Took courage for Fetterman to debate after stroke: Letter

After watching the Fetterman-Oz debate, it’s clear that the format doesn’t serve anyone well — not the candidates and certainly not the voters.

In hindsight, the Fetterman campaign should not have agreed to a debate. For a person recovering from a stroke, it is a set-up for failure. Neurologists recommend that recovering persons take time to formulate their responses.

There are other ways to assess how John is doing. Rapid-fire questions don’t tell us if he can connect with constituents, understand policy issues or advocate for Pennsylvanians. He can do all three.

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I’ve watched people weigh in on John’s performance. Pat Toomey sent a disparaging tweet in the middle of the debate. Recovery from a stroke is different for everyone. It took courage for Fetterman to be in the debate with a physical challenge. Across the country many — including the media — had a voyeuristic interest in what might happen on stage to the guy with the stroke.

Mehmet Oz is a carpetbagger. Why does a surgeon/TV personality from another state want to insert himself into Pennsylvania politics? Don’t believe for a minute that it’s about Pennsylvanians.

John Fetterman took his worst health day and said, I’m going to learn from this and I’m not giving up. He has courage. He believes in himself and Pennsylvanians.

I am voting for Fetterman, not the carpetbagger. By January, John will be even more prepared for the job, but Oz will still be from New Jersey. Vote for the guy who actually cares about us.