John Fetterman admits Trump's connection to Pennsylvania is 'intense'

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman acknowledged former President Donald Trump’s deep-rooted popularity in Pennsylvania—a critical swing state that could influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.

Asked about his previous comments regarding Trump’s “special” connection with Pennsylvanians, Fetterman confirmed, "100%," and elaborated on Trump’s influence.

"There’s a difference between not understanding, but also acknowledging that it exists," Fetterman said. “Anybody spends time driving around, and you can see the intensity. It’s astonishing.”

Fetterman recalled a visit to Indiana County where he saw a large store devoted entirely to Trump memorabilia. “It’s the kind of thing that has taken on its own life. And it’s like something very special exists there. And that doesn’t mean that I admire it. It’s just — it’s real,” he explained.

“And now [Elon] Musk is joining him. I mean, to a lot of people, that’s Tony Stark. That’s the world’s richest guy. And he’s obviously, and undeniably, a brilliant guy, and he’s saying, 'Hey, that’s my guy for president.' That’s going to really matter,” Fetterman added.

Fetterman also addressed the Teamsters’ decision not to endorse a Democratic candidate this election, the first time the union has not endorsed a presidential candidate in almost three decades. Pennsylvania, a state with a large union population, could potentially have its outcome impacted by this decision.

“Well, I think that’s finally making the grassroots more official. I’ll never forget, I live directly across the street from the steel mill, and we were doing an event there for [Hillary] Clinton, and I asked the union president, 'Hey, where are we on Trump?' And he’s like, 'Yeah, probably half or 60 percent to two-thirds are voting for him,'” Fetterman shared.

“And some unions like [S.E.I.U.] and the government kinds of unions are still very, very Democratic. But those others, I think a lot of their membership, for a lot of people, Trump has that kind of a connection. That’s real. I witnessed that. And that’s why I’m concerned, and that’s why polls were inaccurate. And that’s why now I’m saying we got to fight for every last vote. It’s going to matter,” he added.

Discussing polling data, Fetterman noted past inaccuracies in predicting election outcomes, including his own victory by five points when polls had him trailing.

“Everybody thought that Clinton was going to just kill [Trump]. And of course, no,” he pointed out. “And the only thing that’s changed is he’s more popular. And you have Elon Musk standing right next to him. So, I’m not sure what else has changed, except if anything, Trump has become more capable to withstand whatever, you know, whether it was the trials or the assassination or all of those things, but here he is.”