In a refreshing display of bipartisanship, Pennsylvania U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick came together for a civil conversation on Monday morning at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.
The event, co-sponsored by the Kennedy Institute and the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation, aimed to exemplify that individuals from opposite sides of the political spectrum could engage in dialogue without hostility.
During the 30-minute session, moderated by Fox News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream and aired live on FOX Nation, both senators acknowledged their ideological differences yet expressed a mutual commitment to serving Pennsylvania.
McCormick, who secured his position in the Senate by defeating a long-standing Democratic incumbent in the previous November election, stated, “We both care deeply about Pennsylvania. We are working together to do great things.”
The discussion spanned various pressing topics, including ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the impending Senate debate regarding President Donald Trump’s proposed “Big Beautiful Bill” to make his first-term tax cuts permanent, and a significant agreement involving U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel announced just days prior.
Among the more poignant moments in the conversation was the senators’ reaction to a recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, where a man reportedly used a homemade explosive device against peaceful demonstrators advocating for Israeli hostages in Gaza.
Fetterman, donning his signature black hoodie and shorts, reflected on his past engagement with McCormick during a commemorative event for a synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. He expressed concern over the rising tide of antisemitism, highlighting its alarming growth, particularly on college campuses.
He stated, “We need to call it what it is,” asserting that actions such as building tent cities on campuses and the intimidation of Jewish students do not constitute free speech.
McCormick mirrored Fetterman’s sentiments, proclaiming, “Antisemitism is something that we have to stand up against [with] moral clarity.”
The conversation then turned to the contentious topic of Trump’s megabill, which proposes significant cuts to social safety net programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Fetterman firmly opposed such cuts, linking the issue of food insecurity to his personal experiences in Braddock, where his wife, Gisele, works to feed those in need. He emphasized, “I see people standing in line for food. It’s not just because they want free stuff, it’s that they don’t have enough to eat.”
In contrast, McCormick stressed the necessity of addressing government spending, noting, “I think that’s where the debate’s going to be, ‘Is how do we pay for these things.’”
Fetterman, who has recently faced scrutiny regarding his mental and physical health following a stroke prior to the 2022 election and a hospitalization for depression early in his term, remarked on McCormick’s support during a challenging time.
He recalled, “He actually asked me, ‘Is it okay to defend you?’” reflecting a moment of solidarity amid the political fray.
Despite criticism over missed votes, Fetterman defended his record, insisting that the votes he did not attend were largely procedural and insignificant. “I’m here. I’m doing the job,” he asserted, affirming his commitment to his role in the Senate.
The discussion ended on a high note, celebrating civil discourse in a time when such interactions are often overshadowed by division. This dialogue between Fetterman and McCormick stands as a testament to the possibility of cooperation and mutual respect within the polarized landscape of American politics.
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