John Fetterman Is Getting Some Major Side-Eye After Making Wild Freudian Slip During Interview

Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman raised eyebrows after he referred to himself as a "lifelong Republican" when approached by a reporter who asked him why he doesn't just "become an independent" after finding himself at odds with other Democrats.

Fetterman has faced scrutiny over his relationship with the Democratic Party after breaking with fellow Democrats on several major issues. He joined Republicans in opposing efforts to end the U.S. war with Iran and to halt military assistance to Israel, which has faced allegations of genocide in Gaza.

Earlier this month, Fetterman also appeared in a video praising Pennsylvania Republican Senator Dave McCormick at a Republican Party convention in Dallas. Fetterman has rejected speculation that he plans to leave the Democratic Party. He has said he would consider doing so only if the party became “the anti-Israel party.”

During an sit-down with CBS News political correspondent Major Garrett at the Texas Tribune Festival on Saturday, Fetterman was asked why, given his criticism for Democrats, he hasn't "become an independent."

Fetterman replied:

“Because I’m a lifelong Republican."

When Garrett corrected him and said, "Democrat," Fetterman shook his head, realizing his mistake, which prompted Garrett to tease:

“That’s a moment right there that’s clippable, ladies and gentlemen. Circulate! Go, go, go – internet, spin wildly! Wildly spin, internet!”

Fetterman said:

“Yeah – I guarantee you that’s going to break through. That’ll get … clipped – yeah. I’m a lifelong Democrat, though.”

You can watch what happened in the video below.

Observers are now giving the senator major side-eye.

Much speculation has been made about Fetterman's political identity in the years since he suffered a stroke.

There is no indication Fetterman's intelligence has been compromised, despite attacks from prominent Republicans who, in the past, have continued to raise questions about Fetterman's health and capacity to lead.