Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman faced a chorus of boos when his name was mentioned at a “No Kings” protest rally held in his home state on Saturday. The incident, reported by Mediaite, underscores a growing divide between the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and Fetterman, who has increasingly charted an independent course on key issues.
The rally in Philadelphia was one of hundreds held nationwide on June 14, aligning with both the President’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary celebration in Washington D.C. The “No Kings” movement, a broad protest against what organizers perceive as overreaching executive power, saw large-scale gatherings in major U.S. cities.
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During the Philadelphia demonstration, Leah Greenberg, co-founder of the progressive nonprofit Indivisible, addressed the diverse crowd, which included Democrats, Republicans, and independents. “This is not a rally for one party,” Greenberg stated. “We are looking to the leaders who will fight for us because even today, there are folks among the Democratic Party who think we should roll over and play dead. Anyone seen John Fetterman here today?”
Her rhetorical question was met with immediate and audible boos from the attendees, a stark illustration of the disaffection some progressive voters feel towards the senator.
Fetterman, a Democrat, recently voiced support for the military parade held in Washington, D.C., posting on X that it was “appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication, and service.” This stance appears to be at odds with the anti-establishment sentiment of many “No Kings” protesters.
READ: Victor Davis Hanson Predicts What Democrats Might Do With Pennsylvania Sen. Fetterman In 2028
The public rebuke comes on the heels of recent criticism leveled against Fetterman by his home state newspaper, The Philadelphia Inquirer. An opinion piece published by the editorial board earlier this month accused the senator of neglecting his political duties, adding to the scrutiny he faces.
Fetterman has frequently deviated from his party’s traditional positions, notably on the Israel-Hamas conflict and border security.
He has been a vocal critic of his own party’s approach to the border, stating, “If I had to find something in that big, beautiful bill that I could support, and that’s the mistake that our party made and that’s the border.” He emphasized his support for investments in border security, including funds for wall construction and additional Border Patrol agents, calling the influx of migrants “unacceptable” and a “national security issue.” His remarks have highlighted a potential shift within the Democratic Party regarding border policy.
Despite these divisions, Senator Fetterman has also demonstrated a capacity to “bridge the gap” across partisan lines.
In a May Senate hearing, he made a poignant appeal to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a Republican, to secure a green card for an Afghan surgeon residing in Philadelphia who saved American lives during the war in Afghanistan.
Fetterman acknowledged his own party’s “failure to secure our border” and emphasized a desire for collaborative solutions, stating, “I’m not here for fireworks or to try to create something to be clipped on TV. I’m honestly coming, you know, asking for your help about a situation here.” Secretary Noem responded positively, assuring him of her office’s cooperation.
The weekend’s events in Philadelphia serve as a reminder of the complex and evolving political landscape in Pennsylvania and the nation, where a prominent senator finds himself navigating an increasingly fractured political base while seeking common ground across the aisle.
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