Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman sat down for a remarkably candid interview on FOX News Media’s Hang Out with Sean Hannity podcast, touching on his near-death experience, his struggles with clinical depression, and his increasingly sharp critiques of his own party’s rhetoric.
During the wide-ranging discussion, Fetterman reflected on the 2022 campaign trail, specifically his televised debate against Dr. Mehmet Oz. Fetterman did not mince words about his performance, which occurred while he was still recovering from a major stroke.
“I would describe it as probably the worst debate in American politics,” Fetterman said, noting that while he knew it would be a struggle, he chose to proceed to be transparent about his recovery.
The Senator revealed the true severity of his health crisis, noting that his heart actually stopped during the stroke.
“It was kind of touch and go at that time,” he told Hannity, expressing gratitude for a recovery that allowed him to return to the Senate. He still utilizes closed captioning technology to assist with auditory processing, a tool he says helps him stay precise during conversations.
READ: Florida Rep. Byron Donalds Challenges Senate On Election Integrity, Global Shipping Security
Fetterman also opened up about the “ugly” primary race and the subsequent battle with depression that led him to seek inpatient treatment. He noted that the most difficult attacks often came from within the Democratic party, including accusations of racism despite his long tenure as mayor of Braddock, a majority-Black town.
WATCH:
He emphasized that he chose to speak publicly about his mental health to help others, particularly veterans, who face similar struggles.
The conversation turned toward current political figures, where Fetterman offered both praise and pointed criticism. He defended Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling him a colleague who has done a “great job” despite their party differences.
Conversely, he leveled criticism at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), specifically regarding her comments on Israel made while in Germany. Fetterman labeled her “tone-deaf” and “ignorant to the history” for accusing Israel of genocide in a country where the Holocaust occurred.
Regarding Ocasio-Cortez’s political future, Fetterman predicted she would not challenge Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for his seat. “She would never run,” Fetterman said, suggesting she would instead continue to rise within the House or eventually seek the presidency.
Fetterman also broke with the rhetoric used by Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign. He expressed discomfort with labeling political opponents as “fascists,” arguing that such language effectively insults the millions of regular people—including his own parents—who might support those candidates. “That forces people to say… you must be a fascist too,” Fetterman explained, stating that such labels make it harder for the country to find a way forward.
On a lighter note, the Senator addressed his signature casual wardrobe. While he famously prefers hoodies and shorts for comfort, he revealed that even his father weighs in on his fashion choices.
Before the State of the Union address, his father texted him suggesting he wear a suit. Fetterman confirmed he complied out of respect for the event, while clarifying that he never personally asked Senator Schumer to loosen the chamber’s dress code.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
