Maverick Senator’s Cross-Party Appeal Raises Eyebrows in Harrisburg
A new poll from Susquehanna Polling and Research reveals a striking trend in Pennsylvania politics: Democratic Senator John Fetterman, known for his independent streak, is garnering higher approval among registered Republicans than within his own party. This surprising development underscores the growing ideological divide within the Democratic Party and Fetterman’s unique position in the political landscape.
Accordign to PennLive, the survey found Fetterman’s overall approval rating at 41%, with 37% disapproving. However, a deeper dive into the numbers shows a significant partisan split. Among Republicans, Fetterman boasts a 45% approval rating, a full five percentage points higher than his approval among Democrats. Conversely, 39% of Democrats disapprove of the senator, compared to 37% of Republicans. A notable 22% of all respondents expressed no opinion.
READ :Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman Goes Against The Tide: Bucks Dems, Backs Trump On Iran
Fetterman, who campaigned as a “progressive” in his successful 2022 Senate bid, has increasingly distanced himself from mainstream Democratic positions on critical issues, notably foreign policy and immigration. His vocal support for Israel, condemnation of the Los Angeles riots, and a more conciliatory approach to the presidency of Donald Trump have drawn the ire of many within his party.
The poll indicates that this shift is hurting Fetterman in traditionally Democratic strongholds. In Philadelphia, a heavily Democratic urban area, Fetterman’s approval stands at 43% with 48% disapproval. In contrast, he fares better in the state’s conservative central and northern regions, where he holds a 41% approval and 33% disapproval rating.
James Lee, president of Susquehanna Polling and Research, told PennLive of the poll’s findings, suggesting that “Fetterman should consider switching parties if this trend keeps up.” He added, “It’s hard to say how he fares in a reelection contest, which is still a few years away, but based on this latest poll his real vulnerability seems to be in a Democratic primary.”
READ: Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman Scoffs At AOC’s Trump Impeachment Push Over Iran Strikes
James Markley, communications director for the Pennsylvania Republican Party, characterized the situation as the Democratic Party “throwing one of its own senators under the bus.” Markley stated, “It’s less about Republicans embracing John Fetterman, and more about his own party throwing him under the bus. Today’s Democratic Party is run by coastal elites and far-left activists. There’s no room for someone who speaks plainly, pushes back, or breaks with the progressive line on things like support for Israel. Fetterman’s rising numbers with Republicans say more about the Democratic Party’s drift than his record.”
Fetterman’s recent actions further illustrate his independent path. He has consistently advocated for Israel and against Hamas, and notably sided with President Trump on the issue of attacking Iran’s nuclear program. Following President Trump’s victory in November, Fetterman called for his party to be more “diplomatic” with the President and even met with him at Mar-a-Lago in January, describing the encounter as an “overall positive experience.”
The senator’s term concludes in 2029, but some political strategists are already questioning his viability in a future Democratic primary. Pittsburgh-area Democratic strategist Mike Mikus expressed concern, telling PennLive, “Senator Fetterman’s actions, including cozying up to Donald Trump and the numerous stories on his erratic behavior, have badly damaged his image.
While he’s not up for re-election for three years, Fetterman has almost reached the point of no return.” Mikus went as far as to suggest that “if that opponent has a pulse, it’s a near certainty that John Fetterman will end up being a one-term wonder.”
Fetterman has also openly discussed his ongoing health challenges, including recovering from a stroke in 2022 and managing depression and anxiety during his time in the Senate.
The Susquehanna Polling and Research survey included over 700 likely voters and had a margin of error of ±3.7%. The poll’s results suggest a potentially turbulent path ahead for Senator Fetterman within his own party, even as his unique approach garners unexpected support from across the aisle.
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