Fetterman can now join a list of weak, feckless public officials who can model the phrase “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything”. Now in the private sector, Manchin and Sinema are still in the pockets of millionaires and billionaires covering for trumps shameless and corrupt practices. Senators Rosen and Gillibrand can also join the Fetterman shit show. They lack spine and decency.
Well, Kris--you are more influential than I--you and Rick Wilson should make it your mission to convince the lefty media to start doing exactly that--giving more air time to Down Ballot Dem Candidates instead of ranting about trump. Be relentless, forceful, ferocious and insistent about it. I have written letters to some of them to say what they should do ad even listed the names of at least 20 candidates, (for the last 2 years!) but my letters have gone unanswered or acknowledged. But you are waaaaay more important than I--so use your influence!!
I hope a Democrat challenges Fetterman in PA. His allegiance is not with the Democrats, with a few exceptions. Let him join the Republicans, where he might be better suited.
Sally, I couldn’t agree more. In a perfect world, a Democrat would challenge Fetterman — not out of spite, but out of necessity. His allegiance clearly isn’t with the people who put him there, and every time he parrots right-wing talking points or skips out on meaningful votes, it becomes harder to defend him as anything but a placeholder.
If he’s more comfortable echoing Republican rhetoric, then he should go sit with them. But what really burns is that he’s doing this on the dime and trust of Democratic voters who believed in his working-class story. We need representation that fights upward, not sideways — and definitely not toward the same party that’s undermining democracy in real time.
I'm becoming increasingly frustrated that the lefty TV media STILL spend 99% of their time rantig about trump instead of spending time giving so many Down Ballot Democrats air time. If those Dems win seats that incumbent republicans now hold, the gavel will go to Hakeem and gerrymandering won't be legal.Because a Dem majority can pass laws with viper teeth enforcement powers. And the dictator can be impeached, convicted, stripped of all his powers, illegally and just pain ill gotten gains, maybe even all his properties that he bled the gov'mt to prop up, along with his Oligarchs... but first, a large swath of repub House members have to defect. It could covince some Senators to follow suit.
Jan, in a perfect world you’d get all your money back — or at the very least, Fetterman would actually do the job people believed they were funding him to do. You’re right that the media keeps obsessing over Trump instead of focusing on down-ballot Democrats who could actually make a difference in the balance of power. If Democrats flipped even a few of those gerrymandered districts, it could shift everything — enforcement powers, legislation, even accountability for the chaos we’re living through.
Your point about how a strong Democratic majority could actually do something — pass laws with teeth, curb gerrymandering, and maybe hold bad actors accountable — is exactly the conversation national outlets should be having. Instead, they feed the outrage machine, while local and lesser-known candidates barely get a mention.
And you’re absolutely right about Fetterman’s absenteeism and hollow performances. He rode a wave of sympathy and rebellion into office, but now that he’s there, he’s doing very little for the people who believed in him. Voters shouldn’t have to feel conned after the fact — especially by someone who promised authenticity and decency.
If accountability means getting some of that campaign money back, so be it. But until that fantasy becomes reality, the least we can demand is that the people who asked for our trust earn it by showing up and doing the work.
I was one of those who contributed happily to Fetterman's campaign; now I want my money back. I did not know he is so absent in the Senate and has become such a shallow legislator.We can't afford him anymore.
I hear you — a lot of people feel the same way. Fetterman inspired folks by speaking to working-class frustration, but his follow-through hasn’t matched the rhetoric. Voters deserve accountability from the candidates who ran on authenticity, not silence once they got to Washington.
I think it may be too early to throw in the towel on Fetterman. I live in Pittsburgh and when I first heard that Fetterman was running in the PA senatorial primary I was thrilled. Look, the alternative was Conor Lamb, who a few years earlier made it to the US House, mainly on his good looks and pressure from his family. Conor is a bright man. He's my neighbor. But, he is an empty suit.
Fetterman scored a two to one primary victory over Lamb. That was a huge shock ot Conor's supporters. I am not thrilled with Fetterman. But he's not Lamb. That is good.
Nita, I really appreciate your thoughtful take — especially coming from someone in Pittsburgh who’s seen this up close. I get where you’re coming from about not throwing in the towel too early, and I understand why Fetterman’s winLamb felt like a breath of fresh air at the time. Lamb came across as a little too polished, a little too “safe,” and Fetterman’s authenticity seemed like the antidote to that. I get it — I felt that too.
But my issue with Fetterman isn’t just style; it’s substance. He’s lost the fire that made him compelling in the first place. The man who once promised to fight for working families now seems more focused on picking fights online and cozying up to people whose policies hurt those very same families. The disillusionment isn’t about his recovery or health — it’s about his judgment, his priorities, and his growing comfort with the spotlight.
