The Democratic nominee whose campaign uniform for the open Pennsylvania Senate seat is hoodies and shorts is in political trouble.
John Fetterman suffered a stroke in May, which sidelined him from campaigning for three months. He has done little campaigning since then, either, according to a Washington Post report.
His Trump-endorsed Republican candidate, Mehmet Oz, asked for five debates. After much dithering, Fetterman agreed to conduct one debate. But not until “sometime in the middle to end of October.” That will not help voters who mailed in ballots as early as September 19. The Post report notes two debates had been the standard during recent competitive Pennsylvania Senate contests.
The Joe lunchbox Senate candidate is being dogged by concerns about his health. His campaign representatives point to a four-month-old note from his doctor clearing him to campaign and hold office. Many remain skeptical about Fetterman’s ability to perform the high-stress job of serving in the Senate.
He has been halting in his performances since returning to the campaign trail, the report noted. He stammers, appears confused and gives short answers, similar to President Joe Biden. The Democratic candidate acknowledges difficulties processing what he hears, which reportedly make it hard for him to respond quickly.
A recent exchange between Fetterman and MSNBC’s “All In” host Chris Hayes is surreal. Ted Cruz adviser Steve Guest posted a disturbing segment of their conversation on Twitter.
“MSNBC host: “I just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing.” John Fetterman: “It’s not about kicking balls in the authority or anything,” Guest wrote above the video.
“Like what on earth is that response???”
His Republican opponent is chomping at the bit to debate his Democratic Party opponent.
“We keep hearing that the Fetterman campaign is in debate talks with networks,” Oz tweeted. “What networks? He won’t say. What terms? He won’t say. John Fetterman sure has a lot of people speaking for him, but does very little speaking himself.”
Oz’s stated concern about Fetterman’s physical ability to serve in the Senate was called legitimate by a Pa. newspaper, also.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Editorial Board also demanded that Fetterman debate Oz.
“Further delays in scheduling a debate between U.S. Senate candidates John Fetterman and Mehmet Oz have raised more questions about Mr. Fetterman’s health, including his ability to communicate and process information,” the newspaper’s editorial board opined.
The paper further called on both candidates to immediately release their medical records.
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