As the Republican midterm convention in Dallas kicked off on Sept. 9, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania, delivered a video message from in front of the U.S. Steel mill, saying he would work with President Donald Trump to defend the "steel way of life."
The video was played ahead of an appearance by U.S. Sen. David McCormick, R-Pennsylvania. He and Fetterman have crossed the aisle to work together repeatedly, teaming up this summer to create fundraising committees for their campaigns and collaborating on legislation calling for more research into spotted lanternflies and a bill that would provide more resources and funding for addiction prevention and support in the workplace.
Why did John Fetterman appear at Republican midterm convention?
Fetterman's video was played ahead of McCormick's appearance
at the Republican midterm convention, with Fetterman calling the senator a "great friend" despite their political differences.
"Dave McCormick is the kind of senator that gets the job done, and he's going to fight for Pennsylvania," Fetterman said.
Fetterman rejects 'extremes in socialism' at GOP conference
In the video, Fetterman described himself as a "common sense Democrat."
"I'm always gonna reject the extremes in socialism and that anti-American way of life," he said.
His comments follow democratic socialist and progressive candidates winning their Democratic primaries for Senate and House in multiple states.
Fetterman has been outspoken against socialism, saying in an Aug. 16 post to X that he was a "proud free market capitalist" and that rising support among Democrats for socialism was "lunacy."
He also vowed that he and McCormick would work with Trump to preserve the steel industry.
"We'll work with President Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life right here in the Steel Valley," he said.
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fetterman vows to work with Trump on steel at Republican conference
