Fetterman declines to pledge to release stroke-related medical records

During a debate on Tuesday, Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, a Democrat running for U.S. Senate, declined to commit to release his medical records pertaining to a stroke that he suffered earlier this year. Fetterman and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz faced off during the debate.

Fetterman's primary care physician, Dr. Clifford Chen, indicated in a note earlier this month that the candidate "continues to exhibit symptoms of an auditory processing disorder which can come across as hearing difficulty." But Chen wrote that, "Overall, Lt. Governor Fetterman is well and shows strong commitment to maintaining good fitness and health practices. He has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office." Chen has donated to Fetterman's campaign, according to the Washington Free Beacon.

A debate moderator mentioned Chen's note, and then pressed Fetterman on whether he will reveal detailed medical records related to the stroke. "Mr. Fetterman will you pledge tonight to release those records in the interest of transparency?" the moderator asked point-blank.

"I believe if my doctor believes that I'm fit to serve," that is "what I believe is appropriate," Fetterman said. The candidate said, "my doctors ... they all believe that I'm ready to be serve."

The moderator pressed the issue again by noting, "I didn't hear you say you would release your full medical records, why not?"

Fetterman then indicated that his doctor thinks that he is "fit to be serving. And that's what I believe is where I'm standing."

Fetterman won`t release full medical records | Pennsylvania Senate Debatewww.youtube.com

The Fetterman campaign insisted upon having closed-captioning at the debate to accommodate Fetterman as he grapples with the auditory processing problems and warned in advance of the debate that Fetterman might have issues. "We are prepared for Oz's allies and right-wing media to circulate malicious viral videos after the debate that try to paint John in a negative light because of awkward pauses, missing some words, and mushing other words together," a memo stated.