You’re right that Lamb had his own flaws — he could come off as overly polished and cautious — but at least there was a baseline of discipline there. What worries me about Fetterman is that his populist persona has turned into performance art. When you build a political identity around being “different,” you eventually have to deliver something that matters beyond the hoodie and headlines.
At the end of the day, though, you’re absolutely right — it’ll be up to you and the people of Pennsylvania to decide what happens next. My role is to raise the questions; yours is to decide whether the answers he’s giving are good enough.
It's not like we don't have good alternatives to Fetterman, who, to be kind, might have been more seriously damaged by his stroke than anyone let on. But in any case, with a MAGA apologist and corporate stooge as our other senator, we sorely need an actual voice for us working actively and ably in DC. Brendan Boyle and Chris DeLuzio are young, energetic, honest, smart and able. So is Josh Shapiro. And Bob Casey, our former senator who lost to McCormick by a hair, might be tempted to run again. Our attorney general, David Sunday, recently stood up to Trump's illegal efforts to tap our voter records. I'm sure there are others. Not like we're Alabama, where Tommy Tuberville will go from ineptitude in the Senate to ditto in the governor's mansion. We have a proud history and we do indeed deserve someone more able and willing than Senator Fetterman. I expect those in the know are aware and vetting any number of potential replacements right now.
Leigh, I think you hit on something really important here. You’re absolutely right that Pennsylvania isn’t lacking in talent or leadership potential — it’s just been lacking the political will to elevate those people. I agree that Fetterman’s stroke probably took a heavier toll than anyone in his camp wanted to admit, but what’s become harder to ignore is how that’s collided with his ego and opportunism. Compassion for his health doesn’t mean overlooking his choices.
You named several great examples — Brendan Boyle, Chris DeLuzio, Josh Shapiro, even Bob Casey — all people who understand that representing Pennsylvania means showing up for its working families, not auditioning for Fox News soundbites. And I’m glad you mentioned David Sunday, because standing up to Trump’s illegal tactics in Pennsylvania took real backbone. That’s the kind of integrity Democrats should be rewarding.
You’re also right that this isn’t Alabama — Pennsylvanians do have a proud history of demanding better. The fact that so many people are even talking seriously about replacements says a lot about how deep the disappointment runs. We’re not writing the state off; we’re trying to hold it to its own standard.
I really appreciate this comment, Leigh. You didn’t just vent — you laid out a roadmap for what renewal could look like. Accountability isn’t disloyalty; it’s the first step toward getting representation that’s worthy of the people it serves.
I was going to say 'bum' but my understanding is that he did change because of the stroke (brain damage!) or the debilitating depression he suffered from later.
The question is: who can primary him? If he and his family have the poor judgment to run again.
The pro-Israeli mob will fund him generously, of that we can be sure.
Kristine, you’re absolutely right — the frustration is justified. “Throw the guy out” pretty much sums up the mood of a lot of voters right now. And while some people point to his stroke or the depression as explanations for his shift, that doesn’t excuse the choices he’s made since. Health issues can earn empathy, but they don’t erase accountability. If he’s not able or willing to do the job, the responsible thing would be to step aside — not to hide behind his diagnosis while betraying the voters who carried him there.
You’re also spot-on about the primary question. The real challenge will be finding someone who can channel the same working-class energy he once pretended to embody — but with actual follow-through. There are Democrats in Pennsylvania with that fire, and I have no doubt we’ll see some names step up if he decides to run again.
And yes, the pro-Israel donor class will absolutely throw money his way — not because they believe in him, but because he’s become convenient cover. It’s the same grift we’ve seen before: perform independence, collect praise from the right, and rake in cash from the people you swore to challenge.
Appreciate your comment and your honesty, Kristine. These aren’t easy conversations for Democrats to have, but they’re necessary if the goal is to save the party from the politicians using it as a brand.
Kristoffer, I didn't mean his health issues should absolve him of responsibility.
He should have stepped down by now.
And-- this isn't a difficult convo for me. The Rollover Dems have infuriated me for decades. I vote Democratic unless I can safely do a protest vote. I pay a lot of attention. It's probably why my hair went gray.
Couldn’t agree more, taxbarbie. At this point, “hack” might actually be generous. The job requires humility, consistency, and follow-through — three things he’s managed to sidestep entirely. Pennsylvania didn’t elect a mascot or a meme; they elected someone they thought would fight for working people and bring decency back to the role.
You’re right — he needs to do better, much better. The frustration people are expressing here isn’t pettiness; it’s the sound of voters realizing they were promised authenticity and got attitude instead.
Thanks for jumping in — accountability only works when people refuse to let mediocrity slide.
