Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman accidentally described himself as a “lifelong Republican” during a fireside chat in Texas over the weekend, a comment that quickly drew attention on social and news media.
Fetterman was speaking with CBS News political correspondent Major Garrett at the Texas Tribune Festival on Saturday when an audience member asked why he had not become an independent. “Because I’m a lifelong Republican,” Fetterman replied. Garrett corrected him, saying “Democrat,” as Fetterman raised a hand and shook his head in disbelief.
Gaffe sparks online reaction
“That’s a moment right there that’s clippable, ladies and gentlemen,” Garrett said amid laughter from the audience. “Go, go, go – internet, spin wildly! Wildly spin, internet!”
Fetterman then remarked, “Yeah – I guarantee you that’s going to break through. That’ll get … clipped – yeah. I’m a lifelong Democrat, though, and that’s … the point.” Commentators seized on the video, with more than one characterizing it as a Freudian slip.
Speculation over party loyalty
Fetterman has faced questions about his loyalty to the Democratic party after joining Republicans in opposing efforts to end the US war with Iran and to cut off military aid to Israel, which has been accused of committing genocide in Gaza. He also appeared in a video praising Republican Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick at a convention in Dallas on 9 September.
Fetterman, elected to the Senate in 2022, has denied intending to defect. “I’m not going to be a Republican,” he told a reporter at the US Capitol in a video published online by CSPAN on 15 September. “Why can’t you guys just wait till the midterms? And if I turn a Republican, then I’ll be a liar.”
Midterm outlook
At the festival, Fetterman said it was “entirely possible” for the Democratic party to win a Senate majority in the November midterms, with Republicans predicted to lose seats. He declined to say which side he might support if he held a tie-breaking vote in the 100-seat Senate after the midterms.
“Let’s revisit after the midterms, and let’s see what happens – you know – if I happen to be 51,” Fetterman said. “I don’t know.”
