Battle lines are being drawn in Washington DC as the nation's capitol again prepares for the arrival of President-elect Donald Trump.

Despite opposing political affiliations, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) expressed his optimism for President-elect Trump's administration and criticized others who have the opposite view, as Fox News reported.

On Sunday, Fetterman made an appearance on "This Week" on ABC. Jonathan Karl and he prerecorded their over ten-minute sit-down segment.

"I'm not rooting against him," the Democratic senator said. "If you're rooting against the president, you are rooting against the nation. And I'm not ever going to be where I want a president to fail. So, country first. I know that's become maybe like a cliche, but it happens to be true."

Fall from Grace

"You gotta chill out," Fetterman said on Sunday, doubling down on his advice for fellow Democrats terrified of a second Trump presidency. He was once beloved by the left but is now in the proverbial doghouse as he distances himself further from the party platform on common-sense issues.

“You know, like the constant … freak out – it’s not helpful,” Fetterman said.

Fetterman, who is now a part of Trump's Truth Social network, recently told Democrats to "pack a lunch, pace yourself, because he hasn't even taken office yet" for a second four-year term starting in January 2025, further damaging his reputation among the left.

In his interview with Karl, the Pennsylvania senator was asked about the loss by Kamala Harris: “You have a singular political talent. It’s un-undeniable,” Fetterman said, referring to Trump’s return to the White House.

From Truth Social

Fetterman referred to Trump's New York conviction for fraudulently fabricating hush-money payments to adult film actor Stormy Daniels as "bullshit" in his initial post on Trump's foundation on 10 December.

He also referred to Hunter Biden's conviction on federal charges of tax evasion and lying on gun ownership paperwork using the same word, and he stated that pardons should be granted for both cases.

He has been pardoned by Hunter Biden's father. The New York conviction, which took place in state court, remains unpardoned.

“Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division,” Fetterman added.

More Complete Take on Trump

While acknowledging that it was Vice President Kamala Harris' "prerogative" to accuse Trump of being a fascist during her campaign, the senator assured Karl that he never believed Trump's movement was about fascism.

"Fascism, that's not a word that regular people use, you know?" Fetterman said. "I think people are going to decide who is the candidate that's going to protect and project, you know, my version of the American way of life, and that's what happened."

After meeting with Trump's Cabinet nominees, Fetterman said that he will vote with an open mind and informed perspective when deciding whether or not to confirm the candidates.