I regret donating money for his campaign. I live in FL where I usually can see a grifter a mile away. I love your analysis of him .
Its not that we still dont have sympathy its that he has turned into freaken Krysten Sinema another progressive turn lobbyist for now data centers.
Also the historic peace deal that lasted 3 days??? Or a week?
All his life dumpy has wanted Peace prize or was it until he saw Obama got one had to tell.
He has also unleashed tragedies to Hispanic communities here in the USA.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Amen Moral Bankruptcy is right on the money.
Dude if he doesn’t want the job there Conor Lamb and Malcolm Kenyatta are waiting for a call. Its reminding of what Dale in the new King of Hill looked like when he won for mayor. He didnt want the job or the responsibility he just wanted to do to be interesting.
😂😂😂😂revolving door at wawa restroom .
Amen irony is his wife runs a food rescue. The height of tone deaf. LOLOL
Amen !! Penn voters call his office or shapiro to replace his ass.
Yep 🫰🫰🫰standards and boundaries. Amen
I love this perfect read on a person who conned PA voters and wants to have a job after senate in lobbying like Krysten Sinema.
Yeah, Nenapoma — we’ve talked about this before, and you’re absolutely right. But the onus is on Fetterman, not on the people who believed in him. I gave money to his campaign too — and to Malcolm Kenyatta — because the expectation was simple: if you’re elected, you do the job you promised to do. That’s not idealism; that’s accountability.
And stay tuned — I actually have an upcoming Lincoln Square piece digging into this exact pattern: the “Democrat grift” that keeps showing up in folks like Sinema, Fetterman, Eric Adams, and now this new one, Platner. It’s the same story over and over — progressives who build their careers on authenticity and empathy, only to cash it in for influence, vanity, or Fox News airtime.
You were spot-on about that “historic peace deal” that barely lasted a week — pure performative politics. And yeah, the irony of his wife running a food rescue while he votes in ways that make life harder for working families? You can’t script it better.
You’re right again about standards and boundaries — voters shouldn’t lower expectations just because someone once made them feel hopeful. The moral bankruptcy line was dead-on; he’s become a walking example of what happens when conviction turns into content.
Thanks, as always, for cutting straight through the noise. You’ve got a sharp eye for spotting the grifters before the rest of the crowd catches on.
The biggest irony is they are propped up by PSA Bernie and other influencers by saying this the way democratic politicians need to talk and act. Bro Plantner Nazi tattoo on his chest and thats what you are choosing to platform? That should be an easy choice for Mainer no Nazis. the Podsave america people continue ticking me off and making me happy that there’s a Lincoln Square and Lincoln Project .
Totally agree with you Kristoffer, I too voted for him and now all he does is beg for money. I don't believe in supporting someone who isn't doing the job that we voted him to do. I kind of look at VOTE for Senators and Representatives and "hiring" them with the hope that they will do good things for the people of our state. However, he ended up being a better mayor of for Braddock, PA than he's ever been for the Senator of Pennsylvania! Not that OZ would have been any better and he's ended up working in the cabinet of horrors in CDC and HHS land.
P.J., I really appreciate your honesty — and I completely get where you’re coming from. Like you, I initially believed Fetterman might be that rare mix of authenticity and grit, someone who’d actually do the job instead of chasing attention. Supporting someone you thought would fight for Pennsylvania isn’t something to regret — that’s what engaged voters are supposed to do.
You’re absolutely right that a senator’s job isn’t just about holding the seat — it’s about earning it every single day. When someone starts treating it like a platform instead of a public trust, it’s a betrayal of the people who put them there. And you nailed it with your line about “hiring” representatives; that’s exactly how democracy is supposed to work. The voters are the employers — and Fetterman’s performance would get him written up in any other job.
I also agree with your point about him being a better mayor of Braddock than a senator. Local leadership forced him to stay close to real people and real problems. In Washington, though, he’s drifted toward performance politics — all attitude, no accountability. And you’re right: Oz wouldn’t have been better, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that we’re still getting less than we were promised.
Thank you for speaking up and engaging so clearly. You’re not just venting — you’re articulating exactly why voters feel disillusioned right now, and that clarity matters.
But I truly hope it doesn't discourage people from voting. Because I'm sure there are other people out there that truly want to make things better. As a matter of fact I've met a slew of them on Substack! People that know what it will take and ways to get it done as well.
I received an email today from Dave McCormick, PA's other useless Senator. At the top of the email was this line: "Unfortunately, we've now reached Day 26 of the government shutdown. I have voted 12 times to reopen the government and will always vote to keep it open, no matter which party is in the majority. Although we are in different parties, Senator Fetterman and I agree: there is no excuse for shutting down the government." This was followed with a picture of them together and a video of them complaining about the shutdown.
