Democratic Senator John Fetterman made a surprise appearance at the Republican midterm convention Wednesday, vowing to work with President Donald Trump on Pennsylvania steel as he introduced Republican Senator Dave McCormick in a prerecorded video. Newsweek National Political Correspondent Alex Rouhandeh, who attended, said Fetterman drew big cheers from the Pennsylvania delegation, which stood and applauded as the video concluded. Why am I here talking to you today?
Because, well, I'm a common-sense Democrat,” Fetterman said. Newsweek reached out to the Democratic National Committee via email for comment. Fetterman has become increasingly isolated from members of his own party while drawing praise from Republicans, fueling speculation that he could eventually switch parties.
Fetterman has repeatedly said he remains a Democrat. I'm always going to reject the extremes and socialism and that anti-American way of life,” he said in the video. Standing in front of Western Pennsylvania's Mon Valley Works steel mill, Fetterman said he and McCormick would work with Trump “to fight and defend the steel way of life right here in the Steel Valley.” Fetterman also praised McCormick despite their partisan differences, saying he was “proud to count him as my great friend.” “How great is John Fetterman?” McCormick said after taking the stage, praising the Democrat for his “friendship” and “courage.” House Speaker Mike Johnson also praised Fetterman's appearance Wednesday, telling Laura Ingraham on Fox News: “John Fetterman is an example of common sense.” But Pennsylvania Republicans who spoke with Newsweek at the convention suggested Fetterman does not need to join their party to win their approval.
Guy Ciarrochi, a Chester County Republican delegate from Chester, said Fetterman and McCormick disagree on plenty but have learned “not to be disagreeable.” Asked whether he wanted Fetterman to switch parties, Ciarrochi said no. Ciarrochi said Fetterman would nevertheless be welcomed in the Republican Party if he chose to join, suggesting there could instead be a “common-sense coalition of old-fashioned Democrats and new Republicans.” Pennsylvania delegate Amber Martin called Fetterman's appearance “spectacular” and “exactly what's needed in our country.” “So, would we like to see Senator Fetterman come to the GOP? Fetterman has developed a close relationship with McCormick while breaking with members of his party on several high-profile issues.
He has also shown a willingness to work with Trump since his return to the White House. Fetterman met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago before his inauguration and has since praised the president on issues including steel. Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Gray R.
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