Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick: Bipartisanship, Money in DC, Datacenters, Graham Platner
In a Nutshell
Senators Fetterman and McCormick argue that bipartisanship is essential for Pennsylvania and the country, citing their joint work on energy, fentanyl, and avoiding government shutdowns despite major policy differences. They frame data center and AI infrastructure development as a major economic opportunity for the state, warning that opposition—driven partly by foreign misinformation and domestic extremism—risks ceding the AI race to China. Both reject party extremes, defend the filibuster, and emphasize that Pennsylvania voters reward pragmatism over ideological purity.
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Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick discussed their approach to working across party lines. Both voted in favor of a bill to prevent a government shutdown, stating that shutting down the government is wrong for Pennsylvania and the nation. They emphasized finding common ground when possible while maintaining their disagreements. Their votes reflect country over party.
"We're trying to set a good example because we have lots of disagreements, but we trust each other. We like one another, and we look for ways to work together."
Fetterman expressed pride in calling McCormick a good friend and stated he refuses to engage in extremism. He emphasized fighting together for Pennsylvania and the nation and finding a better way forward. McCormick noted that Pennsylvania voters expect senators to find ways to work together, describing the current moment as the most consequential in lifetimes due to artificial intelligence, life sciences, defense, and energy changes. These changes create anxiety that fuels polarization.
They have collaborated on energy policy, the fentanyl crisis, anti-semitism, and drone technology.
Fetterman noted that he and McCormick are the only two senators in their respective cycles who flipped seats, rejecting extreme views in favor of working together. Pennsylvania's 19 electoral votes make it a microcosm of the country with urban Democratic centers in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and rural Republican areas. A coalition must be built across these divides. Ironically, many of the same people voted for both Fetterman and McCormick, including working families, significant Latino turnout, and the highest African-American turnout in 30 years.
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