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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPhiladelphia Inquirer: Fetterman deserves our respect, not ridicule, after the U.S. Senate debate
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https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/pennsylvania-senate-debate-fetterman-oz-stroke-recovery-20221026.html
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https://archive.ph/KAxeW
Most people who suffer from an injury do not have to recover on a public stage.
John Fetterman, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, deserves credit not ridicule for taking the debate stage Tuesday night, while still recovering from a stroke he suffered in May.
During the debate, Fetterman used closed captioning to help comprehend questions. At times, his speech was halting, and he struggled to fully articulate his thoughts. But Fetterman did not lose sight of the issues he is passionate about: fighting for a living wage, improving health care, making abortion legal nationwide, and gun safety, among other topics.
The debate format also worked against Fetterman. The questions came rapid fire and the time allotted to respond was tightly controlled. While the moderators did a good job of enforcing those time limits, Fetterman should have been allowed additional time to read the questions before the clock started running.
Fetterman showed courage in taking the debate stage in Harrisburg. Many Americans whether from lack of experience or lack of understanding are unaccustomed to or uncomfortable with special accommodations for those with disabilities. If elected to the U.S. Senate, Fetterman could become a role model in helping the nation better understand that a persons struggles can also be a source of strength.
*snip*

blue neen
(12,461 posts)Happy to see this from the Inquirer.
MLAA
(19,569 posts)Just A Box Of Rain
(5,104 posts)peggysue2
(12,226 posts)As ragged as John Fetterman's words were at moments, those words were true to the man on a number of issues the man is passionate about, has talked about at length, and that have fueled him through a challenging election cycle. Last night, the man put himself on the line, exposed his current vulnerabilities for all to witness, to judge his credibility and fitness, one way or the other.
How many other politicians would have done the same, risk humiliation and/or ridicule in the heat of a campaign?
Very few. In fact in today's climate none with the exception of President Biden who has openly discussed his own verbal challenges after a severe childhood stutter.
Frankly, some of the cruel reactions to the debate last night says more about the listeners than John Fetterman whose medical condition will continue to improve until it's barely noticeable. But for the cruel, bitter tongues? They will remain so. Unless a catastrophe happens to them or someone they care about, of course. Then it will be woe as me. Bank on it!
JoeOtterbein
(7,857 posts)Everything you post!
Demsrule86
(71,262 posts)Thanks for posting.
BadgerMom
(3,351 posts)Im glad a few news outlets have the correct take on this.
FakeNoose
(39,082 posts)

