You have not heard much about Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman since he voluntarily admitted himself to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for mental illness and chronic depression at the recommendation of his doctors.
He has now returned home, and we still do not know much about what kept him in mental treatment for six weeks. We can assume, however, that it had to be rather serious.
Six weeks is a long time to be in a mental facility for less serious issues.
There have been reports that prior to his hospitalization, Fetterman was not eating sufficiently – and was suffering from severe depression — and had at least ideations of suicide. Whether he actually acted on those thoughts is unknown since – to my knowledge – he has never been asked that question.
Fetterman suffered a debilitating stroke on May 13, 2022. The severity of that stroke was concealed from the voters during the campaign, which issued optimistic reports of his recovery. They predicted a full recovery in the near future – which turned out to be knowingly untrue.
During the campaign, Fetterman demonstrated ongoing cognitive problems. He had difficulty following conversations or comprehending oral questions. In interviews and in the only debate to which he would agree, Fetterman needed questions in text form on computer monitors. Even with those aids, he often stumbled and drifted in his oral comments.
Fetterman continued to need a technical aid to follow and participate in floor discussions in the Senate – something he avoided when possible.
Now that he is out, do the people of Pennsylvania have a legitimate interest — and right — to be more fully informed of the reasons for his extended hospitalization – and his ability to effectively perform his duties in the Senate?
Should the media be more inquisitive? It is arguable that the press failed to honestly and fully inform the public regarding the effects of the stroke – essentially covering up the debilities for seemingly political reasons.
Fetterman can be commended for addressing his mental and emotional issues in a forthright manner. However, he owes it to the people – especially the folks in Pennsylvania – to issue a full and honest report on the reasons for his hospitalization … the treatment he received at Walter Reed … and an honest assessment of his current condition, disabilities, and limitations, both physically and mentally.
What are his prospects in the future? What is the possibility of a relapse? That is a fair question since Fetterman’s political aides have already reported that he suffered periodic bouts of depression throughout his life.
Before his planned return to the Senate on April 17th, Fetterman should hold a press conference to issue a report on his current condition and debilities – and to respond to any and all questions from the media. Without a full explanation of his condition – and assurance to the public of his ability to fulfill his duties as a United States senator — there will be a shadow over his competency.
There is no reason to hide his condition since any significant debilities will be obvious over time.
We can all wish Fetterman a full recovery, but that does not mean that a full disclosure is not necessary. Quite the contrary
So, there ‘tis.