Washington – Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is urging his fellow Democrats to adopt a more measured approach to President-elect Donald Trump's impending second term. During his recent appearance on ABC's "This Week," Fetterman emphasized the need for his party to "chill out" over Trump's actions and decisions, asserting, "If you’re rooting against the president, you are rooting against the nation." Fetterman underscored the importance of maintaining national unity, stating, "Country first" to highlight his commitment to the country's welfare over partisan politics.
Fetterman's remarks come as some Democrats express alarm over Trump’s return to the White House following the recent election. Notably, he addressed comments made by Vice President Kamala Harris, who characterized Trump as a fascist. The senator made it clear he disagrees with such language, stating, "Fascism, that's not a word regular people, you know, use." This perspective showcases Fetterman's attempt to reconcile the stark divides within his party, particularly surrounding Trump's political status.
Addressing concerns about Trump's potential governance style, Fetterman suggested to his colleagues to "pack a lunch, pace yourself, because he hasn’t even taken office yet." He remarked on the constant anxiety among Democrats, encouraging them to approach Trump's presidency with optimism rather than fear.
One of the salient points made by Fetterman was his recognition of Trump's unique political talent, which he described as "undeniable." He cited the current political climate, drawing from Trump’s previous actions and the undeniable enthusiasm he often generates among his supporters. Fetterman stated, "It’s like, you literally were shot in your head and had the presence of mind to respond, 'Fight, fight, fight!' I mean, that's a political talent"— remarking on Trump's resilience even amid personal adversities.
Fetterman has also been proactive about meeting with Trump’s cabinet nominees, including Pete Hegseth, who has been nominated for Secretary of Defense, and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence. He expressed his determination to assess each nominee on their merits rather than through the lens of partisanship. "I believe it’s appropriate and the responsibility of a U.S. senator to have conversations with President-elect Trump's nominees," Fetterman elaborated. He emphasized the significance of being open-minded and informed prior to confirmations, reflecting his broader message about the need for constructive engagement.
Despite some resistance within his party, Fetterman’s moderate stance and willingness to engage with what many deem controversial figures indicates his potential role as a bridge between party lines. This approach has garnered mixed reactions among Democrats, yet he remains steadfast, describing his job as delving deep to understand the qualifications of Trump's picks.
He stands firm on his belief of the importance of bipartisan dialogue, stating, "My votes will come from...an informed opinion after having conversation with them. That’s not controversial; it's my job." This assertion not only reflects his commitment to his duties but also sets the stage for what may be difficult conversations within the Senate moving forward.
Fetterman concluded his interview with words of cautious determination, recognizing the impending challenges with Trump's return to power, yet remaining hopeful about finding common ground: "I say congratulations and have honest conversations on things where we can work together." His words seem to encapsulate the delicate balance Democrats must achieve as they navigate the political waters of Trump's second term, striving for unity over division.
Given the sharply divided political climate, Fetterman's appeals for calm and rationality not only highlight his approach to governance but also point to the potential pathways for bipartisan cooperation. His insights and actions could prove significant as the nation gears up for another chapter under Trump’s leadership.
