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John Fetterman: Do You Believe Anything?

When I first read about PA State Senate candidate John Fetterman renting a plane to tow a banner making fun of his opponent Mehmet Oz’s New Jersey home, I thought that was clever. And reinforcing it with an ad featuring reality star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” jabbing at Oz for leaving his “home” in New Jersey.” Yeah, cute.

But then “Sopranos” and E street rock band star Stevie van Zandt with the same message? Uh, didn’t we do that already?

leon reed 1

And now, after seeing the “crudité” ad a dozen times and the “Oz owns 10 houses” ad probably 50, I can’t be the only voter in the state wondering “Does he actually believe anything?”

What once was a witty campaign now runs the risk of becoming a huge liability. And some analyses suggest Fetterman’s lead might be narrowing.

By now Pennsylvania voters should be awash in “contrast” ads. Climate change. Worker issues. Trade. Immigration. Tax reform. Fracking. Abortion. I don’t know about other parts of the state, but I’ve seen none of that from Fetterman.

As a candidate who recently suffered very publicly from a severe stroke, Fetterman has a vulnerability to charges of ill health that other statewide candidates don’t. Oz is asking “Why won’t my opponent debate me? What is he hiding? Doesn’t he think Pennsylvania voters have a right to know where their candidates stand?”

And Oz is also making statements questioning his “endurance.” Yes, you may roll your eyes and say “isn’t that sleazy?” But don’t kid yourself they don’t work. Remember all those “Hillary is unwell” ads in 2016?

No campaign to speak of. No platform. No debates. And an ad campaign that is the moral equivalent of driving around the state in a pickup truck: I’m more authentic than he is.

John, you’re a great guy, and if you win you’ll do fine as a senator. But right now, you’re running a terrible campaign. So far, you’ve been helped by the fact that Oz might be running an even worse one. But if he comes out with some hard hitting ads, nothing special, just the usual GOP attack ads – soft on terrorism, anti-police, anti-gun, critical race theory – he could find his legs and you could be in trouble.

In fact, John, you’re already in deep trouble. Starting with the 1970 “If Tydings wins, you lose” campaign, negative ads have proven effective against feckless Democrats. As the polls narrow, the GOP is going to pour more money in. We know he’s from New Jersey and we know he’s rich. Thanks. What else ya got?

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Leon Reed, freelance reporter, is a former US Senate staff member, defense consultant, and history teacher. He is a seven year resident of Gettysburg, where he writes military history and explores the park and the Adams County countryside. He is the publisher at Little Falls Books, chaired the Adams County 2020 Census Complete Count Committee and is on the board of SCCAP and the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. He and his wife, Lois, have 3 children, 3 cats, and 5 grandchildren.

 

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Adorable Deplorable
Adorable Deplorable
1 year ago

John Fetterman has no platform because he is no concept of leadership. There is a quote, “when someone shows you who he is, believe him”! The last thing Pennsylvania needs is someone who has no idea of how the system works and feels that it is their job to control the social and economic constructs of the citizenry. I have to say that policies that destroy families, communities, and our economy are not things I can support. I am for the best, most available fuel. Right now that is abundant fossil fuels and when that is green fuel, I’ll be… Read more »

Jeff
Jeff
1 year ago

Can’t you see what the Democrats are going to the country it’s a shame

Lorraine
Lorraine
1 year ago

Fetterman need to debate with oz so we know what he stands for

Susan
Susan
1 year ago

I wish both sides should stop putting each other down and try to say something nice
about the other! I feel both sides have good and bad! I would be more excited to vote with some positive remarks then always negative ones! I feel things have gotten worse in the last couple years!

Leon Reed
Leon Reed
1 year ago

Leon

ralph duquette
ralph duquette
1 year ago

It is clear that Fetterman’s style displeases Mr. Reed. But style is what runs political campaigns. Better to focus on substance.

Also, it is unfortunate that Mr. Reed refers to Fetterman’s medical event as a “severe stroke.” We do not know that it was “severe,” only that a stroke of some type occurred. Fetterman never lost his ability to walk or think, and it does not appear he suffered any type of physical paralysis. I know Mr. Reed provided an opinion, but this bit was a bit over the line.

Jane Doe
Jane Doe
1 year ago
Reply to  ralph duquette

I didn’t see anything “a bit over the line” about it! He merely spoke spoke to his personal observations. As an American, I’d think one would appreciate the right to speak and be heard. Mr. Reed has a valid point. Don’t we as Pa residents, and Americans, deserve more than mere smear campaigns, even if it was initially amusing!? Would not his time and money be better spent actually telling or showing people what is important to him!? And don’t underestimate the importance and power of doing your own research. Everyone should be doing their own research on each of… Read more »

Leon Reed
Leon Reed
1 year ago
Reply to  Jane Doe

“Jane,” thanks for your letter. Made my day. Best laugh I got this week. for the supporter of someone whose ENTIRE campaign appears to consist of accusations that Fetterman is a tool of the Devil and wants to unleash a crime wave right in front of YOUR house to complain that Fetterman’s gentle digs are “smear campaigns” is just rollicking good fun.

I was clear that I didn’t’t care for the way Fetterman is spending his ad dollars. But let’s be clear, there is one candidate in this race running a smear campaign and that’s Oz.

