Sen. John Fetterman, Democrat of Pennsylvania, cut another number in the U.S. Senate.
And we’re not referring to his massive 6-foot-7 nose tackle frame. Or Fetterman’s signature, ever-present hoodie.
We’re talking about Fetterman creating a unique image in the Senate. He is not the “progressive” that most voters thought he was. Democrats ready to support most of the House’s tough border control bill, HR 2. Democrats who oppose the left wing of the party when it comes to Israel and Hamas. And then there is the senator who, unlike many of his Democratic colleagues, skewered and prosecuted Sen. Bob Menendez (D.N.J.). – in the most direct terms.
“Really sneaky ball,” Fetterman said of Menendez.
Sen. John Fetterman spoke at a news conference alongside the families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas. (Getty Images)
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After the stroke, Fetterman struggled to process speech and words. He now uses an app that displays exactly the words you’re saying on your phone. The app then also displays the words Fetterman speaks. Captions help Fetterman participate in conversations and understand what is being said around him.
FOX News had the opportunity to interview Fetterman. This exchange has been lightly edited for clarity and context.
Chad Pergram: In your short time in the Senate, you have at times blazed a different path than some of your Democratic colleagues on different issues. When you came to the Senate, talk about how you arrived at a decision that was different than what some people expected of you politically.
fetterman: I think some people were caught off guard. And even when I say it now, you know, I’m not a progressive, and I’ve actually been saying that for years. I’ve been committed to really following what I think is right about these things. No, it may not be very popular politically with our supporters.
pergram: When you look at the change, it seems like when you and I first talked, it was about borders and border security. That was where you differed from some of your Democratic colleagues.
Senator John Fetterman arrives at the U.S. Capitol on September 21, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Pedro Ugarte/AFP via Getty Images)
fetterman: When you start following the numbers that come out again, and you get to 200,000 or 250,000 people that you’re encountering at the border – it’s amazing. And let’s put that into the Pennsylvania context. I thought, “Oh my god.” That’s about the same size as Pittsburgh. ” And it is our second city. You can be very pro-immigration and at the same time demand and demand secure borders there as well. I don’t see why it’s really controversial for Democrats or Americans to be pro-immigration.
pergram: Another area you disagreed with was the Middle East. And just the other day, I think you were talking to some of your fellow Republicans about having a virtual meeting with (Israeli) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and asking if you could sit in on that meeting. Who did you approach about it? what did they say?
fetterman: It was very unfortunate that our caucus did not have such an opportunity. I wanted to hear from Prime Minister Netanyahu. In fact, I’ve even asked Republicans through back channels, “Can I just sit there for a second?” And you don’t even have to ask. ” And I’m always incredibly surprised, because of Hamas and what they’ve done, why don’t we talk about where this was? That is why there has not been a surge of protests demanding Hamas’s surrender in this regard. If you really want all of the misery and death and destruction to end, if they would just surrender, it would end tomorrow. Please release everyone (hostages). Please send them home. And it was very frustrating. And now we’re talking about 31,000 Palestinians being killed. And what you don’t talk about is that over 13,000 people are actually Hamas fighters. So why don’t you break it out too? And if we actually talk about the casualty rate, it is clear that this is not a genocide, or that the Israelis are targeting civilians. In fact, is it the only one that targets civilians? That is Hamas.
pergram: Here’s your name, please answer: Bob Menendez.
Fetterman:At this point, it makes little sense. His trial will take place within two months from now and it will be resolved. I can’t imagine what the type of evidence would be. Also keep in mind that this is his second trip to prom. You know, he just barely got out of there. And now he is rightly accused of being a foreign agent in three countries. In fact, two of them are key negotiators in the Gaza situation with Hamas. And how would this individual be allowed to participate in a confidential briefing regarding it? That’s surprising. And I was annoyed that someone was worried about whether I could wear a hoodie (in the Senate). That’s why this seems all the more urgent. Ensure that the reputation of the Senate is not damaged.
pergram: Why do you think the members didn’t call for him to be expelled or leave as much as you did? You were the most outspoken person when it came to Menendez.
fetterman: I don’t know. But what I can say is that Congressman (former George) Santos (R.N.Y.) was expelled and the Republicans did the right thing in that regard. It actually cost them a seat. So I thought that was the principled position.
pergram: When you came to the Senate, you had health issues while campaigning. After that, you were hospitalized for a while. Talk about the challenges you’ve faced while trying to represent the people of Pennsylvania and understand the Senate’s practices as you approach this new job. That’s a lot.
fetterman: Those health issues were weaponized and labeled as something that wasn’t actually (really) true. We have a very normal conversation. I now use captions to fully participate in it. It’s no different than having glasses. I can totally handle that.
pergram: Show the audience how this (subtitle system) works. That (device) translates what I’m saying. And you know what I mean too.
Senator John Fetterman in his office on June 22, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
fetterman: that’s right. And thanks to it, I can read books and process things perfectly, probably the same way you wear glasses. I want to be able to answer questions accurately when asked. Contains subtitles. And it’s just a tool. It allows me to fully participate in interviews and conversations with my children and colleagues, no matter where I am.
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pergram: Please tell me how you feel now compared to when you took office in February and January last year. All the stress of being a senator. I’m in the hospital. And how I feel now, a year later.
fetterman: I feel good. I feel very lucky every day to be a part of this movement. I wanted to make sure that depression and mental health were part of conversion. That’s the situation in red counties and blue counties. No matter where you stand politically or whoever is watching this right now (suffering from depression), I know it’s not you. Perhaps someone you love, know, or work with is suffering from an issue such as depression. And I encourage you to consider getting assistance. And that’s an important conversation we have to have. There are currently more than 50,000 Americans in this country who have tragically chosen to end their lives. It’s a contagious disease. And that’s the highest level ever. This is a conversation that may (not) have a political winner. But that’s what we should have. And I’m proud to be a part of it and to lead it.
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pergram: Senator Fetterman, thank you for your time. Thank you for your participation.
fetterman: It’s always fun talking to you.thank you
