Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) expressed that his increased attendance at Senate hearings stems from media pressure rather than a renewed dedication to his job. In an interview, he expressed frustration with a narrative framing him as unfit to serve due to his past struggles with mental health and his absences from Senate duties. He acknowledged the media has weaponized his situation, describing his recent presence at Senate votes as performative. He reflected on personal decisions and the impact of public perception on his role as a senator, particularly after receiving treatment for depression following a stroke.
I'm showing up because people in the media have weaponized [my attendance], Fetterman told Times reporter Annie Karni.
It shook me that people are willing to weaponize that I got help, he said Saturday.
Fetterman said that under recent scrutiny, he is showing up to work more but called his presence performative.
I had to make a decision: getting here and sticking my thumb in the door for three seconds for a procedural vote or spend Monday night as a dad-daughter date.
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