I donated to Fetterman's campaign and now believe he didn't mean a damn thing he said while campaigning. If his candidacy was a product that I purchased from a store I would demand a refund!!
Terry, don’t feel bad or duped — you did exactly what the moment called for. The alternative at the time wasn’t leadership, it was chaos. You supported the candidate who promised to fight for the people of Pennsylvania, and that’s what any responsible voter would have done. If anyone should be looking in the mirror and feeling shame, it’s Fetterman — not the voters who believed in him.
That email from McCormick says a lot, though. Fetterman standing beside him and echoing his talking points about the shutdown isn’t bipartisanship; it’s theater. You’re absolutely right — when someone spends more energy looking “independent” than actually doing the work, it starts to look like attention-seeking, not public service.
And I agree with you completely on the donations — this isn’t about money, it’s about trust. People like you gave in good faith, expecting integrity and fight in return. What you’ve seen instead is a man more interested in headlines than hard work.
You did your part, Terry. He’s the one who owes the voters — not the other way around.
Angie, I hear you — the frustration is absolutely justified. Pennsylvania deserves a senator who moves progress forward, not someone who keeps getting in the way of it. Whether it’s through laziness, arrogance, or health issues that make him unfit for the job, the end result is the same: a state left without strong, consistent representation.
Voters didn’t send Fetterman to Washington to coast or chase attention; they sent him there to work, to fight for the people who believed in him. And when that faith gets betrayed, it’s not “mean” to demand accountability — it’s responsible citizenship.
Thank you for saying what so many are thinking. Pennsylvania’s too important to be shortchanged by someone who’s clearly checked out.
Haha, smarmy but smart. Fetterman as "moral bankruptcy in a hoodie" paints a ghoulish picture. If he can't do his job because of medical issues or just doesn't want to do it because he's lazy doesn't matter. He has an extremely important vote. And it isn't just for Pennsylvania!!! Has he been cognitively tested? His personality change seems like he's had a metaphorical frontal lobotomy from one of his strokes
Marci, you nailed it with that phrase — “moral bankruptcy in a hoodie.” It’s poetic and painfully accurate. I gave him grace early on because of the stroke and the recovery period that followed, but at some point, the issue stops being medical and starts being moral. Whether his disengagement is from health complications, laziness, or just ego, the result is the same: Pennsylvania is being shortchanged.
You’re also right that his vote matters far beyond the state. When a senator starts treating an entire seat like a personality platform instead of a public responsibility, the ripple effect touches everything from the ACA to national judicial appointments. That’s not something voters anywhere can afford to shrug off.
As for the cognitive testing question — that’s fair to ask. Transparency isn’t cruelty; it’s accountability. If his personality shift really is as severe as it appears, the public deserves to know. Leadership isn’t just about showing up; it’s about being present in the job.
Thank you for articulating that frustration so clearly. The “frontal lobotomy” metaphor made me laugh, but the truth behind it stings — because what we’re watching isn’t just a health story, it’s a decline in seriousness.
What's going on in this country right now deserves serious people at the helm of the opposition party. They need to be on their A+ game. Unfortunately, Fetterman gets an F but a lot of others get Cs and Ds. They have pretty much let the ship sail. Trump has them hamstringed. Our best hope is that his plan to hold the most vulnerable in our country hostage will fall flat on it face. I am just afraid that Trump will pitch another plan that sounds golden on the surface but is just a facade like so much else. And my party, the Democratic party, the so-called opposition party, will fall right into his trap, clutching their pearls so to speak, when they really just need to step away from the cliff.
Good article! It’s my understanding he has dinner with Steve Bannon! Mr. Bannon wants another coup against this country like January 6 th! Whatever this current administration says don’t believe it !
Linda, I really appreciate you reading and weighing in — and you’re right, that rumor about Fetterman reportedly dining with Steve Bannon has been circulating for a while now, and if true, it would speak volumes about the kind of company he’s keeping. Bannon’s entire brand revolves around stoking division and rebranding authoritarianism as patriotism, so anyone cozying up to him should immediately raise red flags.
Your larger point hits home: we’ve seen how figures like Bannon weaponized disinformation and anti-democratic rhetoric to fuel movements like January 6th. When Democrats—or anyone claiming to defend democracy—start flirting with those same elements, it’s not bipartisanship; it’s betrayal.
Thanks again for your comment and support. These conversations matter because they help expose who’s actually standing up for the country and who’s just playing both sides for attention.
Fetterman can now join a list of weak, feckless public officials who can model the phrase “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything”. Now in the private sector, Manchin and Sinema are still in the pockets of millionaires and billionaires covering for trumps shameless and corrupt practices. Senators Rosen and Gillibrand can also join the Fetterman shit show. They lack spine and decency.
