Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has been open about his struggles with depression, and now he's addressing the tension between him and Governor Josh Shapiro, a fellow Democrat. Fetterman recently said that while he supports extending expiring healthcare tax credits, his decision to vote with Republicans to end the government shutdown was necessary, as he believes the alternative would have caused "chaos" and put party values at risk.
However, it seems like this isn't the first time Fetterman has found himself at odds with Shapiro. In a new book titled "Unfettered," Fetterman writes about his 2022 campaign, a near-fatal stroke that almost derailed it, and his struggles with depression. The book also touches on his strained relationship with Shapiro, who he says started to distance themselves from him over disagreements on pardoning inmate cases.
Fetterman explained the rift in an interview with NPR's Scott Detrow: "The disagreement began on the Board of Pardons... primarily on brothers that were innocent, and I didn't want them to die in prison." Fetterman acknowledged that he and Shapiro have been part of meetings and fundraisers together but said they haven't spoken since.
Despite their differences, Fetterman believes his relationship with Shapiro is more complex than just disagreement. "The fact we haven't spoken isn't new news," he said. "We don't have any significant differences on our political views." However, Fetterman did say that he doesn't regret discussing his struggles with depression and mental health.
Fetterman has also faced criticism from his party for working with Republicans on legislation and taking a stance on immigration that aligns more closely with Republicans than Democrats. He told Detrow that he stands by his voting record and denied considering switching parties.
When asked about the Democratic Party's disconnect with men and the working class, Fetterman said it's due to cancel culture and the implication that working people who vote Republican are voting against their own interests. "You have different values," he explained, adding that this is why he respects Republicans and tries to find common ground.
Fetterman also questioned the Democratic Party's stance on Israel, saying he doesn't see himself as a gatekeeper of what's considered within norms. He expressed support for Israel's response to Hamas and Hezbollah but acknowledged the complexities of the situation in Gaza.
It seems like Fetterman is taking a more nuanced approach to politics, focusing on finding common ground rather than being bound by party lines. However, his relationship with Shapiro remains a point of tension between him and fellow Democrats.
However, it seems like this isn't the first time Fetterman has found himself at odds with Shapiro. In a new book titled "Unfettered," Fetterman writes about his 2022 campaign, a near-fatal stroke that almost derailed it, and his struggles with depression. The book also touches on his strained relationship with Shapiro, who he says started to distance themselves from him over disagreements on pardoning inmate cases.
Fetterman explained the rift in an interview with NPR's Scott Detrow: "The disagreement began on the Board of Pardons... primarily on brothers that were innocent, and I didn't want them to die in prison." Fetterman acknowledged that he and Shapiro have been part of meetings and fundraisers together but said they haven't spoken since.
Despite their differences, Fetterman believes his relationship with Shapiro is more complex than just disagreement. "The fact we haven't spoken isn't new news," he said. "We don't have any significant differences on our political views." However, Fetterman did say that he doesn't regret discussing his struggles with depression and mental health.
Fetterman has also faced criticism from his party for working with Republicans on legislation and taking a stance on immigration that aligns more closely with Republicans than Democrats. He told Detrow that he stands by his voting record and denied considering switching parties.
When asked about the Democratic Party's disconnect with men and the working class, Fetterman said it's due to cancel culture and the implication that working people who vote Republican are voting against their own interests. "You have different values," he explained, adding that this is why he respects Republicans and tries to find common ground.
Fetterman also questioned the Democratic Party's stance on Israel, saying he doesn't see himself as a gatekeeper of what's considered within norms. He expressed support for Israel's response to Hamas and Hezbollah but acknowledged the complexities of the situation in Gaza.
It seems like Fetterman is taking a more nuanced approach to politics, focusing on finding common ground rather than being bound by party lines. However, his relationship with Shapiro remains a point of tension between him and fellow Democrats.
I think it's kinda cool that John Fetterman is owning his differences with Josh Shapiro 
. He's not afraid to speak up about the issues that matter to him, even if they don't align with the party line 
. It takes a lot of courage to share your struggles with depression and mental health, so kudos for being an advocate for men's mental health 
. And I think it's awesome that he's trying to find common ground with Republicans – we need more people who can put aside their differences and work together to get stuff done 
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. I mean, I guess it's cool that he's talking about his mental health struggles and stuff, but does he really have to go and rub it in everyone's face? 
Like, we get it, you're a tough guy who can handle the dark side of life. 
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. Like, okay dude, we get it, you want to be all "let's find common ground" but can't you just agree with us on the basics? 
Like, isn't there like, actual policy stuff going on here or something?
. It's okay to admit when we need help, and it's okay to be vulnerable. And by sharing those experiences, Fetterman is actually helping to humanize the conversation around politics.
. And I think that's something that can bring people together – when we start to see each other as human beings rather than just opponents or adversaries 
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. It seems like they've had issues in the past, especially when it comes to pardoning cases 
, but Fetterman thinks their differences go deeper than that. He believes there are more complex factors at play, like cancel culture and the way parties interact with different groups of people 
. Plus, Fetterman's openness about his struggles with depression is super inspiring 
. The party lines can get pretty clear-cut, especially when it comes to issues like immigration 
. So while I think Fetterman's approach is important, I also get why others might be skeptical 
. Will Fetterman's willingness to challenge party norms lead to more effective politics or create tension within his own party? Only time will tell 
!
He's like, totally not afraid to speak his mind and go against the grain, even if it means ruffling some feathers within his own party 
I love how he's calling out cancel culture and trying to find common ground with Republicans - it's all about having open and honest conversations, you feel? 
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. John Fetterman's been open about his depression and that takes a lot of courage 
It's not about being a Democrat or a Republican - it's about human beings trying to make ends meet 
.
. And I love that he's taking on the issue of mental health - we should all be talking about this stuff 
. Maybe Shapiro and Fetterman can have a heart-to-heart and clear the air 
?