John Fetterman might be perfectly capable of functioning as a US senator. Especially when compared with the ‘lobotomized’ Herschel Walker, whom Republicans are pretending is eminently capable of functioning in that role

That is, especially compared with the lobotomized – who Republicans are pretending is eminently capable of doing so.

But Fetterman has not recovered from his stroke as much as he led Pennsylvania voters to think. That was plain and painful to see during last night’s debate.

John Fetterman and Mehmet Oz sparred over abortion, fracking, and other hot-button issues during their Senate debate Tuesday night, with the Democrat who suffered a stroke more than five months ago struggling at times to effectively communicate — missing words, pausing awkwardly and speaking haltingly.

(Politico, October 25, 2022)

Fetterman committed political malpractice

But the only issue that mattered was Fetterman’s health. Oz had a moment when he flubbed his answer on abortion. But, throughout their debate, Fetterman looked like a beached whale struggling to survive. That was the most jarring flub of all.

It was not a good look. Of course, die-hard Democrats would vote for a beached whale before voting for any Republican. I fear, however, that Fetterman lost many fair-minded swing voters last night.

Fetterman’s missed opportunity

Fetterman is hinging his election on this eleventh-hour debate. Two months ago, I advised him against doing so in “Hey Fetterman, Don’t Play the Victim! Call Dr. Oz’s Bluff. Debate Him, Now!” on September 2, 2022.

Even so, reports are that Fetterman will fully recover from the auditory processing issues still affecting him. But Oz’s mendacity, quackery, and hucksterism are terminal. And his fraudulent effect on American democracy can be fatal.

So, who you gonna vote for?