CNN’s Van Jones stands by moderate Fetterman as critics urge GOP defection

CNN analyst Van Jones jumped to defend Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) as the senator continues to face criticism over his voting record and calls to switch his party affiliation ahead of his reelection campaign. 

“Look, I think he is a moderate Democrat, and that should not be illegal in this party,” Jones said on CNN’s the Source with Kaitlin Collins, Monday.

Jones said it’s “completely insane” that a moderate Democrat faces backlash over issues including Israel and immigration. 

“It just shows you how nutty things have gotten that somebody who wants to stick up for Israel and doesn’t want an open border is somehow now, has to be a Republican,” Jones said. 

Jones’s statements follow a Politico report revealing Senate Republicans and President Donald Trump were attempting to persuade Fetterman to change his party affiliation, offering the senator financial resources if he did defect.

But Fetterman continues to reject the idea, reiterating