(PresidentialHill.com)- What is going on with WaPo? Have they had a collective stroke? They don’t seem the same.
The Washington Post editorial board has requested that John Fetterman agree to participate in two debates with Dr. Oz before the November midterm elections. Additionally, it demands that his medical records be made available “for impartial assessment.”
Don’t get carried away just yet, but perhaps we should applaud it when it succeeds. It is the proper action in this situation. Pennsylvania voters have a right to see both candidates perform on stage, as the editors of the WaPo have correctly stated.
Additionally, voters have a right to know that Fetterman can perform that duty for the entire six-year term, given he intends to be a senator.
Nobody can promise they won’t experience unforeseen health concerns over their whole term in office. Things happen. We lack the tools, such as crystal balls, to see into the future.
Voters might determine Fetterman’s medical history, but a candidate’s campaign for office must be transparent. On his health, he shouldn’t be permitted to remain silent. WaPo correctly notes that Fetterman inclines to downplay legitimate concerns and his prior medical history, which contributed to his stroke.
WaPo noted that since rejoining the campaign trail, Mr. Fetterman’s performance has slowed. He speaks slowly, seems perplexed, and keeps his comments brief. He’s never held a press conference. Mr. Fetterman admits that he struggles with auditory processing. He undergoes speech therapy, and we wish him a quick recovery, but concerns about his health are highlighted by his reluctance to engage in discussion.
WaPo said by keeping the public in the dark about Fetterman’s hospitalization for two days after his stroke, the Fetterman campaign ruined its credibility. It took many more weeks before it provided a fuller account of his medical background, including the fact that he had been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in 2017. After the stroke, Mr. Fetterman underwent surgery to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator. The campaign’s reaction to inquiries about Mr. Fetterman’s health is to cite a doctor’s statement published more than 14 weeks ago and stated that if he takes his meds and exercises, “he should be able to campaign and serve in the U.S. Senate without a problem.”
Wapo concluded that this is insufficient. Mr. Fetterman is asking voters for a six-year contract without providing them with enough details to allow them to form an informed opinion about his suitability for such a difficult position.
One isn’t used to WaPo being… fair.
