Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) pointedly criticized those who pushed President Joe Biden out of the 2024 presidential race, attributing Donald Trump’s victory to that decision. In a recent interview with Semafor, Fetterman voiced regret that his party didn’t stick with Biden, whom he believed had the best chance to beat Trump.
At a Glance:
- Fetterman Criticizes Biden’s Ousters: He argues that those who pushed Biden out must “own the outcome” of Trump’s win.
- Rough Debate: Fetterman acknowledged Biden’s poor debate against Trump but maintained Biden was still the party’s strongest option.
- Contrast with Pelosi: While Fetterman blames Biden’s critics, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) holds Biden responsible for Harris’s loss, arguing he should have stepped down sooner.
Fetterman contended that while Biden’s debate performance was challenging, Democrats faced two choices: “Double down on the only person that’s ever beat Trump, or demand an alternative.” He believes those who opted for the latter must now “embrace their culpability” for the election outcome.
Fetterman’s remarks clash with Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who, in an interview with The New York Times, expressed frustration with Biden’s timing. She argued that had he exited the race sooner, other candidates could have had a fair shot. This stance deviated from Pelosi’s previous statements supporting the primary process that led to Harris’s nomination.
Reflecting on the Pennsylvania assassination attempt on Trump, Fetterman highlighted how the incident created a powerful image that may have bolstered Trump’s support. He questioned whether the 2024 election cycle was even winnable for Democrats, given the events leading up to it, including Trump’s legal battles and polarizing figures like Elon Musk, whom Fetterman believes resonated with certain voter demographics in his state.