Well, Kris--you are more influential than I--you and Rick Wilson should make it your mission to convince the lefty media to start doing exactly that--giving more air time to Down Ballot Dem Candidates instead of ranting about trump. Be relentless, forceful, ferocious and insistent about it. I have written letters to some of them to say what they should do ad even listed the names of at least 20 candidates, (for the last 2 years!) but my letters have gone unanswered or acknowledged. But you are waaaaay more important than I--so use your influence!!
I hope a Democrat challenges Fetterman in PA. His allegiance is not with the Democrats, with a few exceptions. Let him join the Republicans, where he might be better suited.
:
Sally, I couldn’t agree more. In a perfect world, a Democrat would challenge Fetterman — not out of spite, but out of necessity. His allegiance clearly isn’t with the people who put him there, and every time he parrots right-wing talking points or skips out on meaningful votes, it becomes harder to defend him as anything but a placeholder.
If he’s more comfortable echoing Republican rhetoric, then he should go sit with them. But what really burns is that he’s doing this on the dime and trust of Democratic voters who believed in his working-class story. We need representation that fights upward, not sideways — and definitely not toward the same party that’s undermining democracy in real time.
I'm becoming increasingly frustrated that the lefty TV media STILL spend 99% of their time rantig about trump instead of spending time giving so many Down Ballot Democrats air time. If those Dems win seats that incumbent republicans now hold, the gavel will go to Hakeem and gerrymandering won't be legal.Because a Dem majority can pass laws with viper teeth enforcement powers. And the dictator can be impeached, convicted, stripped of all his powers, illegally and just pain ill gotten gains, maybe even all his properties that he bled the gov'mt to prop up, along with his Oligarchs... but first, a large swath of repub House members have to defect. It could covince some Senators to follow suit.
Jan, in a perfect world you’d get all your money back — or at the very least, Fetterman would actually do the job people believed they were funding him to do. You’re right that the media keeps obsessing over Trump instead of focusing on down-ballot Democrats who could actually make a difference in the balance of power. If Democrats flipped even a few of those gerrymandered districts, it could shift everything — enforcement powers, legislation, even accountability for the chaos we’re living through.
Your point about how a strong Democratic majority could actually do something — pass laws with teeth, curb gerrymandering, and maybe hold bad actors accountable — is exactly the conversation national outlets should be having. Instead, they feed the outrage machine, while local and lesser-known candidates barely get a mention.
And you’re absolutely right about Fetterman’s absenteeism and hollow performances. He rode a wave of sympathy and rebellion into office, but now that he’s there, he’s doing very little for the people who believed in him. Voters shouldn’t have to feel conned after the fact — especially by someone who promised authenticity and decency.
If accountability means getting some of that campaign money back, so be it. But until that fantasy becomes reality, the least we can demand is that the people who asked for our trust earn it by showing up and doing the work.
I was one of those who contributed happily to Fetterman's campaign; now I want my money back. I did not know he is so absent in the Senate and has become such a shallow legislator.We can't afford him anymore.
I am sickened and disgusted that I actually contributed to his previous Senate campaign. I would never give him another cent!!
I hear you — a lot of people feel the same way. Fetterman inspired folks by speaking to working-class frustration, but his follow-through hasn’t matched the rhetoric. Voters deserve accountability from the candidates who ran on authenticity, not silence once they got to Washington.
I think it may be too early to throw in the towel on Fetterman. I live in Pittsburgh and when I first heard that Fetterman was running in the PA senatorial primary I was thrilled. Look, the alternative was Conor Lamb, who a few years earlier made it to the US House, mainly on his good looks and pressure from his family. Conor is a bright man. He's my neighbor. But, he is an empty suit.
Fetterman scored a two to one primary victory over Lamb. That was a huge shock ot Conor's supporters. I am not thrilled with Fetterman. But he's not Lamb. That is good.
Nita, I really appreciate your thoughtful take — especially coming from someone in Pittsburgh who’s seen this up close. I get where you’re coming from about not throwing in the towel too early, and I understand why Fetterman’s winLamb felt like a breath of fresh air at the time. Lamb came across as a little too polished, a little too “safe,” and Fetterman’s authenticity seemed like the antidote to that. I get it — I felt that too.
But my issue with Fetterman isn’t just style; it’s substance. He’s lost the fire that made him compelling in the first place. The man who once promised to fight for working families now seems more focused on picking fights online and cozying up to people whose policies hurt those very same families. The disillusionment isn’t about his recovery or health — it’s about his judgment, his priorities, and his growing comfort with the spotlight.
