Special Poll
Fetterman Urges Democrats to Relax Over Trump’s Presidency
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman (D) has a straightforward message for his fellow Democrats: calm down about President-elect Trump and his administration picks.
- Calls for Patience
- Fetterman advises Democrats to “chill” and not overreact prematurely, emphasizing that Trump hasn’t even taken office yet.
- “If you’re already exhausted and it’s not even Thanksgiving, you really need to pace yourselves,” Fetterman remarked during an NBC News interview.
- Focus on Perspective
- Fetterman urged Democrats to be more selective in their reactions, noting, “You have to be discerning about what’s truly alarming versus what’s just trolling.”
- He likened the situation to adapting to a long-term climate change: “It’s not the weather; it’s the climate now for the next four years.”
- Controversial Appointments
- Trump’s recent high-profile appointments have caused a stir in Washington:
- Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as Attorney General.
- Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence.
- Fox News commentator Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense.
- Trump’s recent high-profile appointments have caused a stir in Washington:
- Criticism of Gaetz’s Appointment
- Fetterman dismissed the Gaetz appointment as “nothing but trolling,” suggesting it’s designed to provoke outrage.
- “Even Republicans know who he is,” Fetterman noted, adding that Democrats’ overreactions only play into Trump’s hands.
- Lessons from the Election
- Reflecting on the 2024 presidential election, where Trump won in all seven battleground states, Fetterman highlighted missteps in Democratic outreach to key voter groups.
- He emphasized that reacting with outrage and moral indignation won’t help win future elections.
- Advice for Democrats
- Fetterman encouraged Democrats to avoid “pearl-clutching” and focus on strategy instead of reactionary behavior.
- “Louder scolding isn’t going to win,” he said, pointing to lessons learned from the latest election cycle.
Fetterman’s message underscores the importance of composure and focus as Democrats prepare for a challenging political landscape under Trump’s administration. His comments offer a reminder to stay measured and strategic, especially in the face of provocations.