Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman is shaking up the party hierarchy with his unconventional approach to politics, breaking with tradition and surprising some Democrats with his willingness to engage with President-elect Donald Trump.
Fetterman’s Unconventional Approach to Politics
When Democrat John Fetterman got elected to Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate seat, many backers hoped he’d challenge convention and the status quo. He did, but not in the way they expected.
Breaking with Tradition
Fetterman has broken with his party on some policy matters and warmed up to President-elect Donald Trump, a man he previously bashed as a “felon” who is “obsessed with revenge.” Fetterman became the first Senate Democrat to meet with Trump since the election, meeting him at Mar-a-Lago in Florida last weekend.
A New Reality for Democrats
Fetterman’s approach is reminding some Democrats of former Democratic Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin, who clashed with their party during President Joe Biden‘s term and became political independents. However, Fetterman isn’t the only one adjusting to the new political reality. Democrats are grappling with election losses across battleground states, including Pennsylvania, that gave Trump and his party control of the White House and Congress.
Fetterman’s Justification
When asked about his decision to meet with Trump, Fetterman said it was “only reasonable” to engage with the incoming president in a good and honest conversation. He added that he can only see good things emerging from their meeting. For his part, Trump described their conversation as “totally fascinating” and praised Fetterman as a “commonsense person” who is not liberal or conservative.
A Smart Politician?
Some Democrats say Fetterman is acknowledging political reality. Mustafa Rashed, a Philadelphia-based Democratic strategist, noted that Pennsylvania should be considered a Republican state after Trump’s second victory there in three tries and the GOP’s down-ballot trouncing of Democrats in November’s statewide races. Rashed said Fetterman is meeting with Trump because he wants to continue representing a red state.
Fetterman’s Distinct Approach
Fetterman is distinguishing himself in other ways, including:
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Meeting with several of Trump’s Cabinet picks
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Pledging to vote for some of them
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Supporting the idea of acquiring Greenland
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Co-sponsoring a GOP bill to detain unauthorized immigrants accused of certain crimes
A Republican Senator’s Praise
Republican senators have held out Fetterman as an example for other Democrats to follow. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., said he is giving Pennsylvania a seat at the table by engaging with Trump and his nominees, and has demonstrated that he’s interested in good policy, not partisan lines.
Fetterman’s Independent Streak
Democratic strategists note Fetterman forged his political career largely on his own, independently from the party. As a small-town mayor in Braddock, Fetterman became a minor celebrity for his looks and efforts to put the depressed former steel town back on the map. He endorsed insurgent Democrat Bernie Sanders in 2016’s presidential primary and ran from the left against the party-backed Democrat in 2016’s Senate primary.
A “Wild Card”
Jamie Perrapato, executive director of Turn PA Blue, said Fetterman is a “wild card” who has always been willing to take risks. She noted that nobody should be surprised by his decision to engage with Trump, as he has always been an independent thinker.
Fetterman’s Commitment to Democratic Values
Despite his unconventional approach, Fetterman hasn’t backed away from his bedrock issues, such as support for labor unions, abortion rights or LGBT rights. He has had close relationships with some top Pennsylvania Democrats and continues to represent the interests of his constituents.
