This browser does not support the Video element.
Fetterman says he will 'absolutely' debate Oz sometime in October
John Fetterman announced Wednesday that he will debate Pennsylvania senate seat opponent Dr. Mehmet Oz sometime in October. The Oz campaign has speculated that Fetterman has avoided committing to a debate due to lingering health issues from a stroke he suffered during the primary election.
PHILADELPHIA - Pennsylvania democratic senate candidate John Fetterman said he will "absolutely" debate his republican counterpart Dr. Oz before the November election.
The Oz campaign has speculated that Fetterman has avoided committing to a debate due to lingering health issues from a stroke he suffered during the primary election.
"It has simply only ever been about addressing some of the lingering issues of my stroke, the auditory processing, and we’re going to be able to work that out," Fetterman said.
Fetterman, 53, stopped short of committing to an exact date for the forthcoming debate but said it will happen "sometime in the middle to end of October."
- Oz sharpens attack on Fetterman health after 'crudites' flub
- Pennsylvania gov. nominee Doug Mastriano wore Confederate uniform for faculty photo
- John Fetterman 'grateful' as he returns to Pennsylvania Senate race
"We will debate sometime in the middle to end of October — as each of the past two Pennsylvania Senate races have — on a major television station to reach voters across the Commonwealth. We are still finalizing the details," Fetterman said.
Oz, a heart surgeon turned television doctor, agreed to a debate next week in Pittsburgh and five others between now and Election Day; including a FOX 29 Spotlight PA debate in October.
"I offered John Fetterman numerous chances to explain to me how I can make it easier for him to debate," Oz said. He believes Fetterman is dodging tough questions on the top of voters minds.
ERIE, PA - AUGUST 12: Democratic Senate candidate Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D-PA) speaks during a rally at the Bayfront Convention Center on August 12, 2022 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Fetterman made his return to the campaign trail in Erie after recoverin …
"He's given numerous reasons for not showing up, including he doesn't have time on his schedule." Oz said. "I'm of the opinion he's hiding his radical views."
Fetterman quipped back on Wednesday, saying ""there is literally zero precedent in modern times for having U.S. Senate debates in Pennsylvania in early September."
"Let’s be clear this has never really been about debates for Dr. Oz. This whole thing has been about Dr. Oz and his team mocking me for having a stroke because they’ve got nothing else," Fetterman said.
Pennsylvania voters will head to the polls on Nov. 8th to select new leadership in several high-stakes positions, including Governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House.