Fetterman Heckled During Speech
Senator John Fetterman, who suffered a stroke in 2012, made a joke about his condition while responding to a pro-Palestinian protestor during a campaign rally in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
The incident occurred during a Get Out the Vote event for Democratic Allegheny County executive candidate Sara Innamorato. Fetterman was one of the speakers at the event, and soon after taking the stage, a protestor started shouting about the death toll of children and civilians in Palestine.
Fetterman, known for his quick wit, responded to the protestor’s shouts by saying, “The joke’s on you, I had a stroke. I can’t fully grasp what you’re saying.” The statement drew laughter and applause from the audience.
This is not the first time Fetterman has faced questions about his stance on the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine. A previous incident on Oct. 30th saw a local author and activist being removed from a campaign event after asking about Fetterman’s position on the matter.
Fetterman has been a vocal supporter of Israel’s efforts to eliminate Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, and has been launching rocket attacks into Israel. According to Fetterman’s official website, “Now is not the time to talk about a ceasefire. We must support Israel in its efforts to eliminate the Hamas terrorists who slaughtered innocent men, women, and children. Hamas does not want peace, they want to destroy Israel. We can discuss a ceasefire after Hamas is neutralized.”
However, his stance on the conflict has drawn backlash from many progressives, who argue for a more balanced and diplomatic approach. Fetterman’s support for Israel has been a point of contention in the past, with concerns about his mental faculties being raised during his Senate campaign.
John Fetterman was confronted by a protester at a campaign event last night for his support for Israel.
He responds to him by saying “The joke is on you. I had a stroke. I can’t fully understand what you are saying.” pic.twitter.com/XNDamAt4gp
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 6, 2023
In May 2022, just days before the Senate primary election, Fetterman suffered a stroke. The stroke affected his speech and led to concerns about his ability to campaign effectively. However, Fetterman ultimately defeated Republican nominee Mehmet Oz by a five-point margin.
The stroke also caused Fetterman to check himself into Walter Reed Army Medical Center for depression shortly after taking office. The senator has been open about his struggles with mental health and has been actively working towards raising awareness and ending the stigma surrounding mental illnesses.
Despite his personal struggles, Fetterman has remained committed to his duties as a senator and has been actively involved in advocating for policies that improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. He has also continued to support Innamorato’s campaign for Allegheny County executive, urging voters to get out and vote for her.
In the end, Fetterman’s witty response to the protestor’s shouts at the rally is a testament to his resilience and sense of humor. He continues to serve as a role model for mental health advocacy and proves that even at the toughest times, he is able to keep his sense of humor intact.