CNN’s Jake Tapper called hoodie-wearing Sen. John Fetterman “working class” on his show, saying he was among the US politicians who “actually know hardship” — even though the Pennsylvania Democrat grew up rich.
Despite his blue-collar image, Fetterman’s privileged roots — which included being supported by his rich father into his late 40s — were revealed in 2022 when he was running for Senate.
The 55-year-old tattoed senator grew up in a cushy Pennsylvania suburb, and was supported by his dad, who was a partner at an insurance firm, allowing him to earn an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree from Harvard without taking on student debt, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported at the time.
Journalist Glenn Greenwald was quick to call out Tapper for mistaking Fetterman for someone who is working class just because of his appearance.
“Hilarious: @JakeTapper says the Democrats need to get more ‘working-class candidates, people who actually know hardship, like @JohnFetterman.’ Fetterman wears a working-class costume, but he grew up extremely wealthy and got monthly checks from his rich dad until he was 49,” Greenwald wrote on X Saturday.
Tapper made the comments on his show “The Lead with Jake Tapper” when discussing Democratic candidates like Fetterman and Sen.-elect Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who won in battleground states.
The anchor asked Gallego spokeswoman Rebecca Katz what Democrats should be doing differently to beat Republicans in contentious states.
Katz said Gallego can “empathize” with the average American because he “comes from a working-class background” and “understands what needs to happen.”
Tapper replied: “So what I’m getting is that the Democrats should be getting working-class candidates like John Fetterman and Ruben Gallego, people who actually know hardship.”
Katz added: “I think we need candidates who can connect to everyday Americans and Democrats are losing that.”