Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman has sharply criticized his fellow Democrat, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, over the latter's increasing influence in Democratic primaries. Fetterman voiced concerns that Sanders' backing of progressive candidates could jeopardize the party's chances in competitive elections.
In a recent interview, Fetterman questioned the strategy of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members operating within the Democratic Party, suggesting they should form their own political organization. "Why can't the DSA people… they should just run as their own party?" Fetterman stated, urging voters to be more aware of the individuals and movements shaping the party's direction.
Fetterman's remarks followed a recent clash with Sanders, who had criticized Fetterman's alignment with Pennsylvania Democrats. Sanders suggested that Fetterman's views represented only a fraction of the state's Democratic voters and indicated he was out of step with the party on various issues, including policy towards Israel.
"I'd just like to remind everybody watching right now that Bernie Sanders will never represent any more than about 640,000 people in Vermont," Fetterman said during the interview, referencing Sanders' home state. "That's all he's ever done, and he ever will do. He's never won an actual competitive election."
Fetterman accused Sanders of providing "lectures on how to win" while backing candidates he deemed "volatile and dangerous." He contrasted this with his own record, stating, "I've flipped seats. Now he's never done that thing."
The dispute comes as Sanders has seen a significant endorsement victory in Michigan, where his backed candidate, Abdul El-Sayed, won the Democratic Senate nomination. El-Sayed defeated Representative Haley Stevens by a narrow margin in a crowded primary field.
Fetterman has previously pointed to other endorsements, such as that of former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, whose campaign ended after allegations surfaced. Fetterman accused Sanders of supporting Platner despite warning signs, telling Semafor last week, "You were the carnival barker for an accused rapist."
Sanders, appearing on "Meet the Press," defended his endorsement of Platner, characterizing it as easy to be a "Monday morning quarterback." He stated that Platner had run a strong campaign before withdrawing due to serious allegations made by a woman.
Sanders continues to support other progressive candidates, including James Talarico in Texas's Democratic Senate race, focusing on economic populism, healthcare reform, and challenging Republican policies.