In response to criticism from some of his supporters, US Senator John Fetterman says he is “not a progressive.”
Fetterman rose to prominence, particularly in progressive circles, for his support for issues such as single-payer health care, recreational marijuana, LGBTQ rights, and progressive politicians such as U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.
However, he told NBC News on Friday that his strong support for Israel and his willingness to relax migration restrictions on the southern border should come as no surprise.
“I’m not a progressive,” Fetterman told NBC News. “I just think I’m a Democrat who is very committed to choice and other things. But with Israel, I’m going to be on the right side of that. And immigration is something near and dear to me, and I think we do have to effectively address it as well.”
Despite the criticism from the left, many elected Democrats are sticking by John Fetterman
The Democratic senator from Braddock maintained his harsh criticism of controversial U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and stated that his views on immigration revolve around negotiating with Republicans to ensure that aid is sent to Ukraine and Israel to aid in their respective wars.
Fetterman believes it is reasonable to consider ways to reduce the number of migrants crossing the southern border, citing the record-breaking 270,000 who crossed in September.
“It’s a reasonable conversation—until somebody can say there’s an explanation on what we can do when 270,000 people are being encountered on the border, not including the ones, of course, that we don’t know about,” Fetterman said.
Fetterman’s chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, said Fetterman’s policies have remained consistent over the years, and he campaigned for his 2022 election rejecting the progressive label.
In contrast, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey has called for migrants to be sent to the city to help fill many of the region’s vacant jobs and increase the city’s shrinking population.
Many people on social media have pointed out that before becoming a senator, Fetterman advocated for immigrants, including defending his wife, Gisele, a former undocumented immigrant, as an example of why America should be more lenient on illegal immigration.
“I was asked, ‘Your wife’s family broke the law. What do you think of that?’” Fetterman said in a political ad during his unsuccessful 2016 Senate campaign. “And I said, ‘Well, I’m so grateful that they did.’ Because if they didn’t dare to take that step, I wouldn’t have the three beautiful children that I have today.”
While his recent positions appear to be alienating progressives, Fetterman may be gaining clout among some Republicans.
“For a lot of Republicans, it’s been a pleasant surprise,” Harrisburg-based GOP strategist Christopher Nicholas told NBC News.
Despite the criticism from the left, many elected Democrats are sticking with Fetterman.
When asked about Fetterman’s recent remarks on Israel, immigration, and Menendez, Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, told NBC that Fetterman is “a great colleague” who “does everything he can to serve the state.” And I believe he is doing well.”