Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, once celebrated as a progressive icon, is now positioning himself as a bridge between Democrats and Republicans. On Sunday, Fetterman offered advice to Democrats grappling with the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House: "You gotta chill out."
Speaking to ABC News’s Jonathan Karl, Fetterman advised against panic, emphasizing the importance of composure. “The constant freak out – it’s not helpful,” he said, encouraging Democrats to "pack a lunch, pace yourself," as the nation prepares for Trump’s second term, set to begin in January 2025.
Fetterman’s remarks come as the Democratic Party seeks to recalibrate after Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in the November 5 election. Acknowledging Trump’s political prowess, Fetterman referred to the former president as a "singular political talent" and noted his potential to govern effectively despite a tumultuous first term often criticized by historians.
“If you’re rooting against the president, you are rooting against the nation,” Fetterman said. “I’m never going to be someone who wants a president to fail. Country first.”
Fetterman, who recently joined Trump’s Truth Social platform, has taken a more moderate stance on contentious issues. In his first post on December 10, he criticized the use of the judiciary for partisan purposes, calling Trump’s New York conviction over hush money payments and Hunter Biden’s federal charges “bullshit.” Fetterman also suggested that pardons for both cases would be appropriate, citing the need to restore public trust in institutions.
“Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division,” Fetterman wrote.
Fetterman’s comments reflect broader challenges within the Democratic Party as it grapples with generational divides. Recently, progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez lost her bid to lead the House oversight committee, a setback attributed to lobbying by veteran Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Fetterman, addressing the party's rhetoric, distanced himself from labeling Trump supporters as "fascists," a term Harris had used during her campaign. “It’s not a word that I would use,” he said, adding that many Trump voters in his home state are “not fascists.”
While Fetterman has yet to speak with Trump following his election win, he expressed openness to collaboration. “If and when I do, I’ll say, ‘Congratulations,’” Fetterman said. He added that he aims to engage in an honest dialogue with the former president, focusing on areas of potential agreement while maintaining his commitment to Pennsylvania’s interests.
“I’d like to avoid the cheap heat and some of the other stuff, but it’s going to be a kooky ride,” Fetterman concluded. “I’ll try to be a committed, steady voice for Pennsylvania and remember that we have to find wins in the middle of incredibly divisive times.”
As the nation braces for Trump’s return to the Oval Office, Fetterman’s tempered approach highlights his efforts to navigate a polarized political landscape.
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