Senate front-runner in Pennsylvania embraces Biden and progressive agenda

[brooklynite]

CNN

Jennerstown, Pennsylvania (CNN)Lt. Gov. John Fetterman swung by the heart of Republican country in Southwestern Pennsylvania, in the reddest of red districts, where then-President Donald Trump trounced Joe Biden by more than 55 points and MAGA signs are still apparent on seemingly every other street corner.

But rather than moderate, Fetterman leaned into his progressive views.

As he worked a few dozen voters at the Flyin' Lion watering hole, while wearing a hooded sweatshirt, basketball shorts and gym shoes on a snowy spring day, Fetterman renewed his push for marijuana to be legalized nationwide, touted the role of immigrants in the US, called for the transgender community to be treated equally, decried efforts to pare back abortion access and backed calls for stricter gun laws, including a ban on semi-automatic rifles.

In an interview with CNN, Fetterman didn't hide his palpable frustration with Democratic senators, saying, "I am disappointed in our caucus" for not increasing the $7.25 federal minimum wage, and he blamed West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin for blocking the Biden agenda, leaving his party "floundering."

[FoxNewsSucks]

1. Good to see.

Progressive policy, and politicians, are what benefits working ordinary Americans. We need more of both, and less of the "centrist" "our friends on the other side of the aisle" types.

[Demsrule86]

9. This guy is much like Sherrod Brown...he is a big union guy and can win.

[druidity33]

2. I would like to see Lamb bow out... K&R, nt.

[brooklynite]

3. Before the Primary? Why?

[druidity33]

4. No path to win? Money better spent...

supporting a better candidate? Less damaging for the eventual candidate? Have you seen any of Lamb's ads against Fetterman?

[modrepub]

5. Repubs Are Going to Attack

along the same lines. If Fetterman is going to run in the fall he's going to have to learn how to counter these arguments. Better now than when it counts in the fall.

If he wins, what are the odds this guy shows up in a suit for opening day?

[druidity33]

6. How often did Lamb vote with Republicans?

How often do you think Fetterman would? As for the suit... it's unlikely. As far as "countering the arguments", i believe he's repeatedly answered questions about the incident. And he likely will again... my point is that a Democrat shouldn't be making those ads against another Democrat. Just my opinion. Also i don't live in PA, so my interest is based on the need for Dems in the Senate and i just think he's a better candidate and more reliable vote for Dems.

[modrepub]

12. Full Disclosure

I'll be voting in the primary. Probably for Kenyatta. Why? Because I watched the first debate and Fetterman didn't bother showing up, which I didn't like. As far as Lamb goes, he likes to brag about supporting the Shell ethane cracker plant he "helped" put in and all of the natural gas jobs. Like he actually had anything to do with the Marcellus Shale unit being under his feet.

TBH, the whole handling of the natural gas development left a very bitter taste in my mouth, from an easterners perspective. Almost none of that money goes into the Commonwealth's general fund, it all stays local (what little there is tax wise). Well, if that's fair then why can't my sales and income tax stay in my county for our purposes?

I wish Kenyatta had asked Lamb what happens to all that "great stuff" when the gas runs out? The answers are spread out all over the western and northeastern parts of Pennsylvania. When the coal left, the acid mine drainage and coal waste piles stayed. Eventually the people moved on too. Natural resource extraction is best described as "rape and run". At least if you're supporting renewables they will be replaced when they're old and worn out. The sun and wind may not be available all the time but they'll still be there 200 years from now unlike a mined coal seam or tapped out gas-rich shale unit.

I expect Fetterman to win the primary (and I'll vote for him this fall). I wouldn't worry about Lamb, he'll be fine. If the arguments he used in the primary didn't work, I suspect a Republicans using them will have just as much luck. Besides, it will be the independents (who are about a third of the registered voters) who will decide who wins this fall. Fetterman will have to win them over and at the moment any Republican is going to be pushing a "radical" agenda in a lot of independent's minds. That will be a point Dems will have to drive home if they are going to win.

[Demsrule86]

13. Kenyetta has a two to four percent of the vote according to polls and could not win a General.

Kenyetta is a progressive as is Fetterman...so I fail to understand why he would be accused of a radical agenda...and sadly (he is a good guy) he does not have the support of Democrats in the primary. As for not showing up at the debates. This was a very small college debate. There will be three debates between all the candidates.

[Demsrule86]

8. A Democrat who has a Pac that lies and says Fetterman calls himself a Democratic Socialist is

damaging...way more damaging than the GOP calling Fetterman a socialist...they call all Democrats socialist. Connor Lamb would join the Sinema/Manchin wing of the Senate. I am convinced of it after looking at the votes. Lamb is going for the jugular and needs to go. We don't need democratic attacks on our eventual nominee.

[Demsrule86]

11. He did counter the arguments by the way...that the Lamb supporting Pac put in an Ad...and

will do the same in the General.

[Demsrule86]

7. He is way behind and is unlikely to catch up...lets move onto the General and spend our money

there. It is an important seat.

[meow2u3]

14. Lamb is better suited for his district

He has little to no chance to win a statewide race in Pennsylvania. He lacks the persuasiveness that Fetterman has.

I'm one who initially leaned towards Lamb, but the more I see Fetterman, the more I'm now leaning towards voting for him in the primaries.

[Demsrule86]

10. K&R thanks for this post...