Ralph Petersen
Ralph Petersen
1 year ago

Thanks for your commentary! I enjoyed Fetterman’s ads that highlighted how far removed Oz is from everyday Pennsylvanians. Oz comes across as clueless about the commonwealth. The time has come, however, for Fetterman to broaden his ads. I believe he would do well to emphasize the clear and strong connection Oz has to Trump. We don’t need Oz as a mindless minion for Trump, denying Biden’ election. We have enough people in congress who, either willingly or because of diminished capacity, are committed to assisting Trump’s efforts to change our nation from a democracy to an autocracy. I hope the… Read more »

ralph duquette
ralph duquette
1 year ago
Reply to  Ralph Petersen

The same people who strongly dislike Fetterman have Mastriano signs on their lawns. This in the land where Joshua Chamberlain stood firm in the face of seditionists.

Bob Norkus
Bob Norkus
1 year ago

I cannot cast a ballot for such an ultra-leftist as John Fetterman. Here is a person who has the intent of releasing 1 of every 3 persons incarcerated from prison. Here is a person in FAVOR of SANCTUARY CITIES.
As a person who relocated to PA from a place where sanctuary cities flourished, I can honestly state 3 facts:
1)Property values plunged
2) Violent crime skyrocketed
3) Employment opportunities dried up

Think long and hard before you decide to cast your ballot for John Fetterman. Know what you are voting for; his values do not appear to be “Pennsylvania values”

ralph duquette
ralph duquette
1 year ago
Reply to  Bob Norkus

Fear mongering is so… droll.

Many prison inmates are there due to possession of marijuana. Releasing them is the right thing to do.

Loretta Dostal
Loretta Dostal
1 year ago

I agree. John Fetterman should focus on issues that are important in Pa. What will he do? I will vote for him but others may not unless he speaks to people about what he will do.

Eugene Althouse
Eugene Althouse
1 year ago

I support Oz because of my pro life views. Also, if you can’t debate how can you function effectively in the Senate. Dr. Oz should have ideas about improving health care since he worked in the field. He expresses himself well and is intelligent both good traits for a Senator. Fetterman scares me with his view on the criminal system.

John Schaninger
John Schaninger
1 year ago

Good commentary. I have been saying the same thing. I could not fathom having Oz as our senator, but Fetterman did not do well in the primary debates, and against a strong per candidate he would be exposed as a person with many good, strong ideas, but without the capabilities to execute them in the senate. I hope I am wrong. I have to disagree with other people who speculated that middle-of-the-road voters won’t vote for him because he’s ultra liberal. I would disagree with that. I am a centrist, perhaps leaning a little left, but certainly a centrist in… Read more »

Bill Morgan
Bill Morgan
1 year ago

Hi Leon

You are right on. What is Fetterman going to do??. Oz is a joke, but what is John Fetterman going to do for Pennsylvania

M. Webb
M. Webb
1 year ago
Reply to  Bill Morgan

Fetterman will do away with fracking and that’s 10,000 jobs in the Williamsport area. Release criminals which will increase crime in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. Cut back on police funding again increase crime. Put the government in to our lives more and move us toward communism more.

Ronald Hendler
Ronald Hendler
1 year ago

What he is afraid of is once common middle of the road folks know his ultra left wing socialist policy stances they won’t vote for him. He is using the Biden strategy of hide and seek election.

ralph duquette
ralph duquette
1 year ago
Reply to  Ronald Hendler

Fetterman does not play hide and seek. I know that is not the popular opinion in this area which heavily supports someone like Mastriano (who actually does hide from the media), but I have met the man and spoken with him on several occasions. His speech was affected by the stroke but his mind is as sharp as it ever was. And, unlike his opponent, he is a Pennsylvanian.

Leon Reed
Leon Reed
1 year ago
Reply to  Ronald Hendler

Sorry, when you apply the word socialist to any person to the left go Genghis Khan, everything you say after that is just white noise. Fetterman and Biden are no more socialists than you are, and neither has played “hide and seek.”

Mike Hall
Mike Hall
1 year ago
Reply to  Leon Reed

No…I agree with you. Joke didn’t hide in his basement and run the worst campaign in history. He’s transparent with the press and so respected regarding the tsunami at the border, the botched exit from Afghanistan, and his use of the phrase minor incursion. Surely, he and Jimmy Carter are two of the best presidents ever.

Leon Reed
Leon Reed
1 year ago
Reply to  Mike Hall

Sure sign of defeat. When challenged on my original point (Biden is a socialist), instead of defending it, just throw a bucketful of irrelevant smack talk out there. I have no intention of getting in a back and forth. But a couple comments. One, Biden ran the worst campaign in history: yet he beat your boy. (And, Please, don’t embarrass yourself by claiming Trump won.) Second, I don’t get the “Carter is the worst ever” thing Republicans so dearly love. I mean, why not say “I am an unthinking partisan and I have no knowledge of history or recent world… Read more »

B W
B W
1 year ago

Vote Republican, the Democrats are destroying America as we know it

ralph duquette
ralph duquette
1 year ago
Reply to  B W

The guy you voted for in 2016 and 2020 nearly destroyed America. We wait for an explanation for why he refused for 18 months to return to the American government documents related to national security which he should not have had in his possession in an unsecure location.

Leon Reed
Leon Reed
1 year ago
Reply to  B W

Tell me a current Democratic politician who called for an insurrection and promised to pardon people who made war against the United States. Tell me about a current Democratic politician who sponsored the creation of fake slates of electors and called state election officials all over the country, demanding that they invent votes out of thin air. Tell me about a Democratic president who presided over net destruction of jobs over his presidential term. (Hint: only two presidents managed that disgraceful accomplishment, both Republicans: Herbert Hoover and Donald Trump. Yeah, those 9 million new jobs since Biden was inaugurated. Really… Read more »

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