On Politics

Wed May 8 2024

Sudiksha Kochi | Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter

@KochiSudiksha

Hey OnPolitics readers! In the months since the Israel-Hamas war began, John Fetterman, the junior Democratic senator from Pennsylvania, has become one of his party's most outspoken supporters of Israel.

He's on an island apart from his Democratic peers, most of whom have attempted to strike a balance between supporting Israel's interest in self defense while condemning the carnage that has come from its airstrikes and ground invasion on the Gaza Strip , the USA TODAY Network's Riley Beggin and Bruce Siwy reported. He's also become a vocal critic of the pro-Palestine protests that have popped up on college campuses around the country.

❓Who is Fetterman? Fetterman gained national attention during his 2022 Senate campaign in part because he was willing to be what few other high-profile politicians would be: A troll. His campaign against Republican Mehmet Oz became flooded with memes as the Fetterman camp lampooned its celebrity doctor rival as an out-of-touch New Jersey transplant.

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👐 Fetterman's Israel stance attracts the GOP: Fetterman's outspoken support for Israel has drawn praise and even some financial support from Republicans, which he has embraced. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., told USA TODAY that she's "grateful for his leadership and his willingness to be bold."

🗳️Fetterman still campaigns for Biden: The senator told USA TODAY that while they sometimes disagree, President Joe Biden is "an awesome president, and I'm all in on him." Fetterman has already been on the campaign trail stumping for Biden – including appearing in Orlando over the weekend to speak at the Florida Democratic Party's fundraiser.