The debate for one of the most important senate seats for the upcoming midterm elections was held this past Tuesday. 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 in Pennsylvania. Some polls show a Fetterman leading by one-point lead after yesterday's debate. However, others show a tie.
Most analysts agree that Oz beat Fetterman in the debate. Health problems had an impact on John Fetterman, who decided not to share 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 shared a letter in which his primary care physician stated that he is doing well. The letter stated that he "spoke intelligently without cognitive deficits," and that he "has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office." However, it should be noted 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 teleprompter that displayed each of the transcribed speeches. During the debate for Pennsylvania senator, 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 wants each state, and not the federal government, to make its own decision:
I want women, doctors, local political leaders, letting the democracy that’s always allowed our nation to thrive to put the best ideas forward so states can decide for themselves.
After the Supreme Court judgment that revoked Roe vs. Wade, Fetterman endorsed the Democratic Party's position on abortion:
If you believe that the choice for abortion belongs between you and your doctor, that’s what I fight for, Roe v. Wade for me 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 2009 explosion in Dimock. 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 do support fracking and I don’t, I don’t — I support fracking, and I stand, and I do support fracking. 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 is living in fear of John Fetterman."
The debate moderator asked Fetterman if he would support Joe Biden and Oz if he would back Donald Trump should they run for president in 2024. They both assured that they would endorse them. "I’ll support whoever the Republican Party puts up. I would support Donald Trump if he decided to run for president," Oz said. Fetterman stated that "if Biden does choose to run, I would absolutely support him.”
