Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith did not hold back in his criticism of Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) after the senator appeared in a video at the opening night of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday. Smith, speaking on News Nation, was asked by host Chris Cuomo whether it was "common sense" for Fetterman to make that appearance. Smith's response was blunt: "Hell no."
Smith argued that while it's one thing for a Democrat to support some of President Trump's policies—noting that Fetterman has backed the president's agenda about 28 percent of the time, more than any other senator—it's quite another to actively participate in a Republican convention video. "It's another thing entirely to be a Democrat and be a part of a hype video at a Republican convention," Smith said. "That is just pretty much spitting in the face of Democrats who elected you to office."
The video in question was a promotional piece introducing Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Fetterman's fellow Pennsylvania senator. In the video, Fetterman praised McCormick as "the kind of senator who gets the job done." Fetterman also described himself as a "commonsense Democrat" and said he would always "reject the extremes in socialism and the anti-American way of life."
Smith acknowledged Fetterman's stance on socialism, which has been a point of contention within the Democratic Party. However, he warned that Fetterman's appearance at the RNC went beyond policy differences. "Being a part of a hype video and showing a fawning of support for the president in the way that he has elected to do so is an eerie reminder, or it looks pretty damn identical to what some people in his own damn administration look like," Smith said, drawing a comparison to Trump administration officials who have been criticized for their loyalty to the president.
Fetterman, for his part, confirmed after the video aired that he would continue to caucus with the Democratic Party in the Senate. In a statement, he 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."
This is not the first time Fetterman has stirred controversy within his own party. Earlier this summer, he warned that he would leave the Democratic Party if it turned its back on Israel entirely. His recent actions have fueled speculation about a potential party switch, with some commentators like Bill O'Reilly predicting that Fetterman might eventually leave the Democratic fold. However, Fetterman has repeatedly reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, even as he carves out a more centrist and sometimes maverick profile.
The RNC video has also drawn attention to Fetterman's relationship with McCormick, who is facing a tough reelection battle. Fetterman's endorsement of McCormick, even in a video, has raised eyebrows among Democrats who see it as a betrayal. Some Pennsylvania Democrats, like Rep. Chris Deluzio, have already floated the idea of a primary challenge against Fetterman in 2028, reflecting the growing discord within the state party.
Meanwhile, national Democrats are trying to use the RNC's rhetoric against them, seizing on attacks that brand Democrats as "communists" to rally their base. But Fetterman's willingness to appear at the RNC has complicated that message, giving Republicans a talking point about bipartisan appeal while angering progressives who see him as a traitor to the cause.
As the midterm elections approach, Fetterman's balancing act between his party and his independent streak will be closely watched. His video appearance may have been intended to show his willingness to work across the aisle, but it has instead ignited a firestorm within his own party, and Stephen A. Smith's sharp rebuke captures the frustration many Democrats feel.
