In a remarkable move for a Democratic lawmaker, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman on Wednesday appeared in a video at the Republican midterms convention — an event specifically designed to boost GOP candidates this fall — in a way that praised President Donald Trump for his support of Pennsylvania steelworkers.
The video was a clear escalation of a monthslong shift in which Fetterman has drifted from the Democratic Party. Though he’s repeatedly rejected speculation that he would switch parties — and did so again after the video Wednesday — he has consistently criticized Democrats and praised Trump since the president took office.
In the video — which introduced U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R., Pa.) as he took the stage — Fetterman said he and McCormick “will work with President Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life right here in the Steel Valley.”
“I’m always going to stand with America. I’m always going to reject the extremes and socialism, and the anti-American way of life,” he said, repeating a common refrain in which he criticizes the leftist wing of the Democratic Party that has secured several high-profile wins this year.
Fetterman is still claiming he doesn't intend to leave the party:
NEW: Fetterman says he won’t leave Dem party if they take the Senate
"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." pic.twitter.com/SUXrqhC6pZ
No one believes him. Mike Nellis hit the nail on the head with what we can expect:
I've been saying for months that Fetterman has already left the Democratic Party and will wait until the most painful moment to make it official. Likely in a potential 51–49 Dem split, handing control back to Trump. Plan accordingly.
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