You’re right that Lamb had his own flaws — he could come off as overly polished and cautious — but at least there was a baseline of discipline there. What worries me about Fetterman is that his populist persona has turned into performance art. When you build a political identity around being “different,” you eventually have to deliver something that matters beyond the hoodie and headlines.
At the end of the day, though, you’re absolutely right — it’ll be up to you and the people of Pennsylvania to decide what happens next. My role is to raise the questions; yours is to decide whether the answers he’s giving are good enough.
We have a lot to talk about, Kristoffer. Fetterman, Lamb, DeLuzio (cream of the crop), Shapiro, Biden and George Clooney. Looking forward to it.
It's not like we don't have good alternatives to Fetterman, who, to be kind, might have been more seriously damaged by his stroke than anyone let on. But in any case, with a MAGA apologist and corporate stooge as our other senator, we sorely need an actual voice for us working actively and ably in DC. Brendan Boyle and Chris DeLuzio are young, energetic, honest, smart and able. So is Josh Shapiro. And Bob Casey, our former senator who lost to McCormick by a hair, might be tempted to run again. Our attorney general, David Sunday, recently stood up to Trump's illegal efforts to tap our voter records. I'm sure there are others. Not like we're Alabama, where Tommy Tuberville will go from ineptitude in the Senate to ditto in the governor's mansion. We have a proud history and we do indeed deserve someone more able and willing than Senator Fetterman. I expect those in the know are aware and vetting any number of potential replacements right now.
Leigh, I think you hit on something really important here. You’re absolutely right that Pennsylvania isn’t lacking in talent or leadership potential — it’s just been lacking the political will to elevate those people. I agree that Fetterman’s stroke probably took a heavier toll than anyone in his camp wanted to admit, but what’s become harder to ignore is how that’s collided with his ego and opportunism. Compassion for his health doesn’t mean overlooking his choices.
You named several great examples — Brendan Boyle, Chris DeLuzio, Josh Shapiro, even Bob Casey — all people who understand that representing Pennsylvania means showing up for its working families, not auditioning for Fox News soundbites. And I’m glad you mentioned David Sunday, because standing up to Trump’s illegal tactics in Pennsylvania took real backbone. That’s the kind of integrity Democrats should be rewarding.
You’re also right that this isn’t Alabama — Pennsylvanians do have a proud history of demanding better. The fact that so many people are even talking seriously about replacements says a lot about how deep the disappointment runs. We’re not writing the state off; we’re trying to hold it to its own standard.
I really appreciate this comment, Leigh. You didn’t just vent — you laid out a roadmap for what renewal could look like. Accountability isn’t disloyalty; it’s the first step toward getting representation that’s worthy of the people it serves.
Throw the guy out!
I was going to say 'bum' but my understanding is that he did change because of the stroke (brain damage!) or the debilitating depression he suffered from later.
The question is: who can primary him? If he and his family have the poor judgment to run again.
The pro-Israeli mob will fund him generously, of that we can be sure.
Kristine, you’re absolutely right — the frustration is justified. “Throw the guy out” pretty much sums up the mood of a lot of voters right now. And while some people point to his stroke or the depression as explanations for his shift, that doesn’t excuse the choices he’s made since. Health issues can earn empathy, but they don’t erase accountability. If he’s not able or willing to do the job, the responsible thing would be to step aside — not to hide behind his diagnosis while betraying the voters who carried him there.
You’re also spot-on about the primary question. The real challenge will be finding someone who can channel the same working-class energy he once pretended to embody — but with actual follow-through. There are Democrats in Pennsylvania with that fire, and I have no doubt we’ll see some names step up if he decides to run again.
And yes, the pro-Israel donor class will absolutely throw money his way — not because they believe in him, but because he’s become convenient cover. It’s the same grift we’ve seen before: perform independence, collect praise from the right, and rake in cash from the people you swore to challenge.
Appreciate your comment and your honesty, Kristine. These aren’t easy conversations for Democrats to have, but they’re necessary if the goal is to save the party from the politicians using it as a brand.
Kristoffer, I didn't mean his health issues should absolve him of responsibility.
He should have stepped down by now.
And-- this isn't a difficult convo for me. The Rollover Dems have infuriated me for decades. I vote Democratic unless I can safely do a protest vote. I pay a lot of attention. It's probably why my hair went gray.
The guy is a hack. Do better.
Couldn’t agree more, taxbarbie. At this point, “hack” might actually be generous. The job requires humility, consistency, and follow-through — three things he’s managed to sidestep entirely. Pennsylvania didn’t elect a mascot or a meme; they elected someone they thought would fight for working people and bring decency back to the role.
You’re right — he needs to do better, much better. The frustration people are expressing here isn’t pettiness; it’s the sound of voters realizing they were promised authenticity and got attitude instead.
