Fetterman Speaks at GOP Convention     09/10 06:17

   

   (AP) -- Democratic Sen. John Fetterman spoke to the Republican midterm 
convention via video Wednesday, further escalating the growing rupture between 
the Pennsylvanian and his party.

   Fetterman spoke for just over one minute in a recorded video introducing his 
fellow Pennsylvania senator, Republican Dave McCormick, whom Fetterman called 
"a great American."

   He didn't criticize anyone by name but suggested Democrats are extremists, 
underscoring the message that Republicans are trying to drive home during their 
two-day rally in Dallas. The convention is meant to fire up the conservative 
base ahead of midterm elections, when the president's party has historically 
lost seats.

   "I'm always going to stand with America," Fetterman said. "I'm always going 
to reject the extremes and socialism and that anti-American way of life."

   Standing in front of a steel mill, Fetterman said he "will work with 
President Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life."

   Fetterman's decision is certain to stoke fears, already simmering among 
Democrats, that he will switch parties. Democrats need to pick up four GOP-held 
Senate seats in November to regain the majority. If Fetterman were to join the 
Republican Party, Democrats would need to pick up another seat to have control 
of the chamber.

   Fetterman said in a statement later Wednesday that he will not switch 
parties. He said his remarks were to introduce "a great American and friend," 
adding, "We are in different parties, but we are both Team PA."

   "I'm a lifelong Democrat who votes overwhelmingly with my party -- and 
should the Senate flip in November, I will still be the 51st vote that I ran 
on," Fetterman said.

   Fetterman has grown increasingly isolated from his party as he maintains 
staunch support of Israel's war in Gaza and criticizes left-wing candidates who 
are members of the Democratic Socialists of America. He's often gone his own 
way in the Senate, voting with Republicans to end last year's shutdown, 
supporting several of President Donald Trump's nominees and opposing efforts to 
end the war in Iran.

   He has repeatedly said he wouldn't switch parties because of his support for 
labor unions, LGBTQ rights and other issues held dear by the left.

   Even as a Democrat, he would hold outsized power in his caucus if Democrats 
secure a narrow 51-49 majority that requires them to stick together unanimously 
to exercise their power.

   "How great is John Fetterman?" McCormick said when the video wrapped up. 
"Thank you, Senator Fetterman, for your friendship. Thank you for your courage. 
And thank you for all you do for Pennsylvania."

   Right after Fetterman's video finished, it was shared on a White House 
social media account with the caption "Based John Fetterman."