Fetterman Checks into Hospital for Depression

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Facts

  • Freshman Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Wednesday “to receive treatment for clinical depression,” his Chief of Staff Adam Jentleson announced on Thursday.1
  • In a statement, Jentleson says that Fetterman has experienced depression “off and on throughout his life” but added that it became more 'severe in recent weeks.'2
  • Fetterman was evaluated by Dr. Brian P. Monahan, Congress' attending physician, on Monday, who recommended inpatient care at Walter Reed, which the senator agreed to.3
  • The 53-year-old, who suffered a near-fatal stroke last May, was reportedly hospitalized just last week after feeling lightheaded, but his doctors confirmed that he didn't suffer another stroke.4
  • Fetterman’s health came under scrutiny during his campaign as he was absent from the campaign trail and struggled to speak during interviews and debates. Many critics were concerned Fetterman didn't have the cognitive capacity to stay in the race.5
  • This comes as last week, the New York Times (NYT) reported that Fetterman’s stroke took a “very real psychological toll” on him and that not taking the recommended amount of rest during his campaign may have set him back permanently.6

Sources: 1Reuters, 2Daily Wire, 3CNN, 4CNBC, 5FOX News and 6New York Times.

Narratives

  • Republican narrative, as provided by Washington examiner. It's absolutely terrible to see Fetterman struggling both mentally and physically, but it's even sadder to know that his pain is being exploited by power-hungry people who pushed him to run for Senate knowing he was not in the right condition. Between his severe cognitive impairments from the strokes to his history of depression, people around Fetterman should have stopped him from running and focused on his health.
  • Democratic narrative, as provided by MSNBC. The right — fueled by the NYT's report that sorely missed the mark — may claim to care about Fetterman’s well-being, but it's clear that their well-wishes are politically motivated. Rather than casting judgment, the GOP should put that same energy into providing the necessary accommodations for the senator, who has already proven himself fit for the role.