In a rare show of bipartisanship, Pennsylvania Senators Dave McCormick (R) and John Fetterman (D) are set to host their first joint public event in Pittsburgh this Saturday. However, this move has not been well received by some Democrats, particularly activists and Fetterman’s former political opponents. The event, centered around McCormick’s new book on mentorship, has sparked protests from Democratic groups demanding more direct engagement with constituents.
Fetterman Faces Criticism for Bipartisanship
Senator John Fetterman’s decision to support McCormick’s book event has drawn criticism from within his party. Former Democratic Representative Conor Lamb, who ran against Fetterman in the 2022 Democratic primary, publicly questioned Fetterman’s priorities. Lamb accused Fetterman of focusing on a Republican colleague’s book promotion rather than addressing pressing issues in Pennsylvania.
“He should be listening to the people and addressing their concerns,” Lamb said in an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer. “Instead, it sounds like he’s going to be cheering on Dave McCormick’s book signing.”
The criticism highlights an ongoing debate within the Democratic Party—whether lawmakers should adopt a bipartisan approach or remain loyal to party interests, especially at a time when tensions between the parties remain high.
Protests Planned Over Lack of Town Halls
The event has also ignited frustration among activist groups such as Mondays Without McCormick Pittsburgh and Indivisible Pittsburgh. These groups argue that Fetterman and McCormick should be prioritizing town halls where they can directly address voters’ concerns rather than participating in a paid book event.
“Instead of holding town halls, they are selling a book at a ticketed event,” read a Facebook post from the protest organizers. The post also criticized potential Republican policies, including cuts to food assistance programs and education funding.
To add to the controversy, the event was initially scheduled to take place at City Winery in Pittsburgh but was later moved to an undisclosed location. Protesters, however, remain determined to make their voices heard and plan to demonstrate in the city’s Strip District.
Bipartisanship vs. Party Loyalty
Fetterman’s bipartisan approach has become a point of contention within the Democratic Party. Unlike many of his colleagues, he has openly met with former President Donald Trump and has shown support for policies such as the Laken Riley Act, which allows ICE to detain undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. These actions have set him apart from traditional Democratic stances, making him a polarizing figure among his party members.
“He’s been saying the same thing about Democrats for months,” Lamb continued. “We get it. But he has a job to do. Criticizing the party isn’t why people elected him.”
While McCormick has welcomed Fetterman’s willingness to work across the aisle, the Democratic establishment has been less enthusiastic. Some worry that his independent stance could weaken the party’s influence in critical swing states like Pennsylvania.
The Book Event: A Celebration or a Distraction?
McCormick’s book, Who Believed in You?, co-written with his wife, former Deputy National Security Advisor Dina Powell McCormick, focuses on mentorship from influential leaders. The Pittsburgh event will feature a conversation between the McCormicks and the Fettermans, discussing the importance of mentorship in leadership.
Despite the book’s positive message, the event’s $32 ticket price, which includes a copy of the book, has been ridiculed by critics as an attempt to monetize political engagement. Protesters argue that senators should be meeting with voters for free in open town halls rather than attending private events with controlled access.
Public Frustration Over Town Halls
The controversy in Pennsylvania reflects a broader trend across the U.S., where voters from both parties have expressed frustration over a lack of accessible town halls. Many Republican lawmakers have faced heated protests over policies affecting Medicare, Social Security, and government spending cuts, while Democratic lawmakers have been pressured to hold more public meetings.
In response, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has organized “People’s Town Halls” across the country, attempting to engage voters in districts where lawmakers have avoided in-person events.
In Florida, Democratic activists staged mock town halls featuring “missing” posters of Republican lawmakers who have refused to meet with their constituents. Similar efforts are now being considered in Pennsylvania in response to Fetterman and McCormick’s reluctance to hold a public Q&A session.
The Road Ahead for Fetterman and McCormick
Despite their political differences, Fetterman and McCormick have found common ground on several issues. They recently attended the NCAA Men’s Wrestling Championships together in Philadelphia and supported the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl. Their joint appearance at the book event is another step in their evolving political relationship.
However, the backlash from activists and Democratic opponents suggests that Fetterman’s bipartisan efforts may come at a political cost. With Pennsylvania being a crucial swing state in upcoming elections, his ability to balance party expectations with cross-party cooperation will be closely watched.
For now, as Pittsburgh prepares for the event and the planned protests, one thing is clear: the debate over bipartisanship versus party loyalty is far from over.
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