Fetterman makes closely watched return to Pennsylvania campaign trail

[JoeOtterbein]

Politico

The Democratic nominee for Senate, who suffered a stroke in mid-May, spoke for 10 minutes to a packed crowd in Erie.

By HOLLY OTTERBEIN

08/12/2022 09:06 PM EDT

ERIE, Pa. — John Fetterman continued to gingerly return to the campaign trail on Friday, with the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic nominee holding a rally in the northwestern corner of the state, his first public event since suffering a stroke in mid-May.

More than 1,000 people lined up at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie to see the Democrat who grew visibly emotional when he said he nearly died three months ago.

“My life could have ended. It’s the truth. But I’m so grateful to be here tonight,” said Fetterman, thanking his wife, who noticed the signs of his stroke in time to get him to the hospital. “Gisele saved my life.”

Fetterman’s appearance on Friday was closely watched by leaders and strategists in both parties. The Pennsylvania contest between Fetterman and celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz is widely seen as the best chance in the country for Democrats to flip a seat in the Senate. For the GOP, holding onto the seat now occupied by Republican Sen. Pat Toomey is critical to winning back the majority.

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more at link

[Carlitos Brigante]

1. K&R! nt

[JoeOtterbein]

2. If anyone thinks the guy is a "phony" just read this paragraph:

“My life could have ended. It’s the truth. But I’m so grateful to be here tonight,” said Fetterman, thanking his wife, who noticed the signs of his stroke in time to get him to the hospital. “Gisele saved my life.”

[3Hotdogs]

3. When he comes to eastern Pa., I'm there.

[cornball 24]

6. Me too!

[peggysue2]

4. Fetterman's political strength and popularity is exemplified . . .

by the electorate's enthusiasm for a man who's been absent from the campaign trail since May. Yes, he's worked behind the scenes and done masterful social media work. But last night in Erie was the first in-person appearance Fetterman has had since his near-fatal stroke.

A lesser man would have been politically crippled, left in the dust by his opponent. But that's not John Fetterman who took his message and sizable self to all 67 Pennsylvania counties on multiple listening tours long before his medical event.

John Fetterman is on track to become Pennsylvania's next senator in DC.

He'll be a great voice for the Democratic Party and for democracy.

Let's get it done!

[Deminpenn]

5. The convention hall was packed and

the crowd was enthusiastic.

There are links to local stories and video of the rally posted in the Pennsylvania group.

[Wounded Bear]

7. Here's to hoping he continues to heal and gain strength...

He looks and feels like he would be a great addition to the Senate. We need more good solid blue collar leaning Dems in Congress, TBS.

[mvd]

8. Yes, ones who REALLY help blue collar people

Not the phonies that the Repukes run. So happy to be able to vote for Fetterman.