Fetterman, Flashing a Sharper Edge, Keeps Picking Fights With the Left
NY Times: Senator John Fetterman has recently shifted his political stance, distancing himself from the progressive wing of his party and taking more centrist or right-leaning positions. This transformation was highlighted during an encounter with Stevie O’Hanlon, a constituent and environmental activist, where Fetterman responded to her pipeline concerns with ridicule and hostility. Once known for his irreverent style and progressive values, Fetterman has now adopted a more combative demeanor, particularly towards the left, and has drawn ire for his staunch support of Israel in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Mr. Fetterman’s sharpest break with the left has been on the Israel-Hamas War. A firm backer of Israel before the war, he decided early in the conflict that he would offer unconditional support for Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. He has relentlessly hewed to that stance, at times provocatively.
Fetterman's political realignment has seen him taking conservative positions on immigration and energy policies, diverging from President Biden’s administration on issues like the pause of liquefied natural gas exports. This shift has been accompanied by significant staff changes, with several top advisers departing, including his long-time political adviser Rebecca Katz and his first Senate chief of staff, Adam Jentleson.
Despite this, Fetterman’s popularity has increased in Pennsylvania, and he has become a sought-after speaker at Democratic events across the country. His move towards the center-left has garnered respect from some conservative and pro-Israel groups, indicating a calculated political strategy aimed at sustainability and broader appeal. However, this has come at the cost of his previous progressive image, with former supporters and activists expressing feelings of betrayal and frustration.