Pennsylvania Democrats sharply criticized Senator John Fetterman for a 65-second video appearance at President Trump's midterm convention on Wednesday. Former Representative Conor Lamb, who lost to Fetterman in the 2022 primary, called the video "all the persuasiveness of a North Korean newscast." Lamb and other state Democrats, including Representative Chris Deluzio and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, are considering Senate runs in 2028 when Fetterman faces re-election. Party officials reportedly view Fetterman as a "non-factor" in future races.

Fetterman has grown increasingly estranged from Democrats since Trump's return to office. While maintaining a reliable Democratic voting record, he has cheered Trump's policies on Iran and Israel. He infuriated colleagues by forming a joint fund-raising committee with Republican Senator David McCormick, whom he introduced in the video.

Recent polling from The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Siena University shows Fetterman's popularity among state Democrats has cratered, while rising among Republicans. Deluzio argued Fetterman makes it "harder" for Democrats to win in November by implying bipartisan support for Trump. "If the Republicans want him, they can have him," Deluzio said. Davis accused Fetterman of misunderstanding the political moment, stating, "If you willingly participate in this, you're part of the problem."