During a recent press discussion, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) delivered a brutal criticism of his colleagues who have embraced socialism with open arms, referring to them as “morons” after conversations in Croatia shone a light on the failures of Communist regimes.
The statement is a significant departure from the senator’s previously held progressive stances, which, at one time, aligned him closely with colleagues like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). Political experts say his comments reflect a trend in which members of the Democratic Party, concerned about border security and economic issues, have put distance between themselves and more radical members of the party.
“I was in a former communist nation and I said, some lefties in my party are talking about socialism now, what do you think? He said, ‘That is the worst thing ever!’” Fetterman said. “You will need a reality check if you adopt any of those things. You are MORONS!”
Fetterman’s criticism comes as the Democratic Party has been grappling with serious internal divisions.
Ocasio-Cortez and Fetterman have shared a complicated relationship over the years. When Fetterman ran for Senate in 2022, AOC gave him her stamp of approval, looking to him as a possible ally in pushing forward progressive policies, particularly an increased minimum wage and universal healthcare.
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However, the Pennsylvania senator’s support of legislation such as the Laken Riley Act suggests his policy priorities have shifted. The bill, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump in January, calls for the detention of illegal aliens who are accused of certain crimes, which aligns more with GOP values than liberal ones.
In recent years, Fetterman has been a vocal opponent of open borders and has voiced his support for the nation of Israel, both of which earned him praise from Republicans, while also alienating colleagues on the left.
The Democrat suffered from a stroke in 2022, with many believing the incident and his subsequent recovery may have played a role in some of his shifting policy priorities. Critics in the Democratic Party have accused Fetterman of betraying the values that previously defined his political identity.
Others believe that Fetterman’s changing values may have another purpose. With so much division ripping the country apart, some say that Fetterman, along with other Democrats, is seeking to find common ground with the GOP as a means of inspiring unity at a time they feel is desperately needed.
