ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith torched Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) over appearing in a “hype video” that played at the Republican National Committee midterm convention on Wednesday night in support of Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.).
“That is just pretty much spitting in the face of Democrats who elected you to office, that does require some degree of sensibility when it comes to that,” Smith told News Nation’s Chris Cuomo.
Fetterman, a brutal critic of his own party, declared he won’t turn Republican unless his party becomes overtly anti-Israel. But he drew backlash after his virtual appearance at the Trump-centered convention to praise McCormick, who is not up for reelection this term. Fetterman has previously said he would not campaign against McCormick if the senator runs for a second term in 2030, and the two formed a joint fundraising committee in July.
“Why am I here talking to you today? Because, well, I’m a common-sense Democrat. I’m always going to stand with America. I’m always going to reject the extremes and socialism and that anti-American way of life,” he told the Republicans in the room.
When asked whether he agreed it was “common sense” for Fetterman to make the video, Smith replied, “Hell, no.”
“I think it’s a bit extreme. I think he’s engaging in extremism himself by doing that,” he continued.
The sports broadcaster excused Fetterman for voting with Republicans a number of times, but said, “It’s another thing entirely to be a Democrat and be a part of a hype video at a Republican convention.”
He demanded Fetterman show “some receipts” about how the “level of support” he gave Trump during his second term benefited the people of Pennsylvania.
“Being a part of a hype video, and showing a fawning of support for the president in the way that he has elected to do so is an eerie reminder, or it looks pretty damn identical, to what some people in his own damn administration look like,” Smith continued.
Fetterman’s praise-filled video of a GOP politician comes shortly after a bombshell Wall Street Journal report that alleged he prioritized a Fox News interview over meeting with paralyzed veterans, and skipped out on other constituent duties.
Smith went on to mock right-wingers who publicly fawn over Trump.
“I’m like, damn! Must you have to kiss his tush, time and time again, before you just say what you feel and speak to the issues? That is how John Fetterman came across tonight, showing himself on that video,” Smith said. “And I must admit, I don’t blame a Democrat alive for being alarmed by that. It just did not look good. You didn’t need to do that.”