John Fetterman says he may have to decide whether staying a Democrat still 'makes sense'

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen John Fetterman (D-PA) said he may have to decide whether remaining a Democrat still "makes sense" if the party officially turns against Israel.

His comments came during an interview on CNN's ‘State of the Union’ on Sunday, July 19, after questions about growing Democratic opposition to military aid for Israel. Fetterman argued that even if he left the party, his positions and voting record would stay exactly the same.

John Fetterman questions Democratic Party's direction

 CNN's Jake Tapper asked Fetterman about his previous remarks that he could become an independent if the Democratic Party became "officially and overtly hostile to Israel."

Tapper pointed to a recent House vote in which 103 of 212 Democrats voted to cut off more than $3 billion in military aid to Israel, noting that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was among those who supported the measure.

He then asked Fetterman when he would consider the party to have crossed the line.

Fetterman replied that the answer would depend on whether opposing aid to Israel became part of the party's official platform.

"Well, candidates run on a platform and if that becomes the Democratic platform that we will now not ever vote for any aid and we'll turn our back on Israel, then that makes me make that decision is really what a Democrat should stand for, or being a part of my party for me," he said.

John Fetterman says party switch wouldn't change his views

Fetterman stressed that leaving the Democratic Party would not represent an ideological shift.

"And now, you know, Jake, I've said this, that if I change my party spontaneously right now, my views and my votes aren't going to change," he said.

He added that such a move would be "really more of a statement now" than a change in how he approaches his job in the Senate.

The Pennsylvania senator said his concern centers on what he believes is becoming a broader trend within Democratic primaries.

John Fetterman cites anti-Israel rhetoric

Fetterman argued that candidates winning Democratic primaries are increasingly making anti-Israel positions a central part of their campaigns.

"If you look at the kind of people that are winning our primaries, their centerpieces of their campaign is anti-Israel kinds of rhetoric, whether it's in my state or it's whether in New York City and what's happening in Colorado now too," he said.

He closed by questioning whether his future still fits within the party if that direction continues.

"If you believe the Democratic Party's future is rooted in describing Israel as an apartheid state or genocidal, and they don't deserve to have our support, that forces me to say, does this really make sense for me as a Democrat with these views to continue to actually intensify?" he asked.