This Tuesday marked the election debate of one of the most important Senate races of the midterm elections. Democratic candidate John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz faced off in the first and only election debate to fill Republican Pat Toomey's seat and become senator from Pennsylvania. Some polls reflect a minimal one-point lead for Fetterman over Oz after yesterday's debate. In others, however, the gap is reduced to a tie.
Most analysts agree: Oz beat Fetterman in the debate. Health problems had an impact on John Fetterman, who decided not to publish his medical records after suffering a stroke a few months ago. Despite this, the Democratic candidate said he is "fully qualified" to be senator and that his health continues to improve. Last week, Fetterman issued a letter in which his primary care physician states that he is doing well, that he "speaks intelligently with no cognitive deficits," and that he has "no work restrictions and can work at full capacity in public office." However, it should be remembered that his physician is a major donor to the Democratic Party.
Fetterman on his stroke, "it knocked me down but I'm going to keep coming back up. And this campaign is all about to me is about fighting for everyone in Pennsylvania that ever got knocked down that needs to get back up." #PASenateDebate pic.twitter.com/5PTFz4CVi4
- Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) October 26, 2022
Fetterman and Oz were aided by a screen that displayed each of the transcribed speeches. During the debate for senator for Pennsylvania, both candidates presented their proposals and opinions on several current issues such as abortion, fracking or support for Trump and Biden.
Abortion
One of the main issues discussed by both candidates was abortion. Oz bet that each state, and not the federal government, will make its own decision:
I want women, doctors, local political leaders, letting the democracy that has always allowed our nation to thrive, to come up with the best ideas so that states can decide for themselves.
After the Supreme Court the judgment is revoked Roe vs. WadeFetterman endorsed the Democratic Party's position on abortion:
If you believe that the choice of abortion belongs to you and your doctor, that's what I fight for. To me, Roe v. Wade should be the law.
Fetterman on abortion:
"I've always believed that the choice beleans women and their doctors." pic.twitter.com/V66csZlyEU
- Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 26, 2022
Fracking and support for Trump and Biden
Hydraulic fracking is one of the most important industries in Pennsylvania and one that has generated controversy since the explosion in the town of Dimock in 2009. Analysts recall that it has been four years since Fetterman said he did not support fracking. However, he now states, with doubts, that he has always supported this technique:
I support fracking... I support fracking and I stand by it. As long as it is done in an environmentally friendly way and making sure we are not polluting our waterways.
What just happened? #PASen pic.twitter.com/aJRDZVFU2x
- RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 26, 2022
On the other hand, Mehmet Oz unhesitatingly supported fracking and noted that "the energy industry lives in fear of John Fetterman."
The debate moderator asked Fetterman if he would support Joe Biden and Oz about whether he would endorse Donald Trump should they run again for president in 2024. They both assured that they would endorse them. "I will support whoever the Republican Party puts up. I would support Donald Trump if he decided to run for president," Oz said. For his part, Fetterman stated that "if Biden decides to run, I would absolutely support him."
