Trump holds a "unique position" in Pennsylvania following the assassination attempt, according to Fetterman.

Fetterman stated that Trump's relationship with the people of Pennsylvania strengthened after the Butler assassination attempt.

Trump holds a "unique position" in Pennsylvania following the assassination attempt, according to Fetterman.
Trump holds a "unique position" in Pennsylvania following the assassination attempt, according to Fetterman.

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman cautions that former President Donald Trump has a "unique" bond with the residents of Pennsylvania.

During a conversation with Jeffrey Goldberg at the 2024 Atlantic Festival on Thursday, Fetterman made an observation.

Fetterman stated that Trump has established a unique grip on the Republican Party and has a unique position in Pennsylvania, which he believes has been further solidified after the first assassination attempt.

Jeffrey Goldberg and John Fetterman
Jeffrey Goldberg and John Fetterman speak on stage during the "In Conversation with John Fetterman" panel for The Atlantic Festival 2024 in Washington, DC.  (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for The Atlantic)

In July, a crazed gunman tried to kill Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania, but he survived with a minor head injury, which further solidified his supporters' loyalty.

"Fetterman stated on Thursday that he wanted people to comprehend that there is energy and different types of anger on the ground in Pennsylvania, and that individuals are highly dedicated and resolute. He joked that Manchin's signs had become the state flower, which can be seen everywhere."

After President Biden's withdrawal from the race and Vice President Harris' rapid ascent as the Democratic presidential nominee, polls suggest she has a slight edge over Trump in Pennsylvania.

trump rally assassination attempt
Former President Trump was injured during an assassination attempt at a July rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

The Washington Post's Thursday poll showed Vice President Harris with 48% support among likely and registered voters, while President Trump had 47%. Meanwhile, a New York Times poll gave Harris a slightly larger lead, with the vice president sitting at 50% compared to Trump's 46%.

On Thursday, Fetterman questioned Harris' reported lead in Pennsylvania, likening the scenario to Clinton's seven-point advantage in Pennsylvania in 2016, which eventually evaporated on Election Day.

"Fetterman remembered that everyone believed it was a done deal, but the energy and other factors didn't align with what he was observing. Unfortunately, they witnessed what happened."

Trump and Harris on Philadelphia debate stage
Harris, right, and Trump during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

He stated that people comprehend his identity and intentions, and many believe that this is his defining characteristic, although it is not a flaw.

by Timothy Nerozzi

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