Social and news media commenters seize on senator’s gaffe, with some characterizing it as a Freudian slip

Social and news media commenters seize on senator’s gaffe, with some characterizing it as a Freudian slip

With speculation about whether he may defect from the Democratic party swirling around him, US senator John Fetterman described himself seemingly unintentionally as a “lifelong Republican” during a fireside chat in Texas over the weekend.

Fetterman made the comment when someone listening to him speak with CBS News political correspondent Major Garrett at the Texas Tribune Festival on Saturday asked the Pennsylvania senator why he had not become an independent.

“Because I’m a lifelong Republican,” Fetterman replied. Garrett promptly corrected him by saying, “Democrat,” as Fetterman raised a hand and shook his head in disbelief.

  • givesomefucks@lemmy.worldEnglish
    31·
    7 hours ago

    Tldr:

    “Let’s revisit after the midterms, and let’s see what happens – you know – if I happen to be 51,” said Fetterman, who was elected to the US Senate in 2022. “I don’t know.”

    If he has to put an R by his name to block Dems, he’ll do it.

    But the grift money for being the most conservative Dem is a shit ton more than being a random Republican.

    So he’s not going to do it unless there’s a reason, and that would likely come with a lump sum bribe.

    He’s advertising that he’d be for sale to all the billionaires who want trump to be unaccountable

    • Fredselfish@sh.itjust.works
      61·
      4 hours ago

      Should be illegal to run as Democrat get elected then switch to other party. If you want to switch Should have to run as that party. If I lived in that state I be PISSED! ASSHOLE should be recalled. The fact that voters in Pennsylvania aren’t protesting at the capital demanding just that.

      • givesomefucks@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        3 hours ago

        Because a new Congress is every 2 years and majorities matter a lot…

        Like, what do you think the gain is from kicking him out of the party?

        And who do you think should be in control of vetting politicians for the party?

        I understand your frustrations, but you haven’t thought this thru

        • Refract@lemmy.ca
          11·
          2 hours ago

          You guys need to burn Washington down and start over. Dumbest fucking political system ever.

          • givesomefucks@lemmy.worldEnglish
            1·
            31 minutes ago

            Dumbest fucking political system ever.

            What an ignorant thing to say…

            Not even historically even, like, just present day has worse shit…

      • corsicanguppy@lemmy.caEnglish
        2·
        4 hours ago

        Because a dino still sits in a blue chair, and for them it can be all about the identity of the chairs in the room.

        But yeah. If the numbers swing hard enough on the midterms he won’t need to choose sides because it’ll be safe enough that they can boot him now and primary him later.