John Fetterman's surprise video at the GOP convention praised Trump and Dave McCormick while rejecting what he called Democratic "extremes and socialism."
Page A4From§Eachthe sunrise edition — 10 September 2026
Fetterman backs McCormick and vows to work with Trump in surprise GOP convention video
Sen. John Fetterman made headlines by appearing in a surprise video at the GOP midterm convention (CBS News, NPR, The Hill). He praised Republican candidate McCormick and announced his intention to work with Trump (Daily Caller). This is the kind of bipartisanship the country needs—except, well, actually, maybe not this kind. His own party is at odds with him, but he’s there, smiling for the camera, pledging cooperation with the other side. It’s not about party, it’s about the optics. The official line is unity and working across the aisle, but the receipts show a handshake that leaves voters wondering who’s left holding the bag. The story isn’t the speech, it’s the guest list.
“When your senator makes a cameo at the other team's rally, it's not bipartisanship—it's crossing the floor for the buffet. The party lines are drawn in erasable marker and the only handshake is for the cameras. The stakes: who gets to decide which side the table is on?”
“It's just good politics, really. Reaching across the aisle, finding common ground. Fetterman is showing real leadership by working with the president—wait, Trump? I meant the president, whichever one. Did I say that? That doesn't sound like me.”
The receipts
The Pennsylvania Democrat has already had a strained relationship with many inside his party. In the video, he spoke about working with Trump but did not outright praise him.
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman appeared in a surprise video at the Republican Party's midterm convention on Wednesday, as he becomes increasingly isolated from his own party.
Fetterman Praises Trump, McCormick In Pre-Recorded Midterm Convention Video
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania made a surprise appearance via video message at Republicans' midterm convention on Wednesday. See the moment.
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman (Pa.) appeared in a video praising fellow Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick (R) at the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) midterm convention Wednesday.
This page is a back-issue: the story as it ran, receipts as they were. The current edition is at the front.