a few pencil pushers in hymie town compared to trillions in MICC and wall street shekels…………ps my hometown is hymie town. knew dozens killed that day from cantor
Sounds like you wish for more of the same then…
sounds like you are a dumbfuck zionist asshole with not a lick of sense. never change. go fight big fella. you are a pussy with a big mouth.
Wow! You get called out on your belligerent foolish dribble, for what it is, and you respond exactly like a Democrat.
I am very intelligent by the numbers and my success, not so much about you. Cry Babies don’t get a free pass…
I have a mouth that’s not afraid to tell it like I see it, or like it is. I don’t care what idiots like you have shown yourself to be just now, because, well, your an idiot.
Next time you come up with something, and I understand it’s not that often, to say, review it first, and take notes of your idiocy, and then rewrite it like normal people write.
I fell to your level for a quick moment, to make my point, but I truly feel bad for you, if that’s how you converse with others. Must be a very lonely existence. Enjoy the balance of your day…
i’ve never voted D for president in my long life. you are an idiot zionist bootlicking useful idiot. never change. please.
Could you please be more specific. Was I an idiot before I was a Zionist, or was it because I became one, or is it because I am about as far from one as can be. I just want to try and understand what your thinking.
Aww… stop it you meanie. You’ll make him cry. Morons have feelings too you know.
The twin idiot chimes in… A fool can’t save another fool, so give it a rest, or continue to look as foolish as your twin…
go live in israel please. israel firsters can fuck off.
Not much for the hotter weather. I enjoy where I am tremendously! Gotta go play a round while it’s nice and cool out. Best time to play golf imo, is in the early am! Birds chirping, sun starting to slowly work its way out. Shade trees all over the place, and friend’s abound!!!
Enjoy your day! Don’t hate so much, it’s a very bad look. Don’t be so hard on Israel either, they are simply people trying to live a calm and non-war life. Like most Americans!
Wipe off that boo boo face and give us a smile now!
Fore!
You are alarmingly easily frightened by the Fox News scaring heads, Stu. Not everyone is a fan of six dollar diesel.
Aside from the border, what would you list as Trump’s primary accomplishments this term?
Don’t follow Fox at all. Don’t watch TV much at all either.
Next Diesel release is in a few days.
He has already accomplished many of the goals the voting public had asked for. More on the way. He is doing what needs to be done, to keep America safe. No Nukes for Iran, No open borders for Bad people to enter through. No More Theft of Taxpayer Money by the Democrats and their little sneaky back door ways of doing so, and so much more!!
Need a list?
President Trump’s first year back in office included over 365 reported wins such as achieving negative net migration for the first time in 50 years, the largest recorded homicide drop, trillions in reshored investments, multiple peace deals ending wars, record energy production, and massive federal bureaucracy cuts.
He also got bff tatoos with Jesus.
NS! I had not heard that one. I also didn’t realize he was still hanging around, and thought he went back upstairs.
Hmm… I play too much golf, and must pay more attention to what he has been up to.
Can we have dinner with him too, or was that just a one shot deal? Asking for a Friend that wants to join in if possible. You got connections by chance?
Indeed, you are naive. Flooding the U.S. with illegal aliens is right out of Rules for Radicals.
You get it Ron! Nice to see!!
bwaaahhhhh. half the wops and micks in amerika got in illegally. not to mention the spanish conquistadors. you really think the borders are shut down for more than 5 minutes? my god they breed them dumber and dumber in israel and flyover dumbfuckery. trump is your cult hero. it’s hysterical. never ever change. it is idiocracy.
Didn’t arlen specter, also senator from Pennsylvania, successfully change parties back in the day? It can be done.
It depends what your definition of “successfully” is.
He was defeated in the Democratic primary because no one trusted him. It was the second time he switched parties. He was a Dem, then a Repub, then a Dem
“Across the aisle” of the same Learjet.
specter was a standard war mongering imperial asshole. he just proved it’s one big uniparty. i would piss on his grave if he is dead. don’t give a hoot either way.
He had outlived his usefulness to the Establishment despite having peddled the ridiculous magic bullet theory to explain the JFK assassination.
The Dems always have a few of these types. They are called “rotating villains”. It used to be Manchin and Sinema then. It is Fetterman now.
