Dem. PA Sen. Fetterman Makes Surprise Video Appearance At GOP Convention

PENNSYLVANIA — Amid mounting criticism from within his own party, Democratic Sen. John Fetterman appeared in a surprise video at the Republican Party's midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday.

In the one-minute prerecorded video, Fetterman lauded and introduced his fellow Pennsylvania senator, Republican Dave McCormick, and offered an explanation as to why he was speaking to the GOP crowd.

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"Why am I here talking to you today? Because, well, I'm a common-sense Democrat," Fetterman said. "I'm always going to stand with America. I'm always going to reject the extremes in socialism and that anti-American way of life."

Standing in front of U.S. Steel's Mon Valley Works steel mill in Braddock, Fetterman said, "we'll work with President Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life right here in the Steel Valley."

Fetterman called McCormick a "great friend." Evidence of the close relationship the two have built was amplified in July when the pair launched a joint political action committee -Common Ground PA - seeking donors who support both of them.

"How great is John Fetterman?" McCormick said after taking the stage, complimenting the senator for his "friendship" and "courage."

The video appearance undoubtedly fueled increasing speculation that Fetterman - who has distanced himself from fellow Democrats in the Senate and House at times - might switch parties.

But in a statement released after the video aired, Fetterman attempted to quell that speculation.

"I'm a lifelong Democrat who votes overwhelmingly with my party — and should the Senate flip in November, I will still be the 51st vote that I ran on," he said.

The video appearance comes on the heels of a recent scathing report in the The Wall Street Journal that detailed how Fetterman "churns through staff, alienates fellow Democrats and courts Israel."

The story asserted that Fetterman shows little interest in Senate committee meetings or meetings with constituents, preferring instead to making himself available for network TV appearances.

Fetterman denounced the report as "lies, half-truths, innuendos, [and] smears" peddled by "disgruntled staffers."

The report inspired criticism from fellow Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio of Fox Chapel near Pittsburgh.

"Between the laziness, disrespect, and willingness to carry water for a foreign government, it shows us something we already know: this man has no sense of duty.

"He is not up for the high office he was elected to — and we in Pennsylvania will do something about it in 2028."

Deluzio acknowedged during an appearance on NewsNation's "The Hill Sunday"this week that he might challenge Fetterman when the senator's term is up in two years.