Politics
Fetterman: Both sides ‘hoping that I die’ due to controversial positions
By Jake Beardslee · December 21, 2023
In brief…
- Fetterman says both Republicans and some on the far left now disavow him due to his political stances.
- His pro-Israel views have alienated some liberal constituents and former staff.
- Fetterman no longer identifies as progressive but still supports some left-leaning goals.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman opened up about how his positions have alienated both Republicans and some on the far left. Fetterman, who suffered a stroke in May, says regarding both sides of the political spectrum, “There are ones that are rooting for another blood clot. They have both now been wishing that I die.”
The senator found himself at odds with liberal Democrats over his support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas. Fetterman rejected calls for a ceasefire and has displayed photos of Hamas hostages in his Senate office as a show of solidarity with Israel. This stance has drawn protests from his own constituents.
However, Fetterman said “I’m not really sure what part of any of this would be a surprise if anyone’s been paying attention” to his long-standing pro-Israel views, calling it “really the only progressive nation in the region.” While he still identifies with some left-leaning goals, Fetterman declared “I don’t feel like I’ve left the label; it’s just more that it’s left me.” He maintains his priority is providing a Democratic vote in the Senate.