Internet shreds ‘grifter’ John Fetterman as he says he is not a progressive after left-wing backlash

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA: Senator John Fetterman found himself in hot water as he denied being progressive after facing criticism from the left over his views on immigration reform and Israel's war against Hamas.

The 58-year-old Pennsylvania Democrat emerged as one of the foremost Israeli supporters after Hamas launched a brutal surprise attack on October 7, 2023 where terrorists killed more than 1,200 people and kidnapped hundreds of others.

The extreme left is incensed by his blatant defense of Israel's right to "eliminate the Hamas terrorists who slaughtered innocent men, women, and children" and his unwillingness to push for a ceasefire in the fighting.

In October, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators paraded a large puppet that looked like the senator and blocked the street outside Fetterman's Philadelphia office, demanding that the senator call for a ceasefire.

The former Braddock mayor has also faced heckling at events and was once confronted at a pub by someone who asked why he didn't support a ceasefire.

What did John Fetterman say following backlash?

Following the far-left backlash, Fetterman told NBC News “I’m not a progressive. I just think I’m a Democrat that is very committed to choose 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,” he added.

Additionally, Fetterman stated that he is pro-immigration but actions that could stop migrants from entering the US through the southern border shouldn't be ruled out.

“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,” he said, adding “To put that in reference, that is essentially the size of Pittsburgh, the second-largest city in Pennsylvania.”

“Progressives better do that because we can’t leave Israel — we can’t sell them out, and we can’t sell Ukraine out, and we have to deliver on this. I just would very much like to get a deal to deliver this critical aid,” Fetterman continued.

Why did Fetterman previously call himself progressive?

Contrary to his denial of being a 'progressive', Fetterman has frequently used the term to identify himself on social media and multiple campaign visits over the years.

“My dude, I’m a progressive democrat,” Fetterman said in a 2020 tweet directed at former Republican Florida Governor Jeb Bush, according to NY Post.

In 2016, he posted a picture of himself and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in silhouette and labeled the two as "progressive champions".

“If I’m lucky enough to be elected, I’m able to be a solid progressive backstop for [Pennsylvania], for Gov. Wolf. It provides a statewide platform to advocate for the issues I care about – a living wage, marijuana legalization, immigration, & community policing,” he tweeted in 2017, during his campaign for lieutenant governor.

Internet reacts to Fetterman’s denial

Fetterman’s declaration has angered social media users, with one saying, “Bro is begging to lose re-election.”

”I guess we should judge books by their cover,” a second user mocked him.

“Never giving a person the benefit of the doubt just because they dress like a roadie for Staind who needs a sub for Canada dates on account of prior convictions ever again,” the third user slammed.

“Another grifter that lied to progressive voters to get elected,” the fourth user blasted.

One user wrote “This dude is more based than his Republican opposition during the senate run.”

“We’ve seen this movie (centrist in progressive clothes to get elected) so many times it’s boring now—just kick him out PA,” another said.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.