John Fetterman's rambling response in interview casts doubt over his health status
'The Washington Post' called for a full medical review for the candidate: "He stutters, appears confused and does not hold press conferences" since his stroke.
Pennsylvania Senate candidate John Fetterman (D) made waves this weekend after a video surfaced of him rambling through his answers during an interview. MSNBC anchor Chris Hayes asked Fetterman about how he was feeling and how he was doing in general, to which the candidate responded:
This illogical episode comes after Fetterman suffered a stroke in May, from which he has not fully recovered. Questions about his health status persist, and he has faced constant criticism on the campaign trail about whether he is fit to serve in the Senate.
Criticism from the GOP
Fetterman's confused response sparked controversy on social media from Republicans who reacted to the video, “Like what on earth is that response,” noted Steve Guest, an aide to Senator Ted Cruz.
For his part, Nathan Brand, deputy communications director for the Republican Party, said on Twitter, "This has to be the funniest thing I've seen this cycle."
Fetterman "stutters, looks confused..."
The Washington Post Editorial Board questioned the health status of the Democratic candidate in an op-ed published in mid-September:
Fetterman claimed in an interview in early September that he would debate "sometime in mid to late October" against his opponent, Republican Mehmet Oz, which the Post called "unacceptable."
The newspaper also called for the release of his medical records, as those available "are not good enough" and that he should have "an independent review" of his health status:
The Editorial Board pointed to the fact that a doctor's note from 4 months ago stating that he can "serve in the Senate" is not enough to prove that he is fit to fulfill the duties involved in serving in the upper house of Congress.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette also demanded Fetterman debate Oz, claiming the Republican "has raised legitimate concerns" about the Democrat's health.