Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., criticized the direction of the Democratic Party following a series of primary victories by progressive and democratic socialist candidates in New York City and other jurisdictions, arguing that the party is moving further to the left, as reported by Fox News.
Speaking on "The Will Cain Show," Fetterman reacted to Tuesday's Democratic primary elections, in which several candidates backed by progressive organizations defeated more established Democrats.
"It was a huge night for the dirtbag left last night in New York City, without a doubt," Fetterman said.
Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement
He argued that the Democratic Party is "drifting firmly into communism" and said the party is increasingly embracing candidates he described as "anti-Israel," "anti-American," and opposed to institutions such as immigration enforcement and prisons.
Fetterman specifically cited Democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier, one of three progressive candidates who defeated establishment Democratic opponents in New York City primaries.
"If you want to get elected as a Democrat now, you have to hate on Israel and say the strongest anti-Israel kinds of statements," Fetterman said.
"It's a perfect correlation between if you're going to be hating on Israel, become anti-Israel, you're also going to be anti-American. And these kinds of views, they're going to be anti-Western civilization..."
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
The New York City primary elections were viewed by many political observers as another sign of growing influence for progressive and democratic socialist candidates within the Democratic Party.
Outside New York, additional progressive candidates also advanced in several high-profile races.
In Los Angeles, Democratic socialist Nithya Raman advanced to a November runoff election, where she is scheduled to face incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass.
In Washington, D.C., Democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George defeated Kenyan McDuffie in the Democratic primary to succeed Mayor Muriel Bowser.
The report also noted that Abdul El-Sayed was leading in many public polls in Michigan's Democratic Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters, while Graham Platner won the Democratic Senate primary in Maine.
Fetterman has frequently taken positions that differ from many members of his party on several issues, including support for Israel.
During the interview, he contrasted his own views with those of the party's progressive wing.
Fetterman said he considers himself a "normal Democrat" and stated that he is proud to support Israel and proud to be an American.
His comments come as Democratic strategists and political analysts continue evaluating the results of recent primary elections and the role progressive candidates may play in shaping the party's direction ahead of the general election.
The victories by several candidates aligned with democratic socialist policies have renewed debate over the ideological balance within the Democratic Party.
Some observers have described the results as evidence of increasing momentum for progressive candidates in urban Democratic primaries, while others have suggested the outcomes reflect local political dynamics rather than a broader national trend.
MORE NEWS: Lionel Richie, 77, Suddenly Falls Ill Onstage Halts Tour Kickoff In St. Paul, Minnesota [WATCH]
Fetterman's remarks add to an ongoing discussion among Democratic officials about the party's future direction, particularly as candidates prepare for upcoming general elections and Senate races across the country.
The Pennsylvania senator has previously broken with fellow Democrats on several issues, and his latest comments continue that pattern as debate over the party's ideological identity intensifies following this year's primary contests.
The Real MOU: What Trump’s Iran Agreement Actually Says – Truth Thursday | EP 677
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.