Let's start a few weeks ago - Eventbrite (by way of the wayback machine):
From the Eventbrite description:
A conversation with Senator David McCormick, Senator John Fetterman, Dina Powell McCormick, and Gisele Barreto Fetterman
And:
In this discussion, Dina and David will share insights from some of the most successful leaders in the country who credit mentorship as a defining force in their success. Through real-world stories, they unpack the four key elements of transformative mentorship–trust, shared values, meaningful commitment, and instilling confidence. [Bolding in original]
That's the discussion the Fettermans were going to join.
Tickets were thirty bucks (or there abouts) things were set.
Then this happened:
Pennsylvania Sens. Dave McCormick and John Fetterman will host their first joint public event in Pittsburgh this Saturday, but not everyone is pleased with the Democratic senator's bipartisan show of support for his Republican colleagues' new book.
An activist group, Mondays Without McCormick Pittsburgh, is planning a protest with Indivisible Pittsburgh this Saturday, urging both Pennsylvania senators to listen to their concerned constituents and host a town hall.
So this is what those "activists" did:
"Instead of holding town halls, they are hawking a book at a paid event at City Winery. Join us to tell them NO! NO to dismantling the Department of Education. NO to defunding SNAP and programs that feed our kids. NO to cuts to NIH which supports research for our kids and ALL of us. And NO to attacks on our democracy - the legacy we will leave our kids," the Facebook event invite reads.
The McCormicks co-wrote their new book about mentorship, "WHO BELIEVED IN YOU?," and the book tour is billed as a discussion of transformative mentorship "from some of the most successful leaders in the country." According to an Eventbrite, the book tour event is $32, which includes the cost of a book at $29.99.
The Pittsburgh protesters have ridiculed the "paid book event," which was originally planned at City Winery. The event location has since been changed to: "Location to be announced." However, the protesters have not been deterred, vowing to gather in the Strip District.
Actually it ended up being at Schenley Plaza in Oakland.
In any event, there was another wrinkle to the story.
A paid event featuring U.S. Sens. Dave McCormick and John Fetterman that had been scheduled for Saturday in Pittsburgh has been postponed.
Sure - it was "postponed."
Pennlive has a little more:
A controversial event on Saturday that was supposed to feature Sen. Dave McCormick and Sen. John Fetterman and their wives talking about the power of mentorship, has been canceled at the last minute due to an “unforeseen logistical issue,” according to an email sent out to people who purchased tickets.
Sure - it was an “unforeseen logistical issue.”
I was at the protest at Schenley Plaza today:
Some of the speakers had actually purchased tickets to the McCormick/Fetterman brofest and, evidently, had planned to read a statement to the Senators at the event. Each wondered why either Senator lacked the courage to face them.
Each speaker had an important story to tell and important grievances to bring to their Senators in Congress but because of whatever "unforeseen logistical issue" cancelled postponed the winery event, they didn't get to.
Where was Senator McCormick? Where was his buddy Senator Fetterman?
Maybe they went back to lunch at Fogo de Chão.
Remember this?:
Great to break bread with @SenFettermanPA, Gisele, & Dina to talk about where we can work together to best serve PA - from stopping the spread of fentanyl, to fighting antisemitism & supporting Israel, & providing the best constituent services for the people of our commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/Fk4hW1HOLY
— Senator Dave McCormick (@SenMcCormickPA) January 9, 2025
Look at the date - Jan 9, 2025. That's not even a full week after Senator McCormick first took this oath on January 3:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
ConnecticutDave was not even a week into the job (probably didn't even know where the paper clips are stored) and he and John are deep into a Senatorial bromance.
Any comment, Senator Fetterman?
Any comment, Senator McCormick?
When will you be hosting a town hall to hear from your constituents? I have a few things to ask each of you and I know the folks at this protest have questions as well.
