One of the more fascinating political stories in recent years is that of Democrat Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA).
Fetterman has gone from liberal darling to a frequent target of the Washington, D.C., rumor mill.
Some inside his party even suggest he is incapable of managing the duties of his job.
In the wake of a recent New York Magazine exposé questioning Fetterman’s mental health, the senator has reportedly expressed frustration about the pressure he feels to appear on Capitol Hill for votes and hearings he believes are unimportant.
Fetterman laments what he says has been the “weaponization” of his health battles, as Huff Post reports.
The report suggests that Fetterman is “reluctant” to “show up for work” due to the rumors about his mental health.
The lawmaker’s most recent public battle was sparked by the aforementioned magazine piece, released earlier this month.
That article included quotes from former as well as current staffers who expressed concerns about the senator’s mental health.
Fetterman’s mental health has allegedly faltered since he suffered a stroke in 2022, as the New York Post explained.
Former Fetterman chief of staff Adam Jentleson provided much of the fodder for the magazine piece.
Jentleson resigned from his role in the legislator’s office and subsequently sent an email to Fetterman’s physician voicing his alarm.
At the time, Jentleson was said to have written:
“I think John is on a bad trajectory, and I’m really worried about him.”
He continued by noting his fear that if the situation was not addressed, the lawmaker “won’t be with us for much longer.”
Other allegations in the piece included suggestions that Fetterman had been seen “wandering” around the Capitol, was nearly hit by a vehicle, and was perhaps neglecting to take his prescribed medications.
In the wake of the New York Magazine piece, Fetterman blasted its content, labeling it “A one-source hit piece, some anonymous sources,” adding, “there’s nothing new.”
Fetterman scoffed at the notion that those who offered comment in the article had his best interests at heart, stating:
“They are not actually concerned, it’s a hit piece.”
Despite that defiant tone, it appears to many that the attacks may be taking a serious toll on Fetterman’s enthusiasm for the role he was elected to fulfill.
The Huff Post claims that he is struggling to find purpose in his work in Washington.
“My doctor warned years ago: After it’s public that you are getting help for depression, people will weaponize that,” Fetterman recently told the New York Times.
“Simple things are turned. That’s exactly what happened.”
The toll on Fetterman’s legislative diligence has been evident, with the lawmaker missing 18.1% of all floor votes since he took office.
Fetterman explained to the Times that he feels increasingly disinclined to make time for “performative” procedural votes at the expense of time with his family.
Though once touted as a fierce liberal stalwart, Fetterman has made waves within his own party due to his demonstrated willingness to meet with President Donald Trump and stand against other Democrats on issues spanning immigration to Israel.
However, now that he is reportedly steering clear of votes, hearings, and even town halls back home due to fears he will be the target of protests, Fetterman’s political future seems an increasingly open question.
