On the first night of Republicans’ midterm convention, an unexpected guest appeared by video: Sen. John Fetterman. The Democrat introduced Pennsylvania’s other senator, David McCormick, saying that the two would “work with President Trump and defend the steel way of life.”
The message provoked outrage from Fetterman’s fellow Democrats. Democratic National Committee Vice Chairman Malcolm Kenyatta, another Pennsylvanian (and an opponent of Fetterman’s in the state’s 2022 Democratic primary for Senate), labeled the senator the “laziest benedict Arnold America has ever seen.” But reacting Fetterman with outrage only helps him and Republicans. Instead, Democrats should take on Fetterman’s central claim. The senator adopted the mantle of bipartisanship — but the premise of the event betrayed his framing.
Appearing at the “Trumpapalooza” midterm convention, an event designed to elect Republicans and preserve a GOP governing trifecta, does not break partisan gridlock.
Fetterman is not the first senator to draw the ire of his party amid a tightly divided Senate, sometimes for what feels like nothing more than attention grabbing disguised as moderation. During the Biden administration, former Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema drove Democrats mad. However, whether one agreed with them or not, Manchin and Sinema did use their leverage to accomplish actual policy outcomes. That is the spirit and meaning of bipartisanship — working across the aisle to get something done. Sinema reportedly was a key negotiator on the bipartisan infrastructure deal. Manchin worked across the aisle to pass the Electoral Count Reform Act following the Jan. 6 insurrection.
“By contrast,” Reuters noted, “Fetterman has not used his position to leverage concessions from party leaders or to shape legislation.”
Fetterman is not engaging in bipartisanship, but simply partisanship for the other side. Sitting for interview after interview with Fox News to bash his fellow Democrats does not build coalitions. Appearing at the “Trumpapalooza” midterm convention, an event designed to elect Republicans and preserve a GOP governing trifecta, does not break partisan gridlock. Those are deeply partisan Republican activities.
Despite the buzz, after the stunt, Fetterman described himself as a “lifelong Democrat” and insisted he would not leave the party if Democrats take control of the Senate after November. It makes sense. After all, Fetterman’s identification as a Democrat gives his criticism value. Republicans do not need another Republican attacking Democrats. They need a Democrat validating their attack.
“Bipartisanship” is one of the few labels in Washington with a positive connotation: serious, independent, above the usual tribalism. But it is not measured by how often you anger your own side.
While Democrats are understandably furious at Fetterman, showering him with anger gives Republicans the exact narrative they want. And it primes him for the obvious retort, one he has already trotted out repeatedly: that Democrats are not open to disagreement.
“I thought we were supposed to be a big tent party. So I’m not really sure how I become an issue for any of the Democrats, just to having some different views in these other issues,” he told Bill Maher.
The better response is to challenge his scam directly: Fetterman is wearing the other team’s jersey while claiming to be the referee.
“Bipartisanship” is one of the few labels in Washington with a positive connotation: serious, independent, above the usual tribalism. But it is not measured by how often you anger your own side. It is measured by what you are fighting for and what you achieve. Transcending the usual divisions in government to pass a difference-making bill can be incredibly powerful. Take for instance, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie’s collaboration with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna to demand accountability over the Epstein files, a move many say cost Massie his seat. That is a far cry from taking to every podcast and platform to bash your own side and then pat yourself on the back for it.
The distinction matters. Otherwise, mere contrarianism can masquerade as courage, and a partisan realignment can claim the high-mindedness of moderation simply because it comes from someone with the other letter after his name. In taking the bait, Democrats concede that “bipartisanship” is just positioning against your own side — not achieving actual progress. Ask Fetterman to name one bill he has passed or compromise he has extracted from Republicans since he began his MAGA media tour. That approach will expose the truth: Fetterman hasn’t reached across the aisle to get anything done. He has just taken a seat on the other side.
The post Fetterman’s surprise GOP convention video was a trap. Democrats are falling in it. appeared first on MS NOW.
