Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman recently discussed the presidential race in his battleground state, describing former President Trump’s support there as “astonishing” and predicting that Elon Musk’s endorsement will have significant impact.
“There’s a difference between not understanding and acknowledging that it exists,” Fetterman told the New York Times in an interview published Saturday. He noted the intense enthusiasm for Trump in Pennsylvania, stating, “It’s astonishing.”
He recalled an event in Indiana County, a strongly Republican area, where he saw a massive display of Trump merchandise. “It was a hundred feet long, with dozens of T-shirts, hats, and bumper stickers. It’s taken on a life of its own. It’s something very special, and it’s real, even if I don’t admire it,” he explained.
Fetterman expressed concern about Musk’s recent endorsement of Trump, especially after Musk joined him at a rally in Butler, the site of Trump’s first assassination attempt. “For many, Musk is like Tony Stark; he’s the world’s richest man and undeniably brilliant, and he’s backing Trump. That’s going to really matter,” Fetterman said.
He added that he found Musk’s involvement alarming, noting, “In some sense, he’s a bigger star than Trump.” While he acknowledged that endorsements often lack significance, he believes Musk’s support is an exception that he finds concerning.
Fetterman also shared his perspective on the upcoming election, stating he does not think it will hinge on specific policies but rather on a “stark choice” between Trump and Harris. “It’s visceral,” he said. “People who haven’t made up their minds are really considering what they want for the next four years. I believe enough will choose Harris, but it will be much closer than anyone expects.”
Polling averages from Real Clear Politics show Trump narrowly leading Harris in Pennsylvania by less than a percentage point. As the state is viewed as critical to the election’s outcome, both candidates have been actively campaigning there. Recent voter registration data indicates significant shifts that may benefit the GOP as the election approaches.