Sen. John Fetterman, Pennsylvania Democrat, is facing sharp criticism from within his own party after recording a video message for the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, praising GOP Sen. Dave McCormick as a colleague who "gets the job done." Rep. Madeleine Dean, also of Pennsylvania, called the move a "stunt" and said she is "gravely disappointed," adding that constituents who campaigned for Fetterman are "livid." Rep. Brendan Boyle renewed his past description of Fetterman as "Trump's favorite Democrat."
The backlash reflects broader frustration over Fetterman's ideological shift since 2022, including frequent votes aligned with President Trump and his lone defense within the party of Trump's actions toward Iran. Dean also criticized his reduced engagement with Senate duties, echoing a recent Wall Street Journal report on his disinterest in hearings and constituent meetings, which Fetterman dismissed as a hit piece. A group of former staffers has said it will soon release further details about his conduct in office. Fetterman maintains he has no plans to leave the Democratic Party.
