John Fetterman suffered a stroke while campaigning for a seat in the United States Senate. His opponent was Dr. Oz, who was backed by former President Trump.

Because Fetterman’s team anticipated he would do poorly, Oz’s campaign slammed him for declining to participate in a debate.

If Fetterman consented to debate, Oz’s team would offer hilarious concessions.

“We will pay for any additional medical personnel he might need to have on standby. At any point, John Fetterman can raise his hand and say, ‘Bathroom break!’”

Eventually, Fetterman consented to a single discussion.

Fetterman should have withdrawn from the contest, but the Democrats desired the Senate in any manner possible, so he stayed in and won.

Forward to the present day.

Thursday, Fetterman’s office issued a statement addressing his health. He has been missing from the Senate chamber for about five weeks due to inpatient treatment for depression. According to the statement, the Democrat is “doing well” and is “expected to return soon.”

“Fetterman, 53, was weeks into his service in Washington and still recovering from the aftereffects of the stroke he had last May during his campaign when he checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Feb. 15,” according to the Associated Press. “Aides said at the time that Fetterman had not been his usual self for weeks. He was withdrawn, showing disinterest in talking, eating, and the usual banter with aides. Post-stroke depression is common and treatable, doctors say.”

“He’ll be back soon, at least over a week, but soon,” said a spokesperson on Thursday.

“Fetterman is receiving daily in-person briefings by chief of staff Adam Jentleson, the spokesman added.

“The senator is reading the news and getting briefings, he said, while issuing statements through his office and sponsoring legislation. Aides are opening new regional offices in Pennsylvania.”

“After Fetterman checked in to Walter Reed, his office said he had experienced depression “off and on throughout his life,” but it had only become severe in recent weeks. The Capitol physician, Dr. Brian P. Monahan, recommended Fetterman’s hospitalization after conducting an evaluation, his office said then,” the AP reported.

According to Adam Jentleson, Adam’s chief of staff, who provided an update on Fetterman’s health, it was reported in late February that he had battled from depression “on and off” for the whole of his life.

“We don’t have a lot to update folks with since there’s no real news to report except that John is doing well, working with the wonderful doctors, and remains on a path to recovery,” according to a statement issued by Joe Calvello to The Washington Post.

“Pennsylvania Republicans have demanded that Fetterman release a video “to show us he is alive and well,” or face intervention from other lawmakers if he is “unable to do this,” according to the Conservative Brief.

More on this story via The Republic Brief:

The statement added: “We call upon Senator Fetterman to appear on camera to show us he is alive and well, and if he is unable to do so, we call upon our elected Representatives in Washington, Senator [Bob] Casey and Congressman [Guy] Reschenthaler, to intervene immediately.” CONTINUE READING…