Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) shared his thoughts on the recent protest staged by some of his Democratic peers against President Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday. He suggested that their actions only served to enhance the president’s image, making him appear “more presidential.”
Fetterman took to X on Wednesday, describing the protest as “a sad cavalcade of self owns and unhinged petulance,” adding that it had the effect of making Trump look “more presidential and restrained.” He further remarked, “We’re becoming the metaphorical car alarms that nobody pays attention to — and it may not be the winning message.”
Accompanying his comments was a screenshot from Politico’s website, which featured a headline indicating that Democratic efforts to oppose Trump had “fallen flat.” According to snap polls from CBS, YouGov, and CNN, most viewers expressed approval of the president’s speech.
These remarks came in the wake of multiple Democratic lawmakers either choosing to skip the address entirely or walking out during the speech. Others displayed their disapproval by wearing t-shirts or holding signs that criticized various executive actions taken by Trump in his first weeks in office.
Throughout his address, Trump frequently referenced the Democratic protests, pointing out moments when they refused to stand or applaud, particularly when he acknowledged special guests like Marc Fogel, an American teacher recently released from Russian detention.
David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist, also weighed in, condemning the protest tactics and singling out Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) for his disruptive behavior during the speech. Green was escorted out of the House chamber after shouting about potential cuts to Medicaid and other social welfare programs. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called for Green to be censured over the outburst, and a resolution for censure was introduced by another Republican lawmaker.
On Wednesday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) praised the behavior of most of his party’s members during the address but refrained from commenting on the protests.
Fetterman and other figures within the party have expressed concern that if such protests continue, the Democratic Party risks losing its connection with voters.
{Matzav.com}
