In a startling revelation from his new memoir, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has publicly disclosed the reasons behind his fractured relationship with the state's Governor, Josh Shapiro. The explosive account, detailed in his book 'Unfettered', dedicates an entire chapter to what Fetterman terms 'The Shapiro Affair', tracing the animosity back to their time serving together on Pennsylvania's Board of Pardons.
The Roots of the Rift
The conflict began when Fetterman, then serving as Lieutenant Governor and chair of the board, advocated for an increase in commutations. Shapiro held the position of state attorney general at the time. Fetterman's book lists several individuals denied clemency who he believed deserved release, highlighting a fundamental policy disagreement between the two rising political stars.
The tension reached its peak during a 2020 Zoom hearing concerning the case of brothers Lee and Dennis Horton. The two were serving a murder sentence under heavy scrutiny, and Fetterman was demanding their release. According to the senator's account, Shapiro delivered what he describes as a 'very long winded and unnecessary speech' before ultimately shooting down their commutation.
The Mic Was Still On
In a moment of sheer frustration, Fetterman admits he blurted out 'f****** a**hole'—only to realise his microphone was still active. This professional indiscretion was followed by a political threat. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Fetterman then threatened to run against Shapiro in the 2022 Democratic primary for governor unless more commutation cases were processed.
This pressure tactic appeared to yield results. Fetterman cites the Horton brothers' case specifically, noting that eight months later, they were granted a hearing. By December 2020, the board moved to free them. Despite this victory, Fetterman writes that a member of Shapiro's staff, named as Joe Radosevich, contacted him to demand he retract his statements and deny rumours of a private meeting, a request Fetterman refused.
A Lasting Political Chill
According to the memoir, the relationship between the two men 'never recovered', even after the Horton brothers were freed. Fetterman suggests that Shapiro's caution was driven less by the facts of each case and more by political ambition and a fear that a freed individual might commit a future crime, damaging his political prospects.
Despite the bad blood, Fetterman offers a form of political praise, acknowledging Shapiro's subsequent rise. He notes that Shapiro has 'become hotter than hot', emerging as a finalist for the 2024 vice-presidential nod and a front-runner for the 2028 presidential nomination. Fetterman concludes by sincerely wishing him the best, calling him a credit to the state and a potential future credit to the country, while fondly remembering 'the days when we were nobodies trying to climb the ladder'.
The book also delves into Fetterman's personal struggles, including his debilitating stroke during his 2022 Senate campaign and the depression that followed his victory against Dr. Mehmet Oz. His wife, Gisele, contributes a chapter with candid details about their 17-year marriage.
