(Headline USA) An adviser for Sen.-elect John Fetterman, D-Penn., admitted this week that the cognitively impaired stroke victim will not be able to answer questions normally due to the ongoing health issues.
A HuffPost editor noted via Twitter on Tuesday that the incoming lawmaker had given him the cold shoulder during a Senate orientation session.
Spotted in Senate basement: John Fetterman
He didn’t answer when I asked if he’ll be able to wear his hoodie on Senate floor. pic.twitter.com/MwOQXUAZV5
— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) November 15, 2022
Longtime Fetterman aide Rebecca Katz responded by saying that there are “two things we need to get out of the way” as the Capitol Hill media begins covering him:
“1) John Fetterman has a suit and will wear it to the Capitol,” Katz tweeted.
“2) He is still recovering from a stroke and has lingering auditory processing challenges. The way Hill reporters are used to yelling questions at Senators will not work here.”
Two things we need to get out of the way:
1) John Fetterman has a suit and will wear it to the Capitol.
2) He is still recovering from a stroke and has lingering auditory processing challenges. The way Hill reporters are used to yelling questions at Senators will not work here. https://t.co/0UCe47d9QC
— Rebecca Katz (@RebeccaKKatz) November 15, 2022
Critics slammed Katz for downplaying the seriousness of Fetterman’s mental conditions and expecting him to receive special treatment.
“No. It doesn’t work that way. Do the job or move aside,” one user replied.
Another user pointed out: “So, a sitting US Senator has an issue with understanding and processing words being spoken to him?”
Conservative commentator Derek Hunter joked that Fetterman’s wife, Gisele, will end up doing his job for him.
“All questions are to be written down & submitted in advance. They will be returned once his wife has had time to answer them. No way @giselefetterman doesn’t end up on the Senate payroll. When you’re doing all the work, and in on the scam, you milk it for all the money possible,” he tweeted.
All questions are to be written down & submitted in advance. They will be returned once his wife has had time to answer them.
No way @giselefetterman doesn't end up on the Senate payroll. When you're doing all the work, and in on the scam, you milk it for all the money possible. https://t.co/jb7c7ei76u
— Derek Hunter (@derekahunter) November 15, 2022
Leftists in the media, however, were quick to run defense for Fetterman.
MSNBC columnist Eric Michael Garcia wrote that it was the obligation of reporters to provide special accommodations for Fetterman’s handicap.
My colleauges in the Capitol press corps must be just as cognizant of this when we ask Fetterman questions in the halls, just as we are to Tammy Duckworth in her wheelchair. That doesn't mean we don't have to ask tough questions. Rather, doing so will allow us to get answers https://t.co/y1dDbxPFum
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) November 15, 2022
Fetterman displayed cognitive difficulties throughout his campaign, slurring his words, forgetting his train of thought, and contradicting himself repeatedly.
During his debate with GOP rival Mehmet Oz, Fetterman struggled to put together a coherent thought despite being allowed to use closed captioning.
