It happens to all of us. Getting older kind of sneaks up on us, and suddenly, you are surrounded by youngsters who don't get your movie and music references. I am sure I can speak for my colleagues when I say I have had to censor myself several times because I realize not everyone will get the reference I want to use in something I am writing. It even happens to United States senators. Recent case in point: Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA).
Larry David: White House UFC event made him ’embarrassed to be an American’https://t.co/3JxnJcYk5U
— The Hill (@thehill) June 25, 2026
By now, you might have seen that "Curb Your Enthusiasm" creator and "Seinfeld" co-creator Larry David was asked about the recent UFC fight on the south lawn of the White House. His response was about like you would expect from a Hollywood dweller. He stated, "It was a travesty. What else can you say about it? It was embarrassing. I was embarrassed to be an American."
READ MORE: Oh, My: John Fetterman's Challenge to Graham Platner
No surprise there — typical Hollywood leftist response. After David made his comments, TMZ DC reporter Jacob Wasserman caught up with Fetterman on Capitol Hill and asked him about David's remarks. In classic deadpan Fetterman style, he let loose with a classic response from the 1981 movie "Stripes" and replied, “I’d say lighten up, Francis." He added, “Hey, I’m proud to be an American, and if you are embarrassed or whatever because of a UFC thing, get over yourself, dude!”
For those who don't remember the scene, the new recruits, right at the beginning of boot camp, are having a casual discussion in the barracks with Drill Sgt. Hulka (played by Warren Oates), one of them (played by Conrad Dunn) insists that everyone call him "Psycho," and has a detailed list of things that he would kill his fellow soldiers for if they call him by his given name, Francis.
Fetterman's response was comedy gold, but the reporter's response was even better. As soon as Fetterman says, "Lighten up, Francis," the reporter repeats it as if he has never heard it before; he probably hasn't. As Fetterman gets on an elevator, the reporter asks, "What do you mean 'Francis'?"
John Fetterman vs Larry David is a funny feud. Funnier? The reporter here not knowing the phrase, “Lighten up, Francis,” and trying to get an explanation. pic.twitter.com/Q7fQX2Sqz7
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) June 24, 2026
It's too bad that Fetterman was getting on the elevator because his explanation to a reporter too young to have gotten the movie reference would have no doubt been an even better clip than him telling Larry David to lighten up.
ALSO READ: Fetterman Torches His Own 'Anti-American' Party — and He's Naming Names
In light of Tuesday's election results in New York City, John Fetterman appears now to be an island unto himself, the only rational Democrat left in his party. He may also be the only Democrat left not afraid to call out Hollywood buffoons on their totally inflated self-importance. At the end of the day, we might not always agree with Sen. Fetterman, but he is not afraid to call things what they are. I would add, to this reporter, go on YouTube and watch "Stripes," and also, just wait — 30 years from now, you will hear music you used to dance to in the club while you're at the grocery store.
WARNING: LANGUAGE
Editor’s Note: Hollywood, academia, and liberal elites are out of touch with the average American.
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