Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman struggled at times during his one-hour debate with Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz, as the consequences of a stroke he suffered in May were evident.
The candidates immediately went after one other, with Fetterman’s delivery frequently halting and choppy, while Oz used the 13 years of TV experience he had to bash Fetterman for being ‘extreme.’
Due to his auditory processing disorder, Fetterman’s campaign warned that there would be ‘awkward pauses,’ ‘delays,’ and ‘errors’ during the lone Pennsylvania Senate debate.
Throughout the debate, there were pauses and stumbling.
At one point, moderators asked Fetterman to clarify his opinion on fracking, citing a 2018 interview in which he indicated broad opposition to the process, but not a ban.
He responded, “I support fracking – I don’t, I don’t – I support fracking, and I support fracking.”
When Fetterman was challenged specifically about the allegations Oz made about the Democrats’ campaign commercials being pulled, he instead remained on the subject of abortion.
Both candidates began the discussion on an offensive note.
Fetterman said of Oz, “I’m running to serve Pennsylvania, and he’s running to utilize Pennsylvania.” Here is a man who spent over $20 million of his own money attempting to purchase the seat.
Fetterman reportedly referred to Oz as a “fraud” and criticized the television doctor for owning 10 homes, arguing that he could not comprehend the problems of common Pennsylvanians. Fetterman criticized Oz for having things bearing his name manufactured in China.
Instantaneously, Oz pursued Fetterman for his crime.
The TV doctor continued, “During this crime wave, John Fetterman has been attempting to free as many guilty and life-sentenced killers as possible.”
Oz also punished Fetterman for failing to pay taxes.
‘It was helping students 17 years ago to help them buy their own homes. They didn’t pay the bills … It has never been an issue in any of the campaign before. It was all about non-profit,’ Fetterman responded to the charge.
Reports on tax liens against Fetterman and a community group he headed called Braddock Redux were in the local Pittsburgh news when he ran for Senate in 2016.
Those liens were connected to properties he had purchased in Braddock, the steel town Pittsburgh suburb where he served as mayor.
‘When John Fetterman brings up houses, the irony is he didn’t pay for his own house, he got it for $1 from his sister. He hasn’t been able to earn a living on his own, he’s lived off his parents,’ Oz also charged.
‘He got his Pennsylvania house from his own in-lays for a $1,’ Fetterman hit back, mispronouncing in-laws.
Following Oz’s assertion that Fetterman had referred to the Pennsylvania energy business as a’stain’ on the state, the Democrat was better able to make his point.
Fetterman stated, “He has never encountered an oil firm he doesn’t like.”
Before the debate, a Fetterman campaign letter criticized the Oz campaign for its assaults on Fetterman’s health, which were primarily made by Oz’s campaign staff.
The letter stated, “Oz will attempt to play the kind doctor on Tuesday night, but his campaign’s attacks on John’s health have been repeatedly mean-spirited and vicious.” We will not forget that this is the same “doctor” whose campaign insulted John’s usage of closed-captioning technology, his need for bathroom breaks and medical assistance around, and his claim that he wouldn’t have suffered a stroke if he had eaten more veggies.
Oz’s staff made the remarks as a September debate was being negotiated; however, the debate was never held because Fetterman withdrew out, claiming the Republican team was insulting a stroke victim.
Voters in Pennsylvania have already received their mail-in ballots, so the only time the two candidates will meet is on the Harrisburg stage.
Polls have routinely given Fetterman a slight edge, which remains despite the fact that several recent polls indicate a close race.
Tuesday’s CBS News survey indicated a two-point gap between the two contenders.
According to the survey, 51 percent of probable Pennsylvania voters support Fetterman, while 49 percent support Oz.
The Democratic populist’s advantage is within the margin of error of 4.4%.
The CBS News poll indicates that Pennsylvania voters are eager to watch how the matchup will play out.
Over sixty percent of respondents said that they were at least’somewhat’ interested in tuning in.
The survey was conducted from October 21 to October 24, up until the night before the discussion.
In addition to his auditory processing issue, the stroke has caused Fetterman to occasionally stutter and take longer pauses when speaking.
According to the poll, however, voters do not wish to hear about it tonight.
Nor are they interested in more attacks on Oz’s residence in Pennsylvania as opposed to his family home in New Jersey, which had been a pillar of Fetterman’s campaign.
54% of registered voters told CBS they are not interested in hearing about Fetterman’s health.
Similarly, 57% of respondents claimed they do not need to know where Oz lives.
However, more than nine out of ten Pennsylvanians questioned want the candidates to discuss the economy and their stances on crime and policing.
That could give Oz an advantage tonight – Concerns about the economy and rising inflation have been a major campaign theme for Republicans across the nation, as accumulating public opinion polls indicate that voters trust Republicans slightly more than Democrats on both the economy and crime.