Pennsylvania
Related: About this forumAll three of John Fetterman's top communications staffers have resigned in the last month
Two staffers are leaving for more progressive political jobs. Fetterman has recently made a big deal of denouncing that ever-nebulous political label.Philly Inquirer link: https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/john-fetterman-staffers-joe-cavello-20240329.html
Fettermans former communications director, Joe Calvello, left earlier this month to work for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. And Emma Mustion, a press and digital aide also left Fettermans office to work on the reelection of Sen. Bob Casey.
Gavio and Calvello, two veterans of Bernie Sanders 2020 campaign, and Fettermans Senate campaign, offered nothing but nice comments about their new jobs. But Clout doesnt believe in coincidences, and it seems relevant that both are going to more progressive spaces, given that Fetterman has recently made a big deal of denouncing that ever-nebulous political label.
Fetterman has alienated some of his supporters on the left with his defense of Israels war against Hamas and his criticism of cease-fire activists. His office did not comment on the departures but chief of staff Adam Jentleson said the office has already hired replacements.
This isn't hard news so much as it's commentary by a political columnist on the Philly Inquirer staff.
Personally I don't se anything worth stirring up over Fetterman's desire to align himself with President Biden's policies. Fetterman is no less "progressive" now than during his campaign speeches, however he does recognize his responsibility to agree with the President whenever possible. Some Democrats may not like his way of thinking, but that's too bad.
Nothing to see here. No Democrats are in disarray.
bucolic_frolic
(46,971 posts)and I wonder if his move to the middle is to help Bob Casey's campaign for re-election this year. You win elections by occupying the political middle. Shrewd as I said.
FalloutShelter
(12,746 posts)This is a very divided state. I am happy to support a principled Democratic Senator who is not willing to cut off his nose to spite MY face.
bucolic_frolic
(46,971 posts)Deminpenn
(16,303 posts)in Pennsylvania, Bernie swept the "red" counties. There is an appetite for Bernie's message. In fact, Bob Casey is and always has been basically an economic populist.
stopdiggin
(12,817 posts)And people have a right to work with and for things that align with their viewpoints.
On the other hand - purity tests are a huge detriment to any kind of cohesion within party - and translates into ineffectual movement and diminished gains for all. And Sen Fetterman is clearly the person that won the seat - and appears to be quite capable of forming his own opinion - and definitions of allegiance.
Deminpenn
(16,303 posts)from Chicago. Another one is going to work for the Working Familiies Party, more in line with his views.
I recall reading that some of Sen Casey's staff went over to Fetterman after he was elected to help him set up his office with good staffers who knew how the Senate/Congress works. I'm not really surprised at least one of them would return to Sen Casey.
I voted for Fetterman, but think the jury is still out on him. I won't be shocked if he's a one term senator either by his own choice or by the voters. I'm happy he votes with Biden/Dems which is a key to continuing to confirm federal judges. During the campaign his social media trolling, hoodie and cargo pants had a place, but he's a US Senator now, a job that comes with a dress code and a requirement for decorum. He needs to grow up and maybe is showing signs of doing so.
stopdiggin
(12,817 posts)the board shorts thing fails to impress (on top of being just kind of childish and silly)
Other hand - he does have the right to pursue his own agenda and conscience. And 'progressives feeling betrayed' (which is kind of where I thought this article was heading) - is pretty much an every day event. 'Feeling betrayed' is their wheelhouse and SOP. So - to be expected?