Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who represents Pennsylvania in the US Senate, made a striking statement about his party's future. Fetterman said he would leave the Democratic Party if it officially becomes an 'anti-Israel' party.
Speaking at the Hill Nation Summit in Washington, Fetterman said, 'As a Democrat, my long-term concern is that our party is turning its back on Israel and moving away from it.' The senator added, 'If our party one day officially becomes an anti-Israel party, that's when I'll leave because this is a matter of moral clarity for me.'
Disturbed by the Party's Direction
Fetterman expressed his discomfort with the success of candidates in recent Democratic primaries who have stood out for their criticism of Israel. 'Look at the people who won in our recent primaries,' Fetterman said, arguing that the party is increasingly shifting toward a line that is 'more anti-Israel and hostile to people.'
Highlights Michigan Candidacy
Fetterman pointed to the polling performance of Abdul El-Sayed, a candidate in the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan. He warned that El-Sayed's candidacy could force the party to spend more in the critical state. 'If El-Sayed wins, Michigan becomes much riskier for us and requires us to spend more money,' Fetterman said, noting that the candidate is known for his 'anti-Israel and hostile to Israel' stance.
Criticizes Party's Internal Politics
The senator also criticized some Democrats' support for the 'defund the police' movement, saying the party risks repeating the mistakes of the 2024 elections. Fetterman also took aim at Democrats who supported Graham Platner, who ended his Senate campaign in Maine after rape allegations. He said Senator Bernie Sanders' strong support for Platner 'angered' him.
In an article he wrote in May, Fetterman had stated that he had no plans to leave the party but would first become an independent. 'Being an independent voice for Pennsylvanians who works with the other side could put me at odds with my party, to which I remain committed and have no plans to leave,' he said.
