Fetterman's video shot in front of a steel mill was clearly a sign of the growing rupture between the Pennsylvania senator and his own party.
“Yes, I'm a Democrat. Why am I here talking to you today? Because, well, I'm a common sense Democrat. I'm always going to stand with America. I'm always going to reject the extremes and socialism and that anti-American way of life,” Fetterman said to the convention.
In his little speech, he welcomed Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania) to the stage, saying that he was proud to call McCormic a friend despite being in different political parties.
He said they will work together with President Donald Trump “to fight and defend the steel way of life” in the Steel Valley (Pittsburgh).
Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), said that she was surprised Fetterman participate via video in the GOP midterm convention.
“To see him possibly leaving the Democrat party — I think they're going to actually try to kick him out. I would not be surprised if he's not primaried in 2028 when he's up for re-election, because they don't like him reaching across the aisle at all. So, where's he going to lead? I don't know,” Gramley says.
Fetterman has often gone his own way in the Senate, voting with Republicans to end last year's shutdown, supporting several of Trump's nominees and opposing efforts to end the war in Iran.
He is also a strong supporter of Israel, which goes against the anti-Israel position most in his party are taking.
Meanwhile, CBS reports that leaked messages between Fetterman and his staffers reveal that he appears “uninterested” in perform constituent service duties, which appears to be confirmed be a former staffer. Fetterman claimed these were out of context, clearing up the situation.
However, Reps. Chris Deluzio and Brendan Boyle (D-Pennsylvania) were quick to bash Fetterman over the allegations.
