Rachael Bade

Portrait of Rachael Bade

Founder of The Inner Circle and former senior Washington correspondent at Politico.

What DI has documented

DI has documented statements by Rachael Bade on 2026 Midterm Elections and U.S. Politics. Read the quotations, original sources and related cases below.

Topics in this coverage

Statements by Rachael Bade

Portrait of Rachael Bade

Rachael Bade

Role at the time: Political journalist expressing analysis on her personal X account

Condemned

Response to this claim

Democrats' earlier treatment of Fetterman was excessive, but addressing the opposing party's convention crossed a separate line.

“a bridge too far”
Read the original post (opens in a new tab)Bade distinguishes unfair treatment of Fetterman from his convention decision
Why we used this label

Bade previously defended Fetterman’s moderation but calls this particular act a step too far. A favorable view of other conduct does not make this event mixed.

A participant is a subject of the case. A speaker has a statement documented in it. A commentator has an opinion or editorial documented in it.

Case

Was John Fetterman's GOP-convention appearance bipartisanship or political betrayal?

Relationship to this case: Speaker

At the September 9, 2026 Republican convention, Democratic Senator John Fetterman introduced Republican Senator Dave McCormick and promised cooperation with President Trump on Pennsylvania steel. Supporters welcomed bipartisanship; critics called it campaign-stage help for an administration Fetterman’s voters expected him to oppose.

2026 Midterm ElectionsU.S. PoliticsUpdated