Senator John Fetterman is associated with hoodies, but lately his team has been putting a lot of thought into a different kind of clothing: the sassy T-shirt. After the Senate passed a dress code–a move inspired by Fetterman’s attire–his campaign started selling self-mocking shirts featuring jabs that had been lobbed at the lawmaker, from “disgraceful” (Marjorie Taylor Greene) to “revolting slob” (Monica Crowley). They also debuted a shirt emblazoned with “John Fetterman’s Body Double,” a reference to claims that an actor had been filling in for him.
The shirts–which were big sellers and got a lot of social-media attention–are the kind of sly response that Fetterman’s team has become known for. And the senator himself is in on it. When a campaign consultant mentioned the idea of a shirt with some critiques, he insisted any merch include “revolting slob.” “He had some stored away in his head,” says Michael Mikail, a consultant on the Fetterman campaign. “From his perspective, it was like, ‘The worse, the better.’ ”
The tees are part of a genre of apparel that reclaims disparaging statements–think nasty woman buttons. The tactic starts a conversation, but it serves a deeper purpose, says Michelle Howell, who helps run the Outrage, an activist retailer. “If it captures a hurdle that a group or community has experienced, people will show up to support that.”
This article appears in the November 2023 issue of Washingtonian.
The Story Behind John Fetterman’s Feisty T-Shirts
How “revolting slob” became a funny tee.
Senator John Fetterman is associated with hoodies, but lately his team has been putting a lot of thought into a different kind of clothing: the sassy T-shirt. After the Senate passed a dress code–a move inspired by Fetterman’s attire–his campaign started selling self-mocking shirts featuring jabs that had been lobbed at the lawmaker, from “disgraceful” (Marjorie Taylor Greene) to “revolting slob” (Monica Crowley). They also debuted a shirt emblazoned with “John Fetterman’s Body Double,” a reference to claims that an actor had been filling in for him.
The shirts–which were big sellers and got a lot of social-media attention–are the kind of sly response that Fetterman’s team has become known for. And the senator himself is in on it. When a campaign consultant mentioned the idea of a shirt with some critiques, he insisted any merch include “revolting slob.” “He had some stored away in his head,” says Michael Mikail, a consultant on the Fetterman campaign. “From his perspective, it was like, ‘The worse, the better.’ ”
The tees are part of a genre of apparel that reclaims disparaging statements–think nasty woman buttons. The tactic starts a conversation, but it serves a deeper purpose, says Michelle Howell, who helps run the Outrage, an activist retailer. “If it captures a hurdle that a group or community has experienced, people will show up to support that.”
This article appears in the November 2023 issue of Washingtonian.
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Takoma.
Most Popular in News & Politics
MAP: Road Closures for Trump’s Military Parade
Man Jumps From AU Radio Tower in Apparent Suicide
Smaller Crowds, Big Emotions for Army’s 250th: What We Heard Around DC
The Smithsonian Says It Will Decide Who Runs Its Museums, Thanks; Trump’s Parade Will Close Some DC Streets for Days; and a Maryland Bear Got a Ride to a Park in Virginia
PHOTOS: “No Kings” Protests Draw Thousands in DC Area
Washingtonian Magazine
June Issue: Pride Guide
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
How Would a New DC Stadium Compare to the Last One?
The Culture of Lacrosse Is More Complex Than People Think
Did Television Begin in Dupont Circle?
Kings Dominion’s Wild New Coaster Takes Flight in Virginia
More from News & Politics
DC Pedestrian Killed by Truck Carrying Tank From Trump’s Parade, Kristi Noem Went to Hospital for Allergic Reaction, and Most Virginia Primary Results Are In
Another Mysterious Anti-Trump Statue Has Appeared on the National Mall
Army Says Tanks Didn’t Damage DC’s Streets; Trump Attends, Leaves G-7 Summit; and an Alligator Got Escorted Out of Fairfax
5 Things to Know About the New Trump Smartphone
PHOTOS: Army 250 Festival and Parade
Trump’s Damp Military Parade Overshadowed by Weekend of Political Violence, Protests; Dems Turn Out Early for Virginia Primary; Washington Post Journalists Hacked
How Would a New DC Stadium Compare to the Last One?
PHOTOS: “No Kings” Protests Draw Thousands in DC Area