Thanks for jumping in — accountability only works when people refuse to let mediocrity slide.
I regret donating money for his campaign. I live in FL where I usually can see a grifter a mile away. I love your analysis of him .
Its not that we still dont have sympathy its that he has turned into freaken Krysten Sinema another progressive turn lobbyist for now data centers.
Also the historic peace deal that lasted 3 days??? Or a week?
All his life dumpy has wanted Peace prize or was it until he saw Obama got one had to tell.
He has also unleashed tragedies to Hispanic communities here in the USA.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Amen Moral Bankruptcy is right on the money.
Dude if he doesn’t want the job there Conor Lamb and Malcolm Kenyatta are waiting for a call. Its reminding of what Dale in the new King of Hill looked like when he won for mayor. He didnt want the job or the responsibility he just wanted to do to be interesting.
😂😂😂😂revolving door at wawa restroom .
Amen irony is his wife runs a food rescue. The height of tone deaf. LOLOL
Amen !! Penn voters call his office or shapiro to replace his ass.
Yep 🫰🫰🫰standards and boundaries. Amen
I love this perfect read on a person who conned PA voters and wants to have a job after senate in lobbying like Krysten Sinema.
Yeah, Nenapoma — we’ve talked about this before, and you’re absolutely right. But the onus is on Fetterman, not on the people who believed in him. I gave money to his campaign too — and to Malcolm Kenyatta — because the expectation was simple: if you’re elected, you do the job you promised to do. That’s not idealism; that’s accountability.
And stay tuned — I actually have an upcoming Lincoln Square piece digging into this exact pattern: the “Democrat grift” that keeps showing up in folks like Sinema, Fetterman, Eric Adams, and now this new one, Platner. It’s the same story over and over — progressives who build their careers on authenticity and empathy, only to cash it in for influence, vanity, or Fox News airtime.
You were spot-on about that “historic peace deal” that barely lasted a week — pure performative politics. And yeah, the irony of his wife running a food rescue while he votes in ways that make life harder for working families? You can’t script it better.
You’re right again about standards and boundaries — voters shouldn’t lower expectations just because someone once made them feel hopeful. The moral bankruptcy line was dead-on; he’s become a walking example of what happens when conviction turns into content.
Thanks, as always, for cutting straight through the noise. You’ve got a sharp eye for spotting the grifters before the rest of the crowd catches on.
The biggest irony is they are propped up by PSA Bernie and other influencers by saying this the way democratic politicians need to talk and act. Bro Plantner Nazi tattoo on his chest and thats what you are choosing to platform? That should be an easy choice for Mainer no Nazis. the Podsave america people continue ticking me off and making me happy that there’s a Lincoln Square and Lincoln Project .
LOLOLOL I m like let the people of maine decide but also he has fetterman vibes
Totally agree with you Kristoffer, I too voted for him and now all he does is beg for money. I don't believe in supporting someone who isn't doing the job that we voted him to do. I kind of look at VOTE for Senators and Representatives and "hiring" them with the hope that they will do good things for the people of our state. However, he ended up being a better mayor of for Braddock, PA than he's ever been for the Senator of Pennsylvania! Not that OZ would have been any better and he's ended up working in the cabinet of horrors in CDC and HHS land.
P.J., I really appreciate your honesty — and I completely get where you’re coming from. Like you, I initially believed Fetterman might be that rare mix of authenticity and grit, someone who’d actually do the job instead of chasing attention. Supporting someone you thought would fight for Pennsylvania isn’t something to regret — that’s what engaged voters are supposed to do.
You’re absolutely right that a senator’s job isn’t just about holding the seat — it’s about earning it every single day. When someone starts treating it like a platform instead of a public trust, it’s a betrayal of the people who put them there. And you nailed it with your line about “hiring” representatives; that’s exactly how democracy is supposed to work. The voters are the employers — and Fetterman’s performance would get him written up in any other job.
I also agree with your point about him being a better mayor of Braddock than a senator. Local leadership forced him to stay close to real people and real problems. In Washington, though, he’s drifted toward performance politics — all attitude, no accountability. And you’re right: Oz wouldn’t have been better, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that we’re still getting less than we were promised.
Thank you for speaking up and engaging so clearly. You’re not just venting — you’re articulating exactly why voters feel disillusioned right now, and that clarity matters.
But I truly hope it doesn't discourage people from voting. Because I'm sure there are other people out there that truly want to make things better. As a matter of fact I've met a slew of them on Substack! People that know what it will take and ways to get it done as well.
I received an email today from Dave McCormick, PA's other useless Senator. At the top of the email was this line: "Unfortunately, we've now reached Day 26 of the government shutdown. I have voted 12 times to reopen the government and will always vote to keep it open, no matter which party is in the majority. Although we are in different parties, Senator Fetterman and I agree: there is no excuse for shutting down the government." This was followed with a picture of them together and a video of them complaining about the shutdown.
