Sen. John Fetterman warns Democrats of Trump’s enduring popularity in Pennsylvania, despite legal troubles and assassination attempts.
At a Glance
- Fetterman highlights Trump’s “special place” among Pennsylvania voters
- Trump’s support deepened after an assassination attempt in July
- Polls show a tight race between Trump and Vice President Harris in Pennsylvania
- Fetterman cautions against relying solely on poll results
- Democrats urged to acknowledge and respect Trump’s strong support base
Trump’s Unwavering Support in Pennsylvania
Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has issued a stark warning to fellow Democrats about the enduring strength of former President Donald Trump’s support in Pennsylvania. Speaking at the 2024 Atlantic Festival, Fetterman emphasized the complex nature of Trump’s following in the crucial battleground state, noting that legal and political challenges have done little to diminish the loyalty of his base.
“Trump has created a special kind of a hold … and he’s remade the party and he has a special kind of place in Pennsylvania,” Fetterman said Thursday to a crowd at The Atlantic Festival. “And I think that only deepened after that first assassination attempt.”
Fetterman’s comments highlight the intricate political landscape Democrats face in Pennsylvania, a state critical to winning the presidency. Despite ongoing controversies surrounding Trump, including impeachments and legal battles, his support remains steadfast among many Pennsylvanians.
The Impact of Recent Events
Fetterman pointed to a significant event that he believes has further solidified Trump’s support in the state. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in what was described as an assassination attempt. Trump survived with a wound to the side of his head. According to Fetterman, this incident has only served to deepen the connection between Trump and his supporters.
“I also want people to understand, you know, and it’s not science, but there is, there’s energy and there’s kinds of anger on the ground in Pennsylvania, and people are very committed and strong,” Fetterman said. “Trump is going to be strong and … we have to respect that.”
A Tight Race Ahead
Recent polls indicate a close contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump in Pennsylvania. A Washington Post poll shows Harris at 48% and Trump at 47% among likely and registered voters, while a New York Times poll puts Harris at 50% and Trump at 46%. However, Fetterman urges caution in interpreting these results, drawing parallels to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, where she led in polls but ultimately lost the state by a narrow margin.
“Everybody thought that it was in the bag, but that’s not the energy and the other kinds of things that were really consistent with what I’m witnessing all across,” Fetterman recalled. “And then, sadly, we saw what happened.”
Democratic Strategy Moving Forward
In light of these observations, Fetterman advises Democrats to acknowledge the reality of Trump’s support and adapt their approach accordingly. He emphasizes the importance of showing up on the campaign trail and effectively communicating the Democratic Party’s message to voters.
“People understand who he is and what he’s about, and enough people think that that’s the feature, and it’s not a bug,” he said.
While Fetterman believes Vice President Harris will ultimately win the upcoming election, he acknowledges the significant challenges ahead. His insights serve as a reminder to Democrats of the complex political dynamics at play in Pennsylvania and the need for a strong, focused campaign strategy to secure victory in this crucial battleground state.
