A year ago, Sen. John Fetterman’s estrangement from the Democrats seemed like an amusing political sideshow. Now the Pennsylvania Democrat is appearing at a GOP convention and being openly courted by Republican leadership.
Fetterman made a surprise video appearance at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas earlier this month to introduce his Pennsylvania colleague, Republican Sen. Dave McCormick, whom he called a “great American.”
In the video, Fetterman described himself as a “common-sense Democrat,” saying that he rejects socialism and will work with President Donald Trump and McCormick to support Pennsylvania’s steel industry.
When did we fall through the looking glass? Has the tattooed, hoodie-wearing, and famously progressive Fetterman changed parties?
A July Quinnipiac poll found that 77% of Pennsylvania Republicans approved of Fetterman’s job performance, compared with just 19% of Democrats. The same poll indicated that 52% of Pennsylvania voters would like to see Fetterman leave the Democratic Party.
He may find fertile ground with Republicans. In response to an August NYT/Siena poll illustrating Fetterman’s alleged break with his party, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted on X, “Please join us, John Fetterman. We’d welcome you in the Senate Republican Conference.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., agreed, saying he “would welcome the opportunity to have him join the Republican conference.”
This is a remarkable change for a senator who entered Washington as one of the Democratic Party’s most recognizable progressives. Fetterman initially gained some begrudging respect from Republicans, but it has evolved into full-throated support because of his willingness to publicly needle his own party.
But though Fetterman is feted as a voice of reason in a crazed caucus, he’s still as true blue as his Democratic colleagues.
Fetterman regularly clashes with the burgeoning antisemitic wing of his party and maintains staunch support for Israel. He’s backed several Trump nominees, sided with Republicans during last year’s government shutdown, and opposed Democratic efforts to restrict Trump’s prosecution of the war in Iran.
But Fetterman’s Heritage Action scorecard reflects the truth of his political career. The arch-progressive has a whopping 0% score for the 119th Congress and a 4% lifetime score. This session, Fetterman voted against every key vote Heritage Action released.
Beyond scorecards, the most damning reason Fetterman isn’t GOP material is because he himself readily acknowledges he’s not.
“I’m a lifelong Democrat who votes overwhelmingly with my party,” he said following his Republican convention appearance. He assured his Senate colleagues he would still provide the 51st vote if his party won a majority.
Words are wind; meaningless unless backed by matching action.
Fetterman’s record is clear. He is no ally to conservatives and deserves to be treated with deep suspicion. While Republicans may cheer Fetterman for going on FOX to say Democrats have lost the plot, by the numbers he’s worse than many of those same Democrats he mocks.
Conservatives should prefer someone who actually does the right things rather than just criticizing some of the right people.
In Pennsylvania, that distinction has real consequences. Democratic infighting may soon make the seat easier for conservatives to reclaim, but not if we mistake a Democrat for an ally.
Early signs suggest the 2028 Pennsylvania Democratic primary will be a bruiser. Fetterman’s fundraising is in the toilet, and his party seems hellbent on making a difficult Senate map even harder.
For Republicans, Fetterman’s rebellion should not be proof of loyalty to the conservative cause. Praising him for “standing up to the Dems” gives him cover to advance leftism with a veneer of bipartisanship.
A transformation should be judged by what has truly changed, and Fetterman’s voting record hasn’t shifted at all.
Beware a wolf in donkey’s clothing.
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[ H/T The Daily Signal ]
