Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania surprised many colleagues by attending a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on May 8, where he questioned OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Until that point, Fetterman's seat on the committee had remained vacant throughout the year.
Under growing public scrutiny regarding his mental health and capacity to fulfill his senatorial responsibilities, Fetterman has recently made an effort to participate in hearings and votes he had often skipped over the past year. Some colleagues, who have privately noted his frequent absences and apparent struggles when present, are attempting to offer support.
After his questioning during the hearing, Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota offered encouraging words, telling Fetterman, "Good thoughts, Senator Fetterman."
Despite this renewed presence, Fetterman has expressed little enthusiasm for participating in many of these sessions, which he views as largely symbolic and not reflective of substantive legislative work. He conveyed a sense of detachment from the day-to-day operations of the Senate, even as he fulfills his term through 2028.
In an interview, Fetterman described feeling pressured and shamed into performing routine senatorial duties such as committee attendance and procedural voting, which he regards as "performative" and inefficient.
He explained that media coverage weaponized his absences to question his mental fitness, while in reality, his reduced participation was a conscious choice to prioritize time at home over routine Senate tasks.
"My doctor warned me years ago that once it became public knowledge that I was seeking help for depression, people would weaponize that," Fetterman said. "That’s exactly what happened."
He expressed dismay that his efforts to seek treatment were used against him, stating, "It shook me that people are willing to weaponize that I got help."
This marks a challenging period for Fetterman, who once entertained ambitions for a 2028 presidential run. He now views those aspirations as unlikely, attributing much of his current difficulties to his decision to be transparent about his mental health struggles two years ago.
Following his highly competitive 2022 Senate race, which he won despite suffering a severe stroke, Fetterman checked into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for six weeks of depression treatment. His subsequent public advocacy for mental health awareness was initially met with optimism.
After the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack, Fetterman became a vocal supporter of Israel, which gave him renewed purpose in the Senate. However, by mid-2023, he further reduced his involvement in Senate activities such as committee meetings, votes, and constituent town halls.
Concerns about his wellbeing peaked when his former chief of staff sent a letter to his doctor warning that Fetterman’s mental health was deteriorating and could be life-threatening. This letter sparked renewed questions about his conduct and Senate performance.
During a recent office interview, dressed casually in a black hoodie and gym shorts, Fetterman displayed a mixture of humor, frustration, and emotion while discussing his situation. He voiced deep irritation over persistent inquiries into his mental health and portrayed himself as a victim of unfair circumstances.
He likened the ongoing media scrutiny to a never-ending saga, referencing it humorously as "the Belichick girlfriend story of politics."
After his discharge from Walter Reed, Fetterman embraced a role as an advocate against mental health stigma, urging people across political lines to seek treatment when needed.
"Whether red or blue, if you have depression, get help," he advised during an interview.
Currently, Fetterman questions whether it was prudent to reveal his struggles so openly. He prefers to keep details about his treatment private, although he credits the diabetes and weight-loss medication Mounjaro with improving his clarity, optimism, and energy.
Nonetheless, his attendance gaps remain significant.
Since his return from treatment, Fetterman has missed more Senate votes than most colleagues, surpassed only by two senators campaigning for president last year. This year, he ranks third in missed votes, behind Senators Patty Murray and Bernie Sanders.
Fetterman says he has prioritized family time over attending certain votes, particularly those scheduled on Monday nights, known in the Senate as "bed checks." He views these votes as paternalistic and demeaning and prefers spending that time with his children.
"The votes I missed were overwhelmingly procedural," he said. "I had to decide between sticking my thumb in the door for a few seconds or spending Monday night on a dad-daughter date."
He also often misses Thursday evening votes to check on his father, who recently suffered a heart attack.
"I'd rather visit my dad than attend a throwaway vote," Fetterman explained.
Fetterman finds many hearings unproductive, noting that questioning usually follows seniority, leaving little for junior senators to contribute. He compares participating late in hearings to "making a plate out of the dregs of a buffet."
He has also avoided constituent events, citing a desire to avoid hostile protests.
"I just want to be in a room full of support," he has said.
Meanwhile, Fetterman has reduced his staff and become more detached from his Democratic colleagues. He rejects the characterization of being "isolated," seeing it as a coded reference to his mental health.
Despite efforts by friends in Congress to engage him, he does not attend weekly Democratic caucus lunches and quit the caucus group chat, citing excessive and trivial notifications.
"It’s not like we were plotting anything serious," he joked. "Mostly just happy birthdays and emojis."
Voters who supported Fetterman in 2022 were familiar with his blunt style, but his frequent absences have raised concerns about his effectiveness and accessibility to constituents.
His Democratic colleagues have expressed worry over the situation.
Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, a close friend, acknowledged the strain the scrutiny places on Fetterman, noting, "John is hanging in there. It’s fair to say this is pretty stressful. This is a hard thing."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has urged Democrats to offer more support and met recently with Fetterman to discuss his wellbeing amid renewed attention on his performance.
Senator Amy Klobuchar, chair of the Agriculture Committee, also met with Fetterman last week and expressed appreciation for his perspectives.
"I enjoy working with him and value his insights," Klobuchar said.
However, some observers find Fetterman’s behavior unsettling.
Concerns raised by his former chief of staff and other aides have described erratic conduct and disengagement. Fetterman dismisses these as complaints from anonymous sources with ulterior motives.
As his distance from the Democratic Party grows, some Republicans have sought to cultivate relationships with him, a development that worries some of his former staff who fear he is being exploited for partisan attacks.
Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio praised Fetterman, contrasting him favorably with Democratic leadership.
Fetterman rejected suggestions that Republicans are using him for political gain, calling such claims "insulting and patronizing."
While he appreciates the company of some GOP lawmakers and agrees with them on issues like strong support for Israel, immigration enforcement, and criticism of cancel culture, he affirmed he would never switch parties.
"There’s no path for me to become a Republican," he said. "I’m strongly pro-LGBTQ+, pro-choice, pro-union, and pro-Medicaid. It’s just not a fit for either side."
Senator Welch, who previously called for President Biden to step aside, expressed no doubts about Fetterman’s ability to serve effectively.
"Health issues are important but not as consequential as bigger political questions," he said.
Outside Congress, some Democrats openly wish to see Fetterman replaced.
Kierstyn Zolfo, a member of a progressive grassroots organization in Pennsylvania, voiced disappointment, stating, "John Fetterman is not fulfilling the job he was elected to do. I supported him strongly but he’s simply not delivering."
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