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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHow People With Disabilities Saw Fetterman's Debate Performance
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Maggie Astor
@MaggieAstor
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New from me: Fetterman's debate appearance was exciting and validating for many people with disabilities, because it's so rare for political candidates to be candid about disability. Much of the public response, however, was painful. 🧵
Preparations for Tuesdays Senate debate in Pennsylvania. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman faced his Republican opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz, months after a stroke left Mr. Fetterman with an auditory processing disorder.
nytimes.com
How People With Disabilities Saw Fettermans Debate Performance
One in four Americans has a disability, but disabled politicians are rarely on the national debate stage. That made John Fettermans appearance a powerful moment, but public reactions were painful.
3:24 PM · Oct 26, 2022
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/26/us/politics/disabled-voters-fetterman-debate.html
No paywall
https://archive.ph/pArVL
For many Americans with disabilities who watched the Senate debate in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Lt. Gov. John Fettermans performance against Dr. Mehmet Oz was both a sign of how far they had come in political representation and a painful reminder of how far they have left to go.
On one hand, Mr. Fetterman, the Democratic nominee, was in a nationally watched debate months after a stroke left him with an auditory processing disorder, speaking openly about his disability a remarkable moment for people who have felt pressure to hide their own, and who rarely see people like themselves in politics. On the other hand, much of the coverage of the debate focused on Mr. Fettermans verbal stumbles.
To see how quick people were to say, He shouldnt have been on that stage tonight, I dont think he can do this its yet another reminder of how the world views disabled people, said Maria Town, president of the American Association of People with Disabilities. It really does show me how much we use speech to perceive competence and confidence, and we really shouldnt.
The debate was powerful, and the punditry painful, for Ms. Town, who has cerebral palsy and recalled falling onstage in front of elected officials and her boss. She said she could imagine the anxiety Mr. Fetterman might have felt about his disability being on public display.
*snip*
wnylib
(21,500 posts)Doc Sportello
(7,522 posts)Or saw him in a wheelchair. When in public he usually stayed seated in a chair or the backseat of a car. He developed a technique where an escort, often his son, held on to one arm and helped him "walk" for example when walking to a podium. FDR and his handlers pressured the press not to post pics of him in a wheelchair. Most had no idea of the extent of his disability.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/prologue.htm
dhol82
(9,353 posts)Also, we did not have such intense communication available among the opposition.
Im sure Fox is having a heyday showing every twitch to their viewers.
wnylib
(21,500 posts)FBaggins
(26,749 posts)It could indeed be exactly the opposite.
Either way... elections are decided by the people who show up to vote. Not by fundraising totals.
ZonkerHarris
(24,231 posts)Cha
(297,349 posts)mostly "painful" and so Predicable.
Didn't faze those who sent $2 Million in total to Fetterman after the debate, though.
Just A Box Of Rain
(5,104 posts)have struggles of their own, and have experience with friends and loved ones who live with disabilities--who look at Fetterman and admire his candor and his grit.
He's real. And his been transparent about his comeback.
Unlike some, I don't fault the media for asking questions. That's their job.
But I do think that there far more people will relate to John Fetterman than their are who will reject him due to the degree of his stroke recovery.
And the response by Oz about abortion should damage his campaign beyond repair.
calimary
(81,340 posts)legislators - into the woman's vagina. I didn't know a vagina could accommodate a crowd like that.
BumRushDaShow
(129,165 posts)the dildocam up in there too capturing the crowd while doing a transvaginal ultrasound!
calimary
(81,340 posts)Oh crap, I forgot about that! For lazy guys whod just rather watch TV!
debm55
(25,218 posts)Last edited Wed Oct 26, 2022, 10:44 PM - Edit history (1)
said. Oz is an ass.
Just A Box Of Rain
(5,104 posts)I trust people see Oz for what he is.
Pinback
(12,158 posts)and slick liars are so often venerated, the treatment of Fetterman is not surprising. Im glad so many compassionate Americans see through the BS.
COL Mustard
(5,906 posts)NO
ON
O
Z
BumRushDaShow
(129,165 posts)One of the stories that our own current President, Joe Biden, has talked about is how growing up, he was a severe stutterer and how hard he had to work to overcome that.
SeattleVet
(5,477 posts)The_Casual_Observer
(27,742 posts)Fetterman has had an amazing recovery, it will take a while to get up to speed. OZ had the chance to let this go and be a human being about it, but NOOOOOO. OZ can roast in the 7 levels of hell.
Mad_Machine76
(24,416 posts)Link to tweet
?s=46&t=j1t76bgJIAq8jHIaVdlf6w
Lucinda
(31,170 posts)Than you! Followed her.
Marcuse
(7,492 posts)GoodRaisin
(8,924 posts)If I was going to vote for him or was one of the few still actually considering voting for him, nothing about the debate would change my mind.
Qutzupalotl
(14,318 posts)And Herschel Walker will still be a doofus.
NowISeetheLight
(3,943 posts)Compare him to Trump or Reagan in his last couple of years. Fetterman has a speech disorder. Hell Stephen Hawking couldnt talk at all and look at his accomplishments. I could care less if someone studders, uses a cane or wheelchair, or stumbles up a plane step (Biden & Ford anyone?). His mind is there. Thats what you govern with. If I lived there hed have my vote.