Democratic Sen. John Fetterman addressed a Republican midterm convention by video on Wednesday, introducing Republican Dave McCormick and praising him as “a great American,” according to Headline USA in a report adapted from the Associated Press. The outlet reported the Dallas event was a two‑day rally aimed at energizing conservatives ahead of the midterms.
What Fetterman said in the video
Per Headline USA, Fetterman spoke for just over a minute. The outlet quoted him saying, “I’m always going to stand with America. I’m always going to reject the extremes and socialism and that anti‑American way of life.” Standing in front of a steel mill, he also said he “will work with President Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life,” the outlet reported.
Switch speculation—and his denial
Headline USA characterized the appearance as likely to intensify Democratic fears that Fetterman might switch parties. The outlet further stated that Democrats would need to pick up four GOP‑held Senate seats to regain the majority and would need one more if Fetterman joined Republicans. Later Wednesday, Fetterman issued a statement saying he will not switch parties, according to the same report.
The outlet quoted Fetterman calling McCormick “a great American and friend” and adding, “We are in different parties, but we are both Team PA.” He also said, “I’m a lifelong Democrat who votes overwhelmingly with my party — and should the Senate flip in November, I will still be the 51st vote that I ran on,” per Headline USA’s account.
How the outlet framed his recent positions
Headline USA reported that Fetterman has isolated himself within his party by backing Israel’s war in Gaza and criticizing candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America. The outlet also said he has at times sided with Republicans in the Senate, including voting to end last year’s shutdown, supporting several of President Donald Trump’s nominees, and opposing efforts to end the war in Iran. The report noted he has repeatedly said he wouldn’t switch parties, citing his support for labor unions, LGBTQ rights, and other issues important to the left.
Applause and social posts noted by the outlet
After the video, McCormick said, “How great is John Fetterman? Thank you, Senator Fetterman, for your friendship. Thank you for your courage. And thank you for all you do for Pennsylvania,” according to Headline USA.
The outlet also said the video was shared on a White House social media account with the caption “Based John Fetterman.” Separately, the report linked to a post from the account “Rapid Response 47” on Sept. 9, 2026, with the same caption.
