Fetterman’s health was at the forefront of the discussion because he had a stroke five months prior.
Pennsylvanian voters had the chance to hear Dr. Mehmet Oz, a Republican, and John Fetterman, a Democrat, defend their positions on abortion rights, fracking, and other topics during Tuesday night’s first and only U.S. Senate debate.
However, Fetterman’s health was at the forefront of the discussion because he had a stroke five months ago, and the two camps have disagreed about its implications.
The Oz campaign has made a big deal out of Fetterman’s health, claiming he is unfit for office. The Democrat, though, maintains that he has recovered sufficiently to serve in government.
According to Natalie Allison of Politico, “the capacity to comprehend discourse in real time and respond is a lasting barrier, and that was certainly a big concern tonight for Fetterman.”
Others commended Fetterman for having the courage and willingness to engage in the discussion in the first place considering the effects of the stroke.
For agreeing to the discussion, Fetterman displayed “courage, humility, and honesty,” according to political commentator Ana Navarro-Cárdenas.
She stated, “Fetterman is aware that his stroke has left him with hearing and processing difficulties. “He had the option to decline, just like some other applicants. Instead, he went in front of the camera to show his struggles and recovery.”
He received praise for his bravery from USA Today columnist Connie Schultz as well.
“Without exception, everyone is caught up in time. Few people would have the fortitude he did to recuperate so openly, “She composed.
Reporter for The Hill Al Weaver stated that Fetterman’s team should not have allowed him to debate.
“Democrats had the same question following the debate: Why did Fetterman’s team allow him to speak tonight? No one on the left I’m talking to has anything positive to say about what just happened, “Tweeted he.
“Dr. Oz’s ability to preserve a neutral countenance while Fetterman constantly fails to create a single logical notion is quite impressive,” added conservative commentator Allie Beth Stuckey.
Clay Travis of OutKick referred to Fetterman’s debate performance as a “disgrace” and said that he was “not well.”
“You won’t believe how disastrous this argument is for [Fetterman] if I don’t tell you. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen “Travis made a further twitter addition. “This race is finished, finished, finished.”
According to journalist Bari Weiss, Fetterman’s performance in the debate was “hard to watch” since the candidate found it difficult to come up with an immediate response to several inquiries.
Liz Plank, a columnist for MSNBC, responded to the abuse Fetterman was receiving by calling it “ableism” to make harsh remarks about his health.
Reactions to the actual policy being discussed were divided, with some criticising Fetterman for appearing to change his opinion on topics like fracking and a Medicare-for-All plan supported by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT.
“Fetterman has stated his opposition to fracking numerous times and even pledged to BAN it. LEAVE THE TAPE ON, “tweets from the Republican National Committee.
Dr. Oz also came under fire, particularly for his response to the question of whether abortion services should be made legal or illegal.
Oz argued that the federal government shouldn’t get involved in the abortion decisions made by the states. “As a doctor, I’ve been present when very challenging conversations have taken place. I absolutely do not want the federal government to get involved in it. I want the greatest ideas to be presented so that states can make their own decisions. I want women, doctors, and local political leaders to do this.”
Paul Begala, a political analyst for CNN, criticised the remark, saying it cost Oz the entire debate.
Jen Psaki, a former press secretary for the White House, also condemned the statement.
“Remember how [Oz] was going to dominate [Fetterman] with his rhetorical prowess the night of the debate? It turns out that what he had planned was to bring your local political figures into your doctor’s office “She composed.
Political analyst Brian Tyler Cohen noted that Fetterman nearly immediately raised $1 million after the debate, and he hypothesised that Oz’s remark may have persuaded voters who were still uncertain to support Fetterman.
After seeing the debate, at least one Independent Pennsylvania voter is switching their vote.
The voter said to NewsNation presenter Chris Cuomo, “I was obviously going towards Fetterman, and I think I have entirely moved to the Oz side.”
In several national polls, Oz is in second place to Fetterman by a margin of error of +/- 2.3 points. Election day is set for November 8.