Reports show some Republicans are starting to view Senator John Fetterman (D-PA.) as an independent rather than an aggressive socialist due to his positions on Israel and strong border policy.
Seeing this sense of independence in him makes working with him more enticing. Republican senators have remarked on Fetterman. Alabama’s Tommy Tuberville has lauded him for being an independent voice who doesn’t blindly follow party policy.
The rookie senator’s voting record is consistent with that of other Democrats, despite his public remarks. It is unclear if he intends to continue developing into a chamber deal-maker like departing senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Joe Manchin (D-WV).
The left is furious with the first-term senator because, on October 7, he firmly supported Israel’s right to protect itself against Hamas terrorists. Progressives formerly beloved the senator. Now, he has taken to openly mocking them.
According to video reports, outside Sen. John Fetterman’s Braddock, Pennsylvania, home, anti-Israel protesters gathered recently. When demonstrators hoisted Palestinian flags and yelled out rhymes, Fetterman climbed onto his roof and waved an Israeli flag.
Senate Republicans attempted to draw comparisons between Fetterman and democratic socialist Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) when he assumed office last year after beating Republican nominee Dr. Mehmet Oz. Even then, he staunchly supported Israel’s battle against Hamas, even as Sanders and other socialists were calling for the elimination of U.S. funding.
In the wake of New Jersey Democrat Bob Menendez’s indictment on bribery allegations, Fetterman often refers to Menendez as a “sleazeball” and says that bipartisan discussions on tight border policy should be preserved.
Reports indicate that Fetterman has received Republican support for some of his positions. He has also been characterized as a progressive, a description he has always denied.
While he disagrees with Sanders’ demand for Medicare for everyone, the senator nonetheless supports universal health care and wants to do away with the filibuster.
Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) acknowledged that his Democratic colleague had made some astute remarks in recent months. They have collaborated on laws pertaining to rail safety.
Senate Republican Mike Braun of Indiana, who commended Fetterman for going against the grain on immigration, is another cosponsor of agricultural measures alongside Fetterman.
