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In a recent op-ed for the Washington Post, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania took a critical look at his party, expressing concerns that the Democratic Party has distanced itself from its once-mainstream positions. The senator emphasized that his core values have not shifted, despite the evolving political landscape.
Under the headline “I Haven’t Changed. Here’s What Has,” Fetterman advocated for bipartisan cooperation as a vital path forward. He maintained his commitment to representing all citizens of Pennsylvania, regardless of their political affiliations. Fetterman highlighted his collaborative efforts on issues such as border security, infrastructure, and social programs, while resisting pressures for ideological uniformity within the Democratic ranks.
Reflecting on his political journey, Fetterman recounted his narrow victory in the Braddock, Pennsylvania mayoral race, a town grappling with severe economic challenges and population decline. He underscored his dedication to driving investment and tangible outcomes over engaging in partisan conflicts.
The senator voiced concerns that the Democratic Party’s identity has been increasingly shaped by opposition to former President Trump. “My party cannot simply be the opposite of whatever President Donald Trump says,” he asserted, urging a focus on collaboration over conflict. He called on lawmakers to work collectively towards effective solutions, rather than engaging in futile attacks.
Discussing immigration, Fetterman expressed his backing for a 2024 border bill aimed at preventing large-scale influxes, akin to those seen under previous administrations. He also emphasized his role in spearheading legislation against fentanyl trafficking, notably the Laken Riley Act. Fetterman firmly stated, “someone who comes here illegally and commits a violent crime should be deported. Full stop.”
The Pennsylvania senator also defended his votes to prevent government shutdowns, saying Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, homeland security personnel, airports, and everyday Americans “should have never been held hostage.” He acknowledged backlash from parts of the Democratic base over those votes, writing that he “took no pleasure in voting against” his party but believed “the demand to keep the lights on weighed more heavily than partisan games.”
Fetterman devoted a significant portion of the op-ed to his support for Israel amid the war in Gaza and ongoing tensions involving Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. He wrote that he has “remained committed to fully backing the elimination of these terrorists and their leaders” and praised the administration for acting against threats posed by Iran and its proxies.
According to Fetterman, positions on border security, support for Israel, and opposition to government shutdowns that were once common within the Democratic Party have “become increasingly toxic” due to what he described as “catering to the fringe and agitated parts of our base.” He wrote that protesters have confronted him in Washington, DC, and outside his Braddock home, accusing him of being “a traitor” for his stances.
At the same time, Fetterman insisted he remains aligned with Democrats on several major issues, writing that he is “strongly pro-choice, pro-weed, pro-LGBT, pro-SNAP, pro-labor.” He also rejected the idea of switching parties, joking that he would “be a terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats.”
The senator highlighted multiple bipartisan efforts with Republican lawmakers and Trump administration officials. Fetterman said he worked with Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy to restore roughly $1 billion in transportation funding for Pennsylvania projects. He also cited work with Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) on infrastructure funding, including $600 million for rebuilding the Delaware River Bridge and improving the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Fetterman further pointed to bipartisan legislation with Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) involving SNAP eligibility for hot rotisserie chicken purchases, work with Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) on youth mental health legislation, and cooperation with Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) on expanding home repair programs nationwide.
The op-ed comes amid renewed discussion about Fetterman’s place within the Democratic Party. Earlier this week, Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) responded to reports that some Republicans were encouraging Fetterman to leave the Democratic Party or become an independent who caucuses with Republicans. Shapiro said Pennsylvanians “voted for a Democrat to represent them in the United States Senate” and said Fetterman should “continue with his service to Pennsylvania, and, hopefully, get back to what he was elected to do and reflect the will of the people.”
CNN commentator Van Jones also defended Fetterman this week, saying it was “completely insane” that a Democrat who supports Israel and opposes “an open border” would now be viewed by some as fitting better within the Republican Party. Jones described Fetterman as “a moderate Democrat” and said, “We need people like that in this party.”