Pennsylvania Senate candidates John Fetterman (D) and Dr. Mehmet Oz (R) faced off in their first and only televised debate on Tuesday night, clashing over a number of issues and making their final efforts to sway voters ahead of the midterm elections.
The debate was the first time the two candidates met face to face during the midterm cycle in a race that is likely to determine which party gains control of the Senate. The event also marked a rare public appearance for Fetterman, who has largely avoided the spotlight after suffering a stroke in mid-May that caused some difficulty with his hearing and speaking.
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Fetterman and Oz wrestled on almost every issue, attempting to paint the other as out of touch with Pennsylvania voters on abortion, crime, the economy, and more.
Here are key moments from the contentious debate:
Fetterman flip-flops on fracking
Fracking has emerged as a top voter issue in the Senate race, as Pennsylvania is one of the leading energy-producing states in the country. Both Oz and Fetterman voiced their support on the issue, attempting to frame themselves as pro-fracking candidates.
Fetterman is asked about previously saying he wanted to eliminate fracking:
“I support fracking and I don’t I support fracking and I stand and I do support fracking.” pic.twitter.com/JWE20t3kWi
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 26, 2022
However, a moderator pushed back on Fetterman’s stance, pointing to comments from the Democrat in 2018, when he said he was against fracking and would “never” support it. Fetterman stumbled through his clarification on the issue, noting, “I support fracking and I don’t — I support fracking and I stand and I do support fracking.”
Oz dodges question on whether he’d support federal abortion ban
Oz, who has campaigned as an anti-abortion candidate, gave his most moderate stance yet on the issue during Tuesday’s debate, emphasizing that the federal government should not be involved with those decisions. Instead, abortion should be between “a woman, her doctor, and local political leaders,” he said.
However, the Republican dodged questions on whether he’d vote for a proposal put forward by Sen. Lindsey Graham to implement a federal abortion ban, simply stating the issue should remain within the states.
Oz then criticized Fetterman, accusing him of wanting a “federally mandated rule” to allow abortion up until viability nationwide, referring to the Democrat’s support of codifying Roe v. Wade.
Fetterman won’t commit to releasing medical records but maintains he’s fit to serve
Fetterman dodged questions about whether he’d release his medical records for public review, reiterating previous claims that he is fit to serve a full term in the Senate despite suffering a stroke earlier this year.
Several Republicans have pressured Fetterman to release his medical documents after he suffered the stroke, which Oz’s campaign has frequently used as an attack to claim the Democrat is not fit to serve a six-year term in the Senate. Fetterman pointed to a letter from his doctor that was published last week, clearing the candidate for Senate duties and showing his “health has continued to improve.” However, he has not agreed to release further details of his health.
Mod: “Why haven’t you released your medical records?”
Fetterman: “My doctors believe I am ready to be served.”
Mod: “Why won’t you release the records?”
Fetterman: “My doctor believes I am fit to be serving and I believe that is where I am standing.” pic.twitter.com/kTH88tPH0Q
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 26, 2022
“Why won’t you release the records?” one of the moderators asked.
“My doctor believes I am fit to be serving, and I believe that is where I am standing,” Fetterman replied.
Oz says he’d back Trump in 2024 run
The Republican has quietly distanced himself from former President Donald Trump in recent weeks despite him being a focal point of Oz’s campaign. However, when asked if he would support Trump in a 2024 presidential run, Oz indicated he would do so.
“I’ll support whoever the Republican Party puts up,” Oz said.
“Donald Trump has supported you, he has endorsed you,” a moderator pressed. “Why won’t you fully commit to supporting him in 2024?”
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“I would support Donald Trump if he decided to run for president,” Oz replied. “All right, but this is bigger than one candidate. This is a much bigger story.”
Similarly, Fetterman said he’d back President Joe Biden should he run for reelection in 2024, saying he would “absolutely support” him.
