Senator John Fetterman, the Democratic representative from Pennsylvania, made waves recently with his surprisingly measured stance toward the incoming administration of former President Donald Trump. Speaking on ABC's 'This Week,' Fetterman addressed the concerns of fellow Democrats, urging them to exercise patience and caution instead of panic as Trump prepares to assume office again.
During his appearance, Fetterman emphasized, "If you're rooting against the president, you are rooting against the nation." His remarks reflect a belief among some party members, including himself, who feel constant criticism of Trump is counterproductive. "Pack a lunch, pace yourself, because he hasn’t even taken office yet," he advised, reinforcing the message of maintaining composure and staying focused on bipartisan efforts.
Fetterman's approach stands out against the backdrop of repeated allegations of fascism directed at Trump, which he largely dismisses. "Fascism, that's not a word regular people, you know, use, you know?" he stated, pointing out how many Trump voters are mistakenly labeled due to political rhetoric. The Senator expressed love for the communities he knows, which includes many individuals who support Trump, insisting they should not be regarded as fascists. This belies the dominant narrative promoted by some within his party, where invoking such terms has become more commonplace than constructive dialogue.
Interestingly, Fetterman has not shied away from actively engaging with Trump's agenda. He signaled openness to confirming some of Trump’s more controversial nominees, including Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense and Kash Patel for FBI Director. "There is going to be some [Trump nominees] I will vote yes, and there’s some maybe I’ll vote no," he explained. This statement reflects Fetterman's intention to avoid closed-mindedness, aiming instead to assess each nominee's qualifications independently rather than dismissing them solely based on their affiliation with Trump.
Fetterman’s acknowledgment of Trump’s political talents was particularly noteworthy. He stated, "After you survived an assassination... that's a political talent that's undeniable," referring to Trump's resilience and ability to connect with his supporters. His comments suggest Fetterman appreciates Trump's energy and fearless approach to campaigning, presenting it as something Democrats could learn from rather than simply recoil against.
Continuing the theme of needing to cool off, Fetterman’s insights come at a time when many Democrats have faced mounting pressure to take strong stances against Trump and his policies. By promoting bipartisan dialogue and collaboration, Fetterman positions himself as someone willing to work across party lines for the greater good.
His criticisms of constant panic within the Democratic Party also reflect personal experiences. He stated, "I never believed it was about fascism. It made it difficult." This indicates Fetterman acknowledges the challenges of speaking out against party orthodoxy, especially when his views are at odds with prominent figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, who has labeled Trump as 'fascist.' Instead of accepting groupthink, he advocates for dialogue and engagement.
Fetterman’s willingness to converse with Trump’s administration also extends to social media, with the Senator recently becoming the first Senate Democrat to join Trump’s Truth Social platform. His post, where he discussed controversial topics such as Trump’s New York hush money case and the legal issues facing Hunter Biden, has drawn attention for its bluntness. Describing both situations as "bullshit," he grappled with how retribution undermines trust in judicial processes, reflecting his desire for unity and honesty.
Opening up avenues for discussion with Trump’s team is consistent with Fetterman’s political philosophy. He believes bipartisan cooperation is necessary, especially during divisive times. "We have to find as many wins in the middle of incredibly divisive times," he said. By promoting overlaps and agreements across parties, Fetterman aims to extend his outreach beyond the typical Democratic voter base.
This willingness to engage presents Fetterman as somewhat of a political anomaly within the contemporary Democratic Party, which often leans more heavily on opposing Trump than collaborating with any portion of his agenda. He unapologetically stands by his belief of fostering positive relations, even when some critiques or alignments may rub his party the wrong way.
Summarizing his optimistic stance, Fetterman expressed hope for Trump’s presidency, saying, "I hope, I hope, because I’m not rooting against him." His remarks truly encapsulate what appears to be his strategic recalibration and willingness to navigate the political waters with a commitment to finding common ground. Whether his approach resonates with the constituents and fellow party members remains to be seen, but Fetterman's convictions stand as notable remarks amid intense political polarization.
