John Fetterman Predicts Internet Hysterics After His ‘Republican Party’ Slip [WATCH]

Sen. John Fetterman drew a wave of laughter at the Texas Tribune Festival after accidentally describing himself as a “lifelong Republican,” briefly giving his political critics and admirers alike a line ready made for circulation.

The Pennsylvania Democrat made the verbal slip during a Saturday appearance after an attendee asked why he does not run as an independent.

Fetterman immediately recognized the mistake and predicted that the moment would spread far beyond the room.

“Because I’m a lifelong Republican,” he said, realizing his mistake.

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“I guarantee you that will break through. That will get clipped.”

WATCH:

The accidental declaration came amid continuing questions about Fetterman’s relationship with the Democratic Party.

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Although his positions and willingness to work with Republicans have angered some Democrats, he quickly made clear that he has no current reason to change parties.

Fetterman delivered a keynote address earlier at the festival and used the appearance to discuss his criticisms of both major parties.

His comments focused in part on what positions Democrats are willing to tolerate within their coalition.

“I don’t have a reason to,” Fetterman said of joining Republicans. “But for a big-tent situation, it’s easier to be included in that big tent to say America deserved 9/11 or America is worse than Al-Qaida than being very proud to stand on the side of Israel.”

Despite the accidental Republican label, Fetterman acknowledged that he believes he has “no path as a Republican.”

He also recognized that his willingness to cooperate with the opposing party has frustrated many within Democratic ranks.

Fetterman indicated that the party remains free to take action against him if members decide his approach no longer fits their expectations.

“If the Democratic Party votes me out or expels me, they’re always entitled to do that,” he said.

Republicans have openly welcomed the possibility of Fetterman joining their party after he floated leaving his own caucus.

Speculation grew further after he released a video introducing his Pennsylvania colleague, Republican Sen. Dave McCormick, at the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention earlier this month.

Even with that speculation swirling, Fetterman has repeatedly affirmed that he remains a Democrat.

His message at the Texas event was that criticism of his party and cooperation with Republicans do not automatically amount to plans for a party switch.

The senator began his Senate career after defeating Dr. Mehmet Oz in a close 2022 contest.

Fetterman ran on a progressive platform and helped secure what was a historically thin Democratic majority that year.

Since entering the Senate, however, Fetterman has challenged his party’s direction and become a persistent source of irritation for Democrats.

His positions have also generated praise among Republicans, particularly as members of his own party have turned against him.

Fetterman’s support for Israel has been one of the most visible points of conflict.

Earlier this year, he warned that he would leave the Democratic Party if Democrats became more entrenched in policies opposed to Israel.

He has also taken shots at the party’s direction during the current midterm election cycle.

His criticism has come as progressives such as Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan have emerged as prominent figures within the party.

Fetterman previously earned praise for confronting Jon Stewart over his support for Israel.

He also visited Israel to demonstrate support during its fight against the terrorist group responsible for the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed more than 1,200 people and resulted in many hostages being taken.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented Fetterman with a silver-plated pager commemorating the operation that used pagers against Hamas leaders and operatives.

That support has continued to separate Fetterman from members of his party who have moved toward more hostile positions on Israel.

For now, the senator says he has neither a reason to join Republicans nor a path within their party.

Still, his “lifelong Republican” slip handed the crowd a laugh and produced precisely the kind of clip he instantly knew would travel.

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