This helps the Democrats support all kinds of right-wing policies, be it in foreign affairs or the economy or anything else, while at the same time, pretending to be a “left-wing” party.
And they have been very good at it – as they have been able to fool most of the party base as well as most of the Republican voters that they are leftists.
Whenever there’s an “odd” relationship like that, the answer almost ALWAYS lies in the East.
This guy’s been a nutball since he had a stroke and started dressing like a homeless bum. Makes perfect sense he’s now hanging with other homeless bums.
Here’s an idea: Recall votes for senators so people can hold them accountable when they stroke out and go rogue. Can you imagine how much more on the ball senators would have to be facing the potential for consequences more than once every six years?
You beat me to it. He looks like homeless bum and speaks like one too. What our system needs is a way to recall politicians who betray their constituents.
We need a way to unelect our leaders.
He only dresses like a homeless bum when he’s with the American people. When Bibi Netanyahu visits, he always puts on a suit and tie.
– We need a way to unelect our leaders. > It’s called voting, and we have who the Country demanded into office right now.
>> So in essence, we have what you are advocating for. The last elections had the “Overwhelming” wish by the Majority of Voters, to strengthen our Borders, which we did, and nearly 100% of the Voters are very happy about. Same can be said for many, many things being accomplished right now. The Country asked for and received exactly what they overwhelmingly voted for as you wish. They voted out the fools, and voted in whom they hoped and prayed would win!
“They Unelected” who was in office and power, and replaced them with whom they overwhelmingly desired in their place. As a result of this action and the peoples wishes, I see zero reason why the Republicans won’t run away with this election as well. They are doing everything they have been voted into office to do. I don’t want to hear about issues, as they arise when this sort of action takes place. It’s going just as planned, and the Senate now looks pretty safe, and other than 1 or 2. House members being pushed out, for good reasons, it looks to rebound very nicely as well. Just don’t listen to the phony hype, and lies from the media, and you too could see this occurring…
Stu, the Democrats are winning over 90% of all the special elections over the past year and a half.
Brace yourself for a huge wake-up on the morning after Election Day.
Will you smell the coffee?
Or will you retreat into the safe explanations like, “The Dems cheated!” Or “The media is all Fake News!”?
You should evaluate instead the media you consume that brought you to this mistaken understanding of the world.
Yes, game theory gives a swing vote more power, in a roughly even-balanced situation. He can play both ends against the middle.
But we can ask, in a more focused way, Lenin’s question: who [specifically] benefits?
What’s stranger than Republicans’ love of Fetterman is Fetterman’s love of – no, loyalty to – Israel. He’s become a one issue guy, and it’s a weird issue for an American politician to be obsessed with.
In August 2026, U.S. Senator John Fetterman appeared on The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart for a tense and widely discussed interview about the Democratic Party, Israel, and his unconventional political stances. [1, 2, 3]
Key Moments from the Interview
But it does explain how such a buffoon could so effortlessly float to the top.
Fetterman knows where the power lies.
He’s a Zionist through and through. I cannot understand what Americans find so sensational about this guy. He’s a traitor to the country as he would put Israel’s interests before American. He’s not all there psychologically since his stroke and was probably a bit wacky prior. The guy, like many (Trump and most of Congress) is an embarrassment.
Israel supporters spent 40 million bucks to try to get rid of Sayed in the primary. How much money do you think Fetterman has gotten from Israel? He is a bought and paid for politician. He should be unelected.
If he stays a Dem, he’ll be successfully primaried.
He might win the GOP primary. Maybe not, but it’s his only chance.
He’ll be fine in a PA general election.
His best move if he wants to stay in the Senate is to stay a Dem until 2028 ( Trump’s last year), then switch parties when he won’t pay a high price for failing to kneel to Trump
Unacceptable to either party is not a bad place to be politically.
While Fetterman is hardly a populist, he is filling that role with his honesty and surprising intelligence.
Stated nicely!
I don’t think it’s anything more than the fact that Fetterman seems to be less dogmatic in his approach (he doesn’t reject ideas simply because of the mouth that utters them).
There are far too many people that reject sound policy simply because it was proposed by a member of the other party.
I get that but Republicans have no tolerance for disagreement with Trump even 5% of the time
so naive. almost childlike innocence.
It has more to do with the fact that Fetterman is willing to LISTEN.
Someone once said that baby blood is thicker than water. Not sure it applies here, but…