Sen. John Fetterman continues to grapple with his thoughts and speech following a major stroke a year ago, as evidenced by a Tuesday viral video of him speaking at a hearing.
During a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing regarding the now-defunct Silicon Valley Bank, the Western Journal reported that the Pennsylvania Democrat had difficulty addressing the bank’s CEO, giving “a series of rambling, incoherent, and disjointed statements” instead of asking questions.
The report added: “The video showed Fetterman clearly struggling to collect his thoughts. He constantly tripped over his words, repeated himself, and jumped from one disconnected thought to another. By the time he gets around to actually posing a question, it is almost impossible for the CEO to answer as the purpose of the question is unintelligible.”
WATCH:
John Fetterman participates in a Senate Banking Committee hearing with the former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank. pic.twitter.com/uKILMfuilN
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) May 16, 2023
The online response to the video was a mixture of sarcastic resentment and concern.
“This is so sad to watch. This poor man needs to go home and try to heal. He can’t do this job. Breaks my heart that his family & the dnc would humiliate him in this way,” one Twitter user responded, referencing the Democratic National Committee.
“Oh boy ouch hard to watch kind of sad!” another wrote.
Way to go, Democratic voters in Pennsylvania. You must be so proud.
— USA Features Media (@UsaFeatures) May 17, 2023
“Way to go, Democratic voters in Pennsylvania. You must be so proud,” said another account.
“He could not elicit one answer because he could not organize a cohesive sentence. Way to represent #Pennsylvania,” another noted.
“It’s sad to see John Fetterman like this. But the fate of the public should not be placed in the hands of people recovering from mental illnesses or those who are no longer able to serve in any way, like 89 years old Dianne Feinstein,” said another user.
After a bout with clinical depression, Fetterman returned to the Senate last month, and a video and photos of his appearance rapidly went viral, prompting new Republican concerns.
The Pennsylvania Democrat appeared in a black hoodie and slacks following six weeks of clinical depression treatment.
Fox News reported that the senator declined to address any questions from the press as he entered the Capitol on one of his few visits since assuming office in January.
“It’s great to be back. Thank you,” he repeatedly said as he walked into the building.
Democrat Senator John Fetterman refuses to take questions as he returns to the Capitol for the first time since mid-February pic.twitter.com/JyTRQ1sIKe
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 17, 2023
Numerous conservatives responded to Fetterman’s appearance and arrival.
“Welcome back to John Fetterman, further proof that cognition, speech comprehension, emotional balance, and even showing up for work are no longer necessary for a career in Democrat politics!” Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk noted.
“How could anyone take the calls for @SenFeinstein to step down seriously when the DEMs spend more than a year excusing the deteriorating health of @JohnFetterman? If you supported Fetterman running for Senate or didn’t raise concerns about his health, please take several seats,” Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) added.
More on this story via Conservative Brief:
Shortly thereafter, his office issued a statement confirming that Fetterman was set to preside over his inaugural hearing. The statement also castigated Republicans for their efforts to enforce stricter work requirements for individuals receiving food stamp benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). CONTINUE READING…