I donated to Fetterman's campaign and now believe he didn't mean a damn thing he said while campaigning. If his candidacy was a product that I purchased from a store I would demand a refund!!
Terry, don’t feel bad or duped — you did exactly what the moment called for. The alternative at the time wasn’t leadership, it was chaos. You supported the candidate who promised to fight for the people of Pennsylvania, and that’s what any responsible voter would have done. If anyone should be looking in the mirror and feeling shame, it’s Fetterman — not the voters who believed in him.
That email from McCormick says a lot, though. Fetterman standing beside him and echoing his talking points about the shutdown isn’t bipartisanship; it’s theater. You’re absolutely right — when someone spends more energy looking “independent” than actually doing the work, it starts to look like attention-seeking, not public service.
And I agree with you completely on the donations — this isn’t about money, it’s about trust. People like you gave in good faith, expecting integrity and fight in return. What you’ve seen instead is a man more interested in headlines than hard work.
You did your part, Terry. He’s the one who owes the voters — not the other way around.
We don’t need that brain-damaged gork getting in the way of progress. Replace him, Pennsylvania.
Angie, I hear you — the frustration is absolutely justified. Pennsylvania deserves a senator who moves progress forward, not someone who keeps getting in the way of it. Whether it’s through laziness, arrogance, or health issues that make him unfit for the job, the end result is the same: a state left without strong, consistent representation.
Voters didn’t send Fetterman to Washington to coast or chase attention; they sent him there to work, to fight for the people who believed in him. And when that faith gets betrayed, it’s not “mean” to demand accountability — it’s responsible citizenship.
Thank you for saying what so many are thinking. Pennsylvania’s too important to be shortchanged by someone who’s clearly checked out.
Haha, smarmy but smart. Fetterman as "moral bankruptcy in a hoodie" paints a ghoulish picture. If he can't do his job because of medical issues or just doesn't want to do it because he's lazy doesn't matter. He has an extremely important vote. And it isn't just for Pennsylvania!!! Has he been cognitively tested? His personality change seems like he's had a metaphorical frontal lobotomy from one of his strokes
Marci, you nailed it with that phrase — “moral bankruptcy in a hoodie.” It’s poetic and painfully accurate. I gave him grace early on because of the stroke and the recovery period that followed, but at some point, the issue stops being medical and starts being moral. Whether his disengagement is from health complications, laziness, or just ego, the result is the same: Pennsylvania is being shortchanged.
You’re also right that his vote matters far beyond the state. When a senator starts treating an entire seat like a personality platform instead of a public responsibility, the ripple effect touches everything from the ACA to national judicial appointments. That’s not something voters anywhere can afford to shrug off.
As for the cognitive testing question — that’s fair to ask. Transparency isn’t cruelty; it’s accountability. If his personality shift really is as severe as it appears, the public deserves to know. Leadership isn’t just about showing up; it’s about being present in the job.
Thank you for articulating that frustration so clearly. The “frontal lobotomy” metaphor made me laugh, but the truth behind it stings — because what we’re watching isn’t just a health story, it’s a decline in seriousness.
What's going on in this country right now deserves serious people at the helm of the opposition party. They need to be on their A+ game. Unfortunately, Fetterman gets an F but a lot of others get Cs and Ds. They have pretty much let the ship sail. Trump has them hamstringed. Our best hope is that his plan to hold the most vulnerable in our country hostage will fall flat on it face. I am just afraid that Trump will pitch another plan that sounds golden on the surface but is just a facade like so much else. And my party, the Democratic party, the so-called opposition party, will fall right into his trap, clutching their pearls so to speak, when they really just need to step away from the cliff.
Good article! It’s my understanding he has dinner with Steve Bannon! Mr. Bannon wants another coup against this country like January 6 th! Whatever this current administration says don’t believe it !
Linda, I really appreciate you reading and weighing in — and you’re right, that rumor about Fetterman reportedly dining with Steve Bannon has been circulating for a while now, and if true, it would speak volumes about the kind of company he’s keeping. Bannon’s entire brand revolves around stoking division and rebranding authoritarianism as patriotism, so anyone cozying up to him should immediately raise red flags.
Your larger point hits home: we’ve seen how figures like Bannon weaponized disinformation and anti-democratic rhetoric to fuel movements like January 6th. When Democrats—or anyone claiming to defend democracy—start flirting with those same elements, it’s not bipartisanship; it’s betrayal.
Thanks again for your comment and support. These conversations matter because they help expose who’s actually standing up for the country and who’s just playing both sides for attention.