Letters to the Editor | Sept. 14, 2026
Inquirer readers on Democratic Sen. John Fetterman’s appearance at the Republican midterm convention.
Shiftless, really?
As a longtime subscriber to The Inquirer, I am extremely disappointed in the recent editorial about John Fetterman headlined “Fetterman’s shiftlessness is an insult to his office and all Pennsylvanians.” Calling him shiftless is an insult. The editorial was full of the same innuendo from anonymous, disgruntled former staff members, and it didn’t mention the many bills he has successfully sponsored, cosponsored, and introduced in the Senate. His political support for Israel may perhaps be adding to his staff’s burden, but I believe Fetterman is being honest in following his conscience. If the senator’s staff members are so unhappy with their job, why don’t they seek employment elsewhere? I, for one, will be very happy to vote for Fetterman again — he’s the kind of independent thinker the world needs.
Susie Sommovilla, Elkins Park
Party defection?
When I voted for John Fetterman to be my U.S. senator in 2022, I was willing to overlook his disastrous debate performance, his unkempt and undignified appearance, and his frequent use of profanity because I believed he would represent our state well and live up to Democratic values.
When Donald Trump returned to the White House last year, I expected my senator would challenge and criticize him because of all Trump has done — and is doing — to harm our nation and our fellow Americans. I, and millions of my fellow Pennsylvanians, were duped.
Fetterman is the only Democratic senator who has met with the president at Mar-a-Lago, and the two apparently developed a meeting of the minds. Fetterman is, to my knowledge, the only Democrat who has referred to those who challenge this president as suffering from “Trump derangement syndrome.”
Then, last week, Fetterman provided a video for the Republican mini-convention in Dallas in which he praised the president and his fellow Pennsylvania senator Dave McCormick, who seems to always vote to do whatever the president wishes.
I look forward to the end of the Fetterman era in the United States Senate. It cannot come soon enough.
Oren Spiegler, Peters Township
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