Fetterman's transformation from a Bernie Sanders-backed progressive populist to a left-wing critic has been a significant development in American politics. His latest move, calling on Sanders to apologize to Maine voters and donors for his support of scandal-plagued Senate candidate Graham Platner, marks a dramatic shift in their relationship.
Fetterman was one of the first prominent Democrats to speak out against Platner's mounting controversies, even as many party leaders continued to back the candidate. However, it was not until a former girlfriend publicly accused Platner of rape that the remaining pillars of Democratic support collapsed. By Wednesday night, Fetterman was laying into Sanders on Fox News' "Jesse Watters Primetime," saying, "The trash took itself out." Fetterman argued that Sanders owed voters an apology for helping to elevate Platner in the first place.
The comments cap a remarkable transformation for Fetterman, who recently acknowledged being more popular with some Republicans than his own party. He has also taken a more independent posture in Pennsylvania, putting distance between himself and parts of the state Democratic establishment.
Chris Borick, a professor at Lehigh University, called Fetterman's change in relationship with Sanders and the Democrats' progressive wing "dramatic." Borick noted that Fetterman's shifts in positions on various issues over a short period of time are unprecedented in Pennsylvania politics.
Fetterman's break with the left has not been limited to Sanders-world. In Pennsylvania, his increasingly independent posture has also put distance between him and parts of the state Democratic establishment. State Sen. Doug Mastriano, a Republican, said Fetterman had "political differences" with him but was typically "gracious and respectful."
Mastriano spoke of an interaction on the Harrisburg Senate floor when Fetterman learned Mastriano had accrued a record number of ballot signatures to qualify to run for governor against then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro. Fetterman congratulated Mastriano, saying, "Doug, 30,000. That's really impressive. Great job." Mastriano said he respects Fetterman's willingness to speak his mind and put what he believes to be America's interests first.
Fetterman recently upstaged his home state's Democratic standard-bearer, Gov. Josh Shapiro, by teaming up with Republican Sen. David McCormick to help secure a booth on the National Mall for the Great American State Fair. Shapiro's predecessor, Gov. Tom Wolf, also appeared to have no love lost for his party's new maverick.
Sam Chen, a Pennsylvania political analyst, said Fetterman's evolution from Sanders ally to critic is a significant one, but questioned whether the Democratic Party's political environment helped cause the break. Chen noted that Fetterman was helped by Sanders in his first Senate run and against Conor Lamb, but wondered if Fetterman would have taken the same position if Platner had not had any controversies surrounding him.
Fetterman's break with Sanders over Platner is seen as a significant departure from his earlier positions, and raises questions about the future of his relationship with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
