Fetterman touts McCormick in video aired at GOP Dallas convention

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman praised fellow Pennsylvania Sen. David McCormick, a Republican, in a video that aired Wednesday at the GOP convention in Dallas, using his appearance to distance himself from the progressive flank of his own party.

"Yes, I'm a Democrat," Fetterman said in the video. "Why am I here talking to you today? Because well, I'm a common-sense Democrat."

The Pennsylvania Democrat said he would "reject the extremes and socialism," which he labeled an "anti-American way of life," before introducing McCormick as a "great American" and "a great senator."

"I have this opportunity to introduce this great American, a great senator, and yes, he's in a different party," Fetterman said. "But I'm proud to count him as my great friend," he added.

Fetterman also mentioned President Donald Trump in the video — with the U.S. Steel Mill serving as the backdrop — saying that he hopes to work with McCormick and the president to fight and defend "the steel way of life" in the Steel Valley region.

Trump and Senate Republicans have quietly sought to persuade Fetterman, a Democrat with an increasingly pronounced willingness to buck his party, to switch parties or become an independent, as POLITICO previously reported. But the Pennsylvania senator has insisted in recent months that he is "not changing," noting that he still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats despite breaking with the party on issues including Israel.