Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, once the darling of the left and the boogeyman of the right, has failed to live up to the narrative that both camps have set for him. In doing so, he showed that it doesn't take much to succeed in politics. All you have to do is be a relatively normal person.
Recent Quinnipiac poll showed that Fetterman is extremely popular among Pennsylvania Democrats, with an approval rating of 76% to 7%. But after a series of high-profile statements that he clearly hasn't woken up to, this perception isn't because he's an ardent progressive. In fact, the Democratic Party is likely to support him because he spews common sense.
John Fetterman's preference for PA Democrats:
76% favorable
7% disadvantageSocial media is not the real world. https://t.co/hrnMD1H7of
— Josh Kraushaar (@JoshKraushaar) January 10, 2024
Conservative media immediately focused on Fetterman. He was a very easy and legitimate target for our defense. He cosplayed as a working-class man, wearing oversized shorts and a hoodie, even though he attended Harvard University and was sponsored by his wealthy family for a less impressive career. It made, and continues to make a mockery of, not only professional standards, but also the people he claims to represent. “Look how relatable I am,” his costume screams. “I'm as unsophisticated as you are.” But any working man, even the biggest ultra-MAGA patriot, knows the basics of wearing a suit if he's going to meet the president. Will have social aptitude and respect.
Needless to say, Fetterman looks like Shrek on steroids, so the meme really became a natural.
Then the stroke happened. Although he was largely hidden from the public, it is safe to assume that he was completely debilitated. When he finally showed up, all the signs that he had not yet fully recovered were there. In a normal world, he would have resigned. He had no business running as a senator, much less serving as a senator. This would have earned him sympathy and respect across his political spectrum. (Related: Republican Senate candidate says he and Fetterman could be 'good allies': report)
Unfortunately, he wasn't. Democrats, like the pirated Soviet wannabes, can never admit they are wrong. No, Fetterman was Very Qualified™. He's the perfect candidate. If you think otherwise, it's because you are.handicapped” Fetterman was a brave hero who did his part to build a more inclusive society. Stroke patients all over the world will look at him and think, “Maybe I could be a senator, too.'' Representation is important. Meanwhile, his wife, Gisele, an apparently evil ideologue and overall harpy, enjoys the spotlight and acting as her convalescent husband's advocate.
These two became something of an SNL skit, and no conservative commentator could miss it.
This has become a vicious cycle. The more Democrats inexplicably defended him, the more Republicans naturally attacked him. The more Republicans attacked him, the more fiercely Democrats defended him. That's the world we live in.
Although Fetterman seemed quite progressive, his career as a small-town mayor didn't leave him with much to offer. Both sides simply thought his policies fit the caricature they had created for him. The left typically made the safe assumption that once a president was in office, the party would easily bend him to its will. This is routine for Democrats who can still string sentences together. What chance did Fetterman have? The right, on the other hand, figured that if the left loved him so much, he must be an open border, pro-terrorist, woke lunatic.
So the lesson for the right was that being successful in politics doesn't mean much. Even if you become a literal vegetable, the Democratic propaganda machine will guide you to victory. This is true, but it's only half the story.
Over the past few weeks, Mr. Fetterman has shown that he is not as crazy as conservatives feared. He has unapologetically expressed support for Israel and refused to accept the progressive ambiguity between Hamas terrorist attacks and Israel's response. He has opened fire on members of his own party for their “truly disturbing” attitude and even accused left-wing protesters of “their”.rank antisemitism”
can't believe it. John Fetterman refers to the genocide of white farmers in South Africa and tells people to shut up when it comes to condemning Israel. pic.twitter.com/sOetZ74i5j
— Ian Miles Chong (@stillgray) January 11, 2024
He also acts as a border hawk who breaks the party line. “Essentially, Pittsburgh is showing up on the border,” he said. politiko About the border crisis. “Being concerned about borders is not xenophobia,” he says. Said his fellow Democrats.
Digging deeper into the Quinnipiac poll, it's clear that these positions are working well with the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. More than a third said his position on the border made them view him more favorably, but just 9% said it made them view him less favorably. A quarter said his support for Israel had increased their favorable view of him, while just 14% said his support had weakened. (Related: John Fetterman to James Carville: 'Shut up')
These aren't big numbers — and the Democratic Party certainly has a problem with radicalism — but they're still victories for sanity. In any case, a majority say these issues won't change their view of him, at least most ordinary people aren't as outraged by common-sense policies as progressives would have us believe. It is shown that. Such people can still be swayed if they are effectively involved. The Democratic machine can get anyone elected through fear and lies, but it requires some basic sanity to maintain broad popularity.
This is not a call for Republicans to compromise with moderates or the far left. No, this is a reminder to Republicans that the silent majority is on their side and will not give way. All we need is better communication.
