Fetterman misspeaks about party at Texas Tribune Festival

What Fetterman said

Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, mistakenly described himself as a “lifelong Republican” during a Sept. 26 appearance at the Texas Tribune Festival. The remark came after an attendee asked why he did not run as an independent.

Fetterman noticed the mistake and joked that the moment would be clipped, prompting laughter from the audience. He then said he had no reason to join the Republican Party and saw “no path” for himself as a Republican.

A video of the exchange, credited to the Texas Tribune and embedded by Fox News, shows the remark and the audience’s response.

His comments about the parties

Fetterman also discussed disagreements with members of his own party, particularly over Israel. He argued that some views sharply critical of the United States receive more acceptance within the Democratic Party than his support for Israel does.

He acknowledged that some Democrats are frustrated by his willingness to work with Republicans. Fetterman said the Democratic Party could vote him out or expel him, but he continued to identify himself as a Democrat.

The comments followed Fetterman’s appearance in a video introducing Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Dave McCormick at a Republican National Committee convention earlier in September. Fetterman did not use the Texas event to announce a party change or an independent campaign.