Republicans Embrace Fetterman’s Move Toward the Center

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is gaining favor among Republicans due to his stance on Israel and strict border policies. Instead of being labeled a dangerous “radical socialist,” he is now being described as “independent.”

Republicans are finding Fetterman more appealing to work with due to his independent streak. Even Senate Republicans like Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., have praised him for speaking his own mind and not following the party line, reports Politico.

However, despite his public comments, Fetterman’s voting record remains in line with other Democrats, and it is not yet clear if he will become a chamber dealmaker like retiring Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Mitt Romney, R-Utah.

Fetterman told Politico that Republicans should not be surprised by his recent remarks on Israel and the border, and they should not believe their party’s 2022 campaign attacks against him.

Last year, when Fetterman took office, Senate Republicans were comparing him with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., a democratic socialist. However, Fetterman has defended Israel’s war against Hamas and has called for bipartisan talks on strict border policies.

In some cases, Fetterman has garnered Republican approval, but he has also been called a progressive, a label he has rejected. He wants universal health care and the abolition of the filibuster.

He continues to wear hoodies and gym shorts in the Senate, which has brought complaints from more traditional lawmakers.

Fetterman has said while on the campaign trail that he could let down the centrist-leaning “Joe Manchin Democrats” and has urged his fellow party members to “vote like Democrats,” but still Senate Republicans appear to be ready for a new look at him.

Despite some GOP support, there are still those who insist that Fetterman’s views are “largely left, in some cases very left.”