Fetterman Challenges Sanders Over Controversial Endorsements

Sen. John Fetterman publicly rebuked Sen. Bernie Sanders on a Fox News interview Saturday, accusing the Vermont independent of “pushing an accused rapist … and essentially a pro-Hamas candidate that’s been anti-American and deeply anti-Israel.” Fetterman’s remarks followed a rally in Detroit where Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others promoted Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan whose primary is set for Aug. 4.

'Humble yourself': John Fetterman slaps down fellow Democrat Bernie Sanders over his terrible endorsements after he backed 'pro-Hamas' candidate and Graham Platner

Graham Platner, Sanders’ earlier pick for the Maine Senate race, withdrew after multiple women alleged sexual assault, including a 2021 rape claim he denies. Sanders had urged Platner to exit, describing the accusations as “very serious.” Abdul El-Sayed, the Michigan contender, sparked controversy after calling Israel a “rogue state” in a CNN interview and later stating that both Hamas and the Israeli government are “evil.” He also labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “war criminal” when asked about the conflict.

'Humble yourself': John Fetterman slaps down fellow Democrat Bernie Sanders over his terrible endorsements after he backed 'pro-Hamas' candidate and Graham Platner

Fetterman told NBC News that he would leave the Democratic Party if it “officially becomes the anti-Israel party.” He reiterated that “Democrats, we’ve always should support Israel… I’m proud to stand with Israel.” Sanders, speaking at the Detroit rally, framed the race as a battle between El-Sayed and the “billionaire class,” noting that wealthy donors had already spent $50 million to defeat the candidate.

'Humble yourself': John Fetterman slaps down fellow Democrat Bernie Sanders over his terrible endorsements after he backed 'pro-Hamas' candidate and Graham Platner

Critics of Sanders argue his endorsements risk alienating moderate voters and damage the party’s national prospects. The split on Israel aid in the House—103 Democrats voting against aid and 10 voting “present”—highlights internal divisions that Fetterman says signal a “changing political landscape.”

'Humble yourself': John Fetterman slaps down fellow Democrat Bernie Sanders over his terrible endorsements after he backed 'pro-Hamas' candidate and Graham Platner

• “You know, humble yourself, Bernie. You know, you just pushed an accused rapist and imploded up in Maine and now you’re pushing, you know, essentially a pro-Hamas candidate that’s been anti-American and deeply anti-Israel,” — John Fetterman, Fox News interview

• “If they put that in our platform — no aid forIsrael— and officially becomes the anti-Israel party, then year, that’s a red line for me,” — John Fetterman, NBC News

• “'In all due respect to Haley Stevens, everybody knows that this is not an election between her and Abdul.” — Bernie Sanders, Detroit rally

'Humble yourself': John Fetterman slaps down fellow Democrat Bernie Sanders over his terrible endorsements after he backed 'pro-Hamas' candidate and Graham Platner

• “It’s not how evil is this one versus that one - Hamas: Evil, Israeli government: Evil.” — Abdul El-Sayed, CNN interview

'Humble yourself': John Fetterman slaps down fellow Democrat Bernie Sanders over his terrible endorsements after he backed 'pro-Hamas' candidate and Graham Platner

• “'When you conduct a genocide, you’re a war criminal,' he added.” — Abdul El-Sayed, CNN interview

'Humble yourself': John Fetterman slaps down fellow Democrat Bernie Sanders over his terrible endorsements after he backed 'pro-Hamas' candidate and Graham Platner