Pennsylvania Senate candidates John Fetterman and Dr. Mehmet Oz debated each other Tuesday night before voters head to the polls.
The topics of the evening ranged from hot-button issues like abortion and inflation. Fetterman seemed to stick to the premise that Oz is a liar, while Oz painted Fetterman as too progressive for the people of the Keystone State.
The much-anticipated debate was set against the backdrop of the ongoing controversy regarding Fetterman’s medical records. Republicans have sided with Oz in calling for Fetterman to release his records after he suffered a stroke while on the campaign trail. This point was highlighted as Fetterman refused to commit to releasing all details related to his cognitive and physical wellbeing.
To help Fetterman better process what was being said during the debate, a real-time closed captioning system was on-hand for him to read ad respond to. However, after the debate, Fetterman alleged the system was slow and full or errors.
Joe Calvello, Fetterman’s communication director said, “We are thrilled with John’s performance. He did remarkably well tonight – especially when you consider that he’s still recovering from a stroke and was working off of delayed captions filled with errors. John won countless exchanges, counter-punched aggressively, and pushed back on Oz’s cruelty and attacks.”
Nexstar, the organization who hosted the debate, responded to Fetterman’s complaints. According to Nexstar communications Chief Gary Weitman, “It is unfortunate that Mr. Fetterman is now criticizing the closed captioning process employed by Nexstar during tonight’s debate. Both candidates agreed to the technical set-up for the closed captioning process weeks ago, which was implemented at the request of the Fetterman campaign. Both candidates were offered the opportunity for two full rehearsals with the same equipment used in tonight’s debate; Mr. Fetterman chose to do only one.”
Oz, who is an experienced TV personality, focused his points on improving Pennsylvanian’s standards of living through fracking and natural gas production. Fetterman claimed he supported such moves. However, previous statements contradict that fact.
In regards to minimum wage (another hot-button topic for the state), Oz and Fetterman agreed it should be raised. Fetterman would like the minimum was to increase to $15.00/hour, while Oz wants market forces to determine the correct amount.
In closing, both candidates made their appeal to the general public. Fetterman highlighted his career in politics as evidence that he would be the right person for the job. Oz said voters should choose him, if they want a different direction for the country.
