News

John Fetterman Defends His Performance In Debate, Says It Was Important To ‘Show Up’

Pennsylvania Democratic Senate nominee John Fetterman stood by his much-criticized performance during the only debate against his Republican opponent Mehmet Oz (R).

In a recent interview, Fetterman, who is also Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor, said he knew the task would not be easy considering his struggle recovering from a stroke in May.

Many commentators wondered aloud whether he was fit to serve after the debate.

“I just always understood that it wasn’t going to be easy,” he told CNN’s This Morning. “I am five months into recovery from that, but I thought it was important that I show up and I did it. And at the end of the day, we did, I think, make some important points.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

He made similar remarks last week during a rally, saying he had got knocked down by the stroke but now he’s gotten back up.

Although the episode is being mostly exploited by Republicans, Democrats also have reservedly expressed concern about Fetterman’s performance.

Last week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) was caught on a hot mic telling President Joe Biden he thought the debate “didn’t hurt too much” the Democratic party’s strategy to flip the Senate seat in Pennsylvania.

Fetterman said it was already expected that he would face challenges to participate on the debate and confirmed he would be ready to take on the responsibilities of a Senator, if elected.

“It was no secret I was going to miss some words. I was going to mush some words together,” he said.

He did not provide a comprehensive medical records, but his campaign has released two letters from doctors assessing his medical condition.

In the most recent one, Dr. Clifford Chen wrote Fetterman is “recovering well from his stroke” and “has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office.”

In recent weeks, Fetterman’s lead in polls has shrink and the race is now considered a toss-up.

The Democrat candidate celebrated that the debate was an opportunity to highlights controversial statements made by Dr. Oz, especially his remarks that “local political leaders” should be involved in decisions about abortion.

Marcello Correa

Recent Posts

After Trump Signs Order Expanding Involuntary Treatment For People With Serious Mental Illnesses, Homeless Advocates Cry Foul

President Donald Trump signed a new executive order that will expand involuntary treatment for people…

3 hours ago

Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th Birthday Book Included Personal Messages From Trump, Clinton & Billionaire Leon Black

Infamous financier Jeffrey Epstein's newly surfaced 50th birthday book from 2003 reportedly contains messages from…

3 hours ago

With World Cup Coming To U.S., FIFA Opens Office In Trump Tower, Sparking Ethics Debate

With many of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Club World Cup tournaments scheduled…

23 hours ago

GOP Sen. John Kennedy, 73, Freezes For 7 Seconds During Live TV Interview, Reigniting Debate Over Elderly Congressmen

During an interview with Fox Business on Tuesday, Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) froze during his…

23 hours ago

Trump Job Approval Drops To 38%, Lowest Level In Second Term Fueled By Economic Concerns

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 38%, the lowest level in his second…

1 day ago

Conservative Podcaster Candace Owens Says Trump Thinks His Supporters Are ‘Stupid’

Right-wing conservative Candace Owens accused President Donald Trump of thinking his voters are "stupid," amid…

1 day ago