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 ā€œlifelong Republicanā€ 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.

ā€œBecause I’m a lifelong Republican,ā€ Fetterman replied. Garrett promptly corrected him by saying, ā€œDemocrat,ā€ as Fetterman raised a hand and shook his head in disbelief.