Comedian Jon Stewart challenged Sen. John Fetterman's insistence that left-leaning Democratic candidates must support Israel, questioning the stance during a preview clip for Stewart's podcast, "The Weekly Show."
Stewart pressed Fetterman on why support for Israel serves as a "red line" for him when considering Democratic candidates, particularly those associated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
"You could agree with them 90%, but Israel is the red line?" Stewart asked. Fetterman responded, "Absolutely. I can’t ever turn my back to Israel after where its at."
Stewart countered, "I mean no disrespect on this, but that is not our country."
Fetterman stated that candidates might align with his views on the economy, campaign finance reform, and social safety nets, but if they do not agree on Israel, he would not want them in the Democratic Party.
When Fetterman asked Stewart to name politicians fitting this description, Stewart listed Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Fetterman reiterated his position that socialists should not run as Democrats, suggesting they should run under their own banner. Stewart compared this to factions within the Republican Party, such as the Freedom Caucus, noting that members do not always agree with every aspect of the party platform.
Stewart argued that Fetterman's position implies a discussion is permissible on all Democratic platform points except for Israel, which he described as a peculiar boundary given Israel is not the United States.
Fetterman disagreed, stating that historical context demonstrates negative outcomes when individuals "turn their back to the Jewish community." Stewart interjected to clarify that "Jewish community and Israel are not the same thing."
Fetterman affirmed his consistent support for Israel, stating he would always vote to protect the country and support actions against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.
Fetterman, who has previously criticized the far-left's views on Israel and socialism, also contended that these groups remained silent when Iran reportedly killed pro-democracy protesters.
Stewart questioned if Fetterman believed the left supported the Iranian regime. Fetterman clarified that he disagreed with any Democrat who is accepting of Iran potentially building a nuclear bomb, a point Stewart suggested was a caricature of the issue.
This exchange comes as Fetterman has previously voiced opposition to members of the DSA, including calling New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani a "clown" for advocating for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.