John Fetterman could simply declare himself no longer to be a progressive, but doing so would alienate much of the activist infrastructure that brought him prominence in the first place.
He is taking positions that have put off former allies of his, such as supporting Israel during its Gaza assault or agreeing with Republicans on immigration policies.
1. Fetterman’s a Maverick
John Fetterman has made headlines recently for his controversial positions on Israel, border policies and immigration which appear to have alienated groups which helped elect him as Pennsylvania senator. Is his approach simply clever political maneuvering or is Fetterman selling out his constituents?
Fetterman took great pride in identifying as a progressive Democrat. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Bernie Sanders’ presidential bid and advocated passionately for Democratic social justice causes.
But his staunch defense of Israel during its conflict against Hamas and refusal to call for a ceasefire have dismayed many in his party. Furthermore, he’s supported Senate immigration reform talks which progressives view as too conservative.
Some on the left have welcomed his shift, while others feel let down by someone who once claimed they shared common values. If Fetterman continues his dissension from major policy issues within his party, his maverick nature could become even more apparent and that would be bad news for progressives who see him as an example of populist politics.
2. He’s a Hypocrite
John Fetterman’s hardening stance against progressivism has left both his old progressive allies and the far right unhappy, while likely not hurting him too much at home in an area with such strong Democratic leanings and sprawl.
His refusal to endorse a Palestinian ceasefire and staunch defense of Israel in Gaza are angering members of the far-left, as evidenced by pictures in his hallway depicting Hamas kidnapping hostages, while also decorating his office with an Israeli flag draped from its ceiling.
Strategy designed to convince interest groups who helped him get elected that he’ll be an aggressive Democrat is clearly effective; such tactics have worked for other Democrats like Gavin Newsom, Nancy Pelosi and Bill de Blasio; however it should not be adopted by the Democratic Party since it could alienate voters or hurt their cause over time, not providing principled leadership.
3. He’s Selling Out
When political reporters cite someone as a “maverick”, it usually refers to someone who deviates from convention and gives pundits material for wild-card voting stories; but it could also mean someone who draws attention by offending their own constituents.
Fetterman appears to be following in this same trend. He secured the endorsement of key leader of today’s progressive movement, Bernie Sanders, and filled his staff with former Sanders aides while successfully campaigning for a Senate seat. Furthermore, Fetterman adopted key planks of progressive philosophy such as $15 minimum wage, Medicare for All, and wealth taxes as key planks of his platform.
However, his recent positions on Israel and the southern border have caused considerable consternation among progressive activists. Former allies now view these actions as either betrayals or sellouts by him and many of his fellow Democrats who have moved sharply rightward in recent months.
4. He’s Trying to Rewrite History
Problematically, such an approach risks alienating the activist infrastructure that helped bring him prominence and suggests that his new positions on Israel and other controversial topics might not warrant explaining himself to voters.
This is especially concerning given that Ron DeSantis will run for reelection in 2024, when voters may have more opportunity to observe his positions firsthand. So far, polling suggests that his pro-Israel stances have had no bearing on voters’ perception of him while support for Mehmet Oz’s views has had some bearing (although not necessarily for good).
He’ll still have fans, evidenced by their continued support on Twitter; but in order to retain them he must rewrite his history – an unenviable task.
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