In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and David McCormick met in Boston on Monday for what was intended to be a vigorous debate highlighting their differing ideologies.
Instead, the event resembled a friendly conversation between colleagues, an atmosphere increasingly difficult to achieve in today’s divided political landscape.
This encounter marked the sixth debate in a series dubbed “The Senate Project,” co-organized by the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate and the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation.
Both senators, new to their respective roles, initially struggled to find common ground, but as the discussion progressed, they demonstrated an unexpected level of agreement on various issues.
The debate kicked off with a question regarding a targeted act of terror that occurred in Boulder, Colorado, where an individual within shouting distance of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict injured several people while wielding a makeshift flamethrower.
McCormick expressed deep concern about the rising tide of antisemitism, urging the need for “complete moral clarity” in addressing such violence.
He emphasized, “You know, this is something that I’m terribly worried about, the growth of antisemitism here in our country, and it is something I know Sen. Fetterman and I share.”
Fetterman, dressed in his signature shorts and hoodie, promptly concurred with McCormick’s sentiments.
He shared his own apprehensions regarding how the ongoing conversations surrounding Israel and Palestine have been affected by increasing antisemitic rhetoric, stating, “It’s astonishing, the kinds of rank antisemitism. It’s out of control.”
Fetterman elaborated that the extent of antisemitism seems to be infiltrating both college campuses and mainstream society, highlighting his commitment to Israel even if it puts him at odds with some in his own party.
“I have people following me and screaming ‘free Palestine’ and ‘genocide John’ — and that’s been now going on for 18 months,” he said.
He expressed empathy for members of the Jewish community, admitting that he struggles with the personal assaults he faces for his stance.
In a surprising turn during the debate, Fetterman acknowledged that former President Trump may have made the right decision when he decided to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, which deviates from the common views held by many in his party.
When the topic of immigration arose, Fetterman asserted the necessity of securing the U.S. border, noting that the current figures indicate a population nearing that of Pittsburgh arriving at the southern border every month.
He insisted that support for immigration doesn’t contradict the need for border security, stating, “Being pro-immigration, and in favor of a secure border are not contrary concepts.”
Fetterman continued, “That sometimes puts me at odds with my party and my base to assume that I’ve changed my values and that’s never changed, that’s never changed.”
As the discussion shifted to Fetterman’s health, he revealed that McCormick was among the initial voices advocating for him during a campaign of disinformation.
“He actually asked me. It’s like, ‘is it okay to defend you? I don’t want that to create more political problems,’” Fetterman said, acknowledging the support from his colleague amidst the controversy.
McCormick humorously added his hesitation in defending Fetterman, expressing concerns that doing so might end up hurting the senator politically.
Despite their political differences, McCormick highlighted the mutual respect they share for their roles as public servants.
“We have many disagreements but the thing we both agree on, I think, is that it’s an honor to serve Pennsylvania and we want to work together to do great things whenever we can,” McCormick said, underscoring their commitment to collaborative governance.
This debate follows a repertoire of discussions that included notable bipartisan figures like South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham and Vermont’s Bernie Sanders, revealing a collective effort aimed at fostering dialogue across party lines.
The event was live-streamed on Fox Nation, and segments were slated to be featured on Fox News Channel’s “Special Report.”
For those who may have missed the lively exchange or previous debates in the series, they can find recordings and further details at thesenateproject.org.
image source from：https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/06/02/pennsylvania-senators-meet-for-debate-and-essentially-fail-to-disagree/
