Logging onto the discourse this morning was a bit disorienting. Last night, John Fetterman and Mehmet Oz—the two candidates vying to be Pennsylvania's next senator—met for their first and only debate. Online, at least, it quickly became clear that the biggest takeaway was that Fetterman, having suffered a stroke earlier this year, had bungled the televised showdown. His apparent missteps? Some halting words, repeated answers. Fetterman admitted as much would happen; he'd been transparent about his health, as so many, including Oz himself, have relentlessly demanded of him.
I really can't help but cringe at the idea of voters responding so sharply—and largely negatively—to a legitimate politician, one with a legitimate record of public service, for having a bit of a tough time after suffering a stroke only five months ago. You could argue, of course, that people should be concerned with their respective senators' abilities to physically debate in Congress. That's fair. But I have a feeling that what Americans actually care about is how their lawmakers look while explaining their votes on CNN. After all, that's the discomforting mix of public performance and private ability that's long been a fixture of modern politics.
Still, for all the fuss over Fetterman, Oz—a reality TV star doctor with deeply questionable credentials—at times struggled to speak to the camera, too. Here's the word salad that actually drew most of my attention:
"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."
So will our collective discomfort with public displays of disability suddenly shift support toward a bogus doctor with such awful views on reproductive rights? I think a bit of empathy might show another side. Anyway, I highly encourage you to read our in-depth profile on Fetterman, You're likely to learn a helluva lot more there than any televised debate.
—Inae Oh