Rick Scott slams opponent, Florida progressives for opposing Fetterman speech over pro-Israel stance

TAMPA, Fla. – Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., slammed the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida for opposing Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman’s expected keynote address at the Florida Democratic Party Leadership Blue 2024 event.

The group issued a statement opposing Fetterman’s appearance due to his “unwavering support” of Israel.

“@JohnFetterman and I disagree on almost everything, and I assume he’ll take the opportunity this weekend to take some shots at me. But the fact that @DebbieforFL’s allies are trying to cancel him for his common sense support for Israel and his vocal criticism of Hamas terrorists just shows how insane the Left has gone,” Scott said on social media, referencing his main Democratic opponent, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.

“Pick a side, Debbie. You either support common sense or you support terrorists,” he said.

The caucus’s statement argued that Fetterman, once a “progressive champion,” has “marginalized” certain voices with his “divisive” rhetoric as he advocates for “Republican interests.”

“The FDP’s decision to provide a platform for John Fetterman, despite his abandonment of progressive
values and alignment with divisive rhetoric, is a direct affront to the principles of democracy and justice,” the statement read.

“The party must heed the calls of its constituents and cancel Fetterman’s keynote speech, demonstrating a commitment to amplifying the voices of the oppressed and pursuing a path toward peace and justice for all,” it said.

Dr. Carolina Ampudia, the chairwoman of the caucus’s Broward County chapter, argued that it’s not right to support a Democratic Party pushing for federal dollars going towards “genocide, eternal wars, authoritarianism and domestic tyranny.”

Leadership Blue 2024 is a weekend of trainings, panel discussion and speakers, with a goal to raise funds and turn out support for Florida Democrats in 2024.