Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Republican challenger to John Fetterman in Pennsylvania’s Senate race, received a big boost this past week when the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial board endorsed his campaign.
The endorsement comes after the two squared off for their only debate last week. Throughout, Fetterman struggled to effectively answer questions and often seemed confused, giving Pennsylvanians plenty of concern about his cognitive abilities.
The Post-Gazette, in its endorsement of Oz, noted Fetterman’s withholding of medical records is a concern, especially in the wake of that debate performance.
RELATED: Oz vs. Fetterman Debate: Full Video Highlights
“His lack of transparency, however, in refusing to release his medical records is troubling,” the Post-Gazette editorial board wrote in its statement.
Fetterman’s health has been under scrutiny in recent months following his suffering of a stroke, which led to impaired speech and delayed comprehension during campaign stops, debates, and events.
“All candidates for a major elected office should release their medical records, as did Mr. Oz, if you want privacy, don’t run for public office,” the editorial board continued.
RELATED: The Senate is a DEAD HEAT race. Check out our latest forecast here >>
Several key factors are directly affecting this race, including the economy, abortion, the rising crime rate, Fetterman’s troubled past, and the Democrat’s myriad of health issues.
Image issues have also hurt Fetterman’s campaign. Especially as voters turn to the GOP, Pennsylvanians are weary of the prospect of Fetterman being too far-left to be a “unifying” candidate.
“We’re encouraged that Mr. Oz is portraying himself as a unifier who will work with Democrats to get things done for Pennsylvania,” the board continues.
The Post-Gazette editorial board made waves in 2016, becoming one of the few newspapers in the country to endorse eventual-President Donald Trump.
Another issue that the editorial board has with Fetterman is the “working man” persona he carries with him on the campaign trail, despite his severe lack of real work experience.
“He has little experience in holding real jobs or facing the problems of working people,” the Post-Gazette writes.
Fetterman has been supported by his parents for the majority of his adult life. One of the only real-world job experiences Fetterman has had was as mayor of the tiny town of Braddock, Pennsylvania. Since the debate, several polls have shown Dr. Oz narrowly leading in this tight race.
Our 2022 Midterm Forecast projects a close win for Republicans in Pennsylvania. Check out our midterm headquarters for more race ratings and projections. >>
