John Fetterman, D-Pa., has returned to the Senate after undergoing several weeks of inpatient treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He started his treatment in February and was discharged at the end of March. Since his inauguration as a U.S. Senator In January, he has spent more time away from his duties than he has actually served. His absence caused significant problems for Senate Democrats.
“I want to let everyone know that depression can be treated and that treatment works,” Fetterman stated in a press release after his release last month from Walter Reed. This isn’t a political issue — there are people suffering from depression right now in both red and blue counties. “If you need help, get help.”
We’re supposed to celebrate him for his courage but also forget about the fact he lied about his mental and physical well-being during the campaign, as well as his suitability to serve on the U.S. Senate.
He told reporters that he was “glad to be back” upon his arrival in the Capitol on Monday afternoon. No one should be surprised that he didn’t answer any questions.
No one should be surprised that Fetterman, despite his triumphant return to U.S. Senate, did not dress like a U.S. Senator.
John Fetterman looks like a slob. What an embarrassment to the United States Senate. pic.twitter.com/61D5nYfmA0
— Nick Adams (Alpha Male) (@NickAdamsinUSA) April 18, 2023
It is disappointing that Sen. Fetterman didn’t bother to even show a modicum of respect for his office and the dignity it merits. Pennsylvania voters are still without full representation in the U.S. Senate, and it is frustrating to watch him not put on a professional look as he pretends to resume work on Capitol Hill.
The future impact of Fetterman’s role as a legislator is unclear. The struggle to adapt to his new role as a senator due to impairments from his stroke, which occurred almost a full year ago, was what caused his depression. He had an auditory processing problem, which made it hard for him to communicate and understand when others spoke. He still had difficulty fulfilling his duties despite the accommodations made by the Senate. We have to listen to the phony praises of his heroic deeds now that he is back. But it’s an attempt to keep us from asking hard questions about his capacity to serve.
