Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania appears to be suffering a medical setback.
Politics :
Prior to his election during the 2022 November election, Fetterman suffered a major stroke that nearly cost him his life. In fact, some believed the stroke made him medically unfit for the rigors of serving in the US Senate. However, after defeating Republican Mehmet Oz, Fetterman’s doctors gave him the green light to proceed with his elected position.
The 1st-term senator was sworn into office in January and his Senate colleagues made provisions within the chamber to accommodate his health challenges. For example, a newly installed monitor (that rises or lowers, depending on whether he sits or stands) was installed to provide closed captioning for him to follow the proceedings. Also, a custom desk stand was built at the center dais in order to accommodate the same technology for his shifts presiding over the Senate. These fixes were designed to assist Sen. Fetterman’s neurological condition (that impairs his hearing) as well as auditory processing issues.
All seemed well — until last Wednesday when Fetterman was hospitalized for 2 nights after feeling lightheaded during Senate proceedings. Although doctors ruled out another stroke and released him from the hospital on Friday, they are continuing to monitor him for signs of a seizure.
This medical setback now has political observers and colleagues from both sides of the aisle asking the million-dollar question: is Sen. Fetterman legitimately and medically capable of serving in the US Senate, or should he perhaps consider stepping down for the sake of his own health and the constituents that he serves.
According to The New York Times, aides and confidantes have described his introduction to the Senate as a difficult period, filled with unfamiliar duties that are taxing for a person like him who’s still recovering from a major stroke. His hectic schedule includes meetings with constituents, attending caucus and committee meetings, appearing in public at White House events and at the State of the Union address, as well as making appearances in Pennsylvania.
That type of schedule is a challenge for a healthy person. However, it appears to have already become a nightmare for the 53-year-old Fetterman, who is said to also be suffering from depression.
“What you’re supposed to do to recover from this [a stroke] is do as little as possible,” his chief of staff Adam Jentleson said. Instead, Sen. Fetterman “was forced to do as much as possible — he had to get back to the campaign trail. It’s hard to claw that back.”
Democrats would be happy to know that IF Fetterman were ever incapacitated or decided to step down, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania would be charged with selecting his replacement (a person who would almost certainly be another Democrat).
Still, that news doesn’t erase the fact that Sen. Fetterman appears to be struggling with his health and could be putting his life in danger if he continues at his current pace.
OK WASSUP! discusses Politics:
Sen. Fetterman has a medical incident.
I hate to hear this. But when he was running I already thought he could end up too sick to last the whole time. I hope I am wrong but I want him to do what is right for his health.