Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania voiced concerns about the Democratic Party’s inclusiveness, suggesting it favored individuals who make controversial remarks about America over those who staunchly support Israel. His comments sparked discussion during the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, where he was questioned by CBS News’ Major Garrett about the possibility of leaving the Democratic Party.
Fetterman stated that it was easier for individuals to express views like “America deserved 9/11” or that the country is “worse than Al-Qaeda” than to proudly support Israel. He noted a growing anti-Israel sentiment among his party’s members, which he found troubling.
“I’m just describing that’s where a lot of the energy on the left is in my party,” Fetterman remarked, pointing to streamer Hasan Piker’s controversial comments as an example of where political enthusiasm is building on the left.
The sentiment among Democratic voters concerning Israel has shifted significantly. A Pew Research Center survey in March revealed that 80% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents viewed Israel unfavorably, a notable increase from 53% the previous year. Overall, 60% of American adults held unfavorable views of Israel.
Fetterman emphasized the importance of Israel as a special ally and suggested that losing support for Israel would signal a loss of belief in American values. If the Democratic Party officially becomes anti-Israel, Fetterman expressed his intention to leave the party.
“If our party ever becomes, and just makes it official, the anti-Israel party, that’s when I would leave, because that’s been a moral clarity for me,” Fetterman stated.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin addressed the tension, defending the party as a “big tent” while distancing from Hasan Piker’s remarks, which he deemed “disgusting and deplorable.” Martin clarified that Piker did not represent the Democratic Party or its elected officials.
Fetterman also referenced opposition within the Democratic Party concerning Israeli military assistance, noting resolutions introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders. In April, resolutions to block military sales to Israel saw significant Democratic backing. These did not include funding for the Iron Dome, which Fetterman separately mentioned as vital defensive assistance to Israel.
CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News Digital, contributed to the reporting of this issue. Womack has experience in analyzing and reporting on news media, with a background in Political Science and Journalism.