Philadelphia Inquirer editorial tears into Fetterman: ‘Still an embarrassment’

The Philadelphia Inquirer editorial board went after Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) following recent reporting on the senator’s work habits and his video appearance at the GOP’s midterm convention.

“News flash: U.S. Sen. John Fetterman is still an embarrassment. The Pennsylvania Democrat enjoys one of the cushiest jobs in America, but he can’t perform basic duties like voting, attending committee hearings, or meeting with constituents,” the board wrote in a piece published Thursday .

In the last few years, Fetterman has increasingly bucked his party, expressed a strongly pro-Israel stance amid tension in the Middle East and gone after the Democratic Party’s left flank, especially democratic socialists.

Fetterman has dismissed what he referred to as “smears” and “half-truths” in a recent Wall Street Journal report, which featured allegations that he dodged constituents and prioritized cozying up to conservative news outlets.

“Per usual — lies, half-truths, innuendos, smears and anonymous,” Fetterman said in a Sunday statement obtained by CNN, later adding, “No matter how many smears or stories, I’m proud to continue to deliver for Pennsylvania.”

Former staffers told the Journal that they believe Fetterman displays a lack of interest in his job besides “cultivating relationships with conservative media figures and advocating for Israel.”

“Apparently, teachers, healthcare officials, police, and veterans take a backseat while Fox News and the Israel-Hamas war command Fetterman’s full attention,” the Inquirer’s editorial board wrote in its Wednesday piece.

“The senator has appeared on the conservative news outlet roughly 60 times this year and has gone on two junkets to Israel since 2024,” the piece continued. “(He even made a cameo at the GOP convention in Dallas Wednesday night to praise Trump and boost Republicans before the midterms.)”

Fetterman on Wednesday appeared in a video praising fellow Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick (R) at the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention.

“Why am I here talking to you today?” Fetterman said in a prerecorded video. “Because, well, I’m a commonsense Democrat.”

“David McCormick is the kind of senator that gets the job done,” he added.

The Hill has reached out to Fetterman’s office for comment.