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Senator Fetterman Embraces Moderate Stance, Reaches Across the Aisle
Pennsylvania’s newly elected Democratic Senator John Fetterman is making waves with his centrist approach, forging unexpected alliances and extending an olive branch to the opposing party. Despite hailing from the progressive wing, Fetterman has taken a calculated risk by joining Truth Social, advocating for pardons for the former President, and engaging with Trump’s Cabinet nominees.
Thank you @JohnFetterman for your fairness, courage & hospitality. I appreciate our time together — and your commitment to the troops, American defense & our ally Israel.
And, from a Vikings fan…go Steelers. pic.twitter.com/a1evshskbL
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 12, 2024
This strategic pivot might alienate him from his liberal base and Senate Democratic colleagues, but it’s a “political calculus” deemed essential for his political survival in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, where Trump’s influence remains strong, and the Republican Senator-elect David McCormick flipped the other Senate seat, according to Axios.
While Fetterman’s rhetoric and policy votes will likely remain progressive, he recognizes the need to demonstrate a willingness to listen to the other side, a luxury unavailable to Democrats from solidly blue states. “If you’re in a hard blue state, you have the luxury to say all kinds of things,” Fetterman told Axios.
Facing re-election in 2028, Fetterman is a potential target for a seat flip, making it imperative for him to show his constituents that he was at least open to engaging with the Trump transition team and prospective Cabinet nominees. Notably, Fetterman is the first Democratic senator to agree to talks with Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, signaling his willingness to avoid obstructionism.
Fetterman was also a rare Democrat to publicly support Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas terrorists, even appearing on Newsmax’s “The Record With Greta Van Susteren” to voice his support for the Jewish people against terrorism and antisemitism, even before Trump’s election victory.
PETE HEGSETH DESCRIBES HIS MEETING WITH FETTERMAN.
Hegseth has momentum. We predict even Fetterman will vote Yes.pic.twitter.com/p1UD02gAXZ
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) December 13, 2024
“If Hegseth is going to be the head of one of the most important parts of our government, then do you think I’m doing a job by flipping anyone off and saying, I’m not going to talk to him or just have a conversation?” he asked, asserting that it would be “reckless” and “distressing if we’re willing to completely turn our back” on engaging with Trump Cabinet officials. “It’s really a simple rule: I’ll have a conversation with anyone, if they’re playing it straight, I’m going to do the same and engage,” Fetterman has said.
Fetterman could be one of the rare Democrats to vote for Trump’s Cabinet picks, having publicly endorsed Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) in her bid to serve as Trump’s U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
However, Fetterman maintains that he is not abandoning the Democratic party, even if he breaks ranks on obstructing Trump. “I’m not leaving my party, I just happen to have reasonable views, and I don’t know why that’s controversial,” he told The New York Times in October.
