Sen. Fetterman Dodges Key Question, Shifts Focus to Trump and Vance Controversy

John Fetterman speaking in front of a mural

Sen. John Fetterman sidesteps questions about his and Vice President Kamala Harris’ past anti-fracking stances, opting instead to criticize former President Trump’s remarks on Haitian migrants.

At a Glance

Fetterman avoided addressing past anti-fracking comments during an NBC “Meet the Press” interview
He downplayed fracking’s importance in the 2024 election, calling it a non-defining issue
Fetterman shifted focus to criticize Trump and Sen. JD Vance’s comments on Haitian migrants
Pennsylvania, a key battleground state where fracking is popular, shows a narrow polling margin favoring Harris over Trump
Fetterman reaffirmed his current support for fracking, describing questions about past comments as “gotcha” tactics

Fetterman Deflects Questions on Fracking Stance

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, during a recent appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” sidestepped questions regarding his and Vice President Kamala Harris’ previous anti-fracking views. The Democratic senator, known for his evolving stance on the issue, chose to focus on criticizing remarks made by former President Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance about Haitian migrants instead of directly addressing the fracking concerns.

When pressed about the apparent reversal in his position on fracking, Fetterman expressed frustration over the continued focus on the topic. He stated, “It’s so strange why we keep talking about fracking. Back in 2020 I said it might be an issue but that it’s not going to be a defining issue, and now in 2024 we’re still trying about fracking.”

“It’s so strange why we keep talking about fracking,” the Democratic senator said when asked about Harris’ reversal on the issue over the last few years. “Back in 2020 I said it might be an issue but that it’s not going to be a defining issue, and now in 2024 we’re still trying about fracking.”

Shifting Focus to Trump’s Controversial Comments

Instead of addressing the fracking issue head-on, Fetterman pivoted to criticize former President Trump and Senator JD Vance for their controversial statements about Haitian migrants. He emphasized the absurdity of their claims, stating, “The other side, they’re talking about eating cats and geese and dogs and saying absurd things. Having a serious policy conversation when the other side is just absolutely on fire.”

“The other side, they’re talking about eating cats and geese and dogs and saying absurd things,” Fetterman said. “Having a serious policy conversation when the other side is just absolutely on fire.”

This strategic shift in conversation allowed Fetterman to avoid directly addressing his own past statements condemning fracking as a “stain” on Pennsylvania. It’s worth noting that local authorities have repeatedly denied the claims about Haitian migrants eating pets, further highlighting the contentious nature of the political discourse surrounding immigration issues.

Pennsylvania’s Crucial Role in 2024 Election

Pennsylvania, where fracking is a significant economic factor, is expected to be a critical battleground state in the upcoming 2024 election. Recent polling shows a narrow margin favoring Vice President Harris over former President Trump in the state. According to the Real Clear Politics polling average, Harris holds a slight lead, while FiveThirtyEight gives her a 57% chance of winning Pennsylvania.

Despite the close race, Fetterman maintains that fracking will not be the defining issue for Pennsylvania voters. He emphasized his electoral success and current position as a U.S. senator to counter criticism about his stance on fracking. Fetterman’s ability to navigate this contentious issue may prove crucial in maintaining Democratic support in the state.

Fetterman dodges questions on his, Harris’ previous stance on fracking https://t.co/6qdMuvYFfC

— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 22, 2024

The Ongoing Fracking Debate

The fracking debate continues to be a complex issue in Pennsylvania, with significant economic and environmental implications. In 2022, fracking supported over 120,000 jobs in the state, highlighting its economic importance. However, concerns about environmental and health risks associated with the practice persist.

As the 2024 election approaches, both Democrats and Republicans will likely continue to face scrutiny over their positions on fracking. The ability of candidates like Fetterman and Harris to navigate this issue while addressing other pressing concerns may play a significant role in determining the outcome in key swing states like Pennsylvania.