Every county, every vote.
For those of you who live in Pennsylvania, you have seen the withering attacks against John Fetterman from the magical land of Oz (in New Jersey). The outside money has been gushing into the state, and while Fetterman has held his own in some broadcasts and channels, he’s being out-gunned in some critical places like the Phillies playoffs and Eagles broadcasts. And recent news coverage has done it’s part to cut him down, too.
Sadly, these attacks have raised concerns, doubts, and the polls have been tightening. I’ve heard it on the streets, talking to friends and while knocking on doors, even here in South Philly.
But veterans of Pennsylvania elections knew already this was going to happen. It happens every time. Outgoing 2-term Senator Pat Toomey never won by more than 2 points, and before him, that frothy smudge Santorum likewise won by slim margins. Fetterman is in the same situation, but we are hoping to flip that percentage to the Dems and turn this keystone Senate seat blue.
WE ARE NOT NAVEL GAZING OVER THE LATEST POLLS. WE ARE NOT GETTING DEPRESSED, EVEN THOUGH WE MIGHT WORRY. WE ARE GETTING TO WORK.
There are many reasons to be encouraged. The Fetterman campaign is now pulling out the stops and pulling in the biggest guns in the party. President Biden will be in Philadelphia tomorrow Thursday for a Fetterman fundraiser, and next week a ‘special guest’ will be appearing at another fundraiser and, while I have no insider knowledge, I suspect he is a former President with the last name that starts with O.
And Fetterman is suddenly everywhere in Southeast Pennsylvania, showing up at businesses, for rallies, and more scheduled get out the vote functions to come. This is the part of the state with a vast trove of Democratic votes, and a large persuadable ring of suburbs around the city of Philadelphia. Turnout will tip the balance in this tight race.
Two recent Fetterman “wins” deserve mention, and should give you inspiration, especially those of you helping from afar.
First, Fetterman earned the endorsement of the largest paper in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Inquirer. I’ll let the headline speak for itself:
John Fetterman is the best choice to represent Pennsylvania’s priorities in the U.S. Senate | Endorsement
The Republican nominee, Mehmet Oz, is wholly unprepared to be the commonwealth’s U.S. senator.
Yes, this is a big deal. After endorsing Conor Lamb in the Dem primary, the Inquirer did not put it’s weight back on the more conservative candidate, as is their penchant. They went with Fetterman, and talked up all of the achievements of the Biden admin that benefit Pennsylvania. And they want more. It’s clear they see a functional Senate as key to making that continue.
But besides this big time endorsement, Fetterman also scored a more low-key win by responding with detailed, sensible answers to Technical.ly/Philly’s survey. Technical.ly is a tech blog that has city-based reporting in a number of regions that are aspiring Tech hubs.
With University of Pennsylvania and Drexel U making a hub of innovation in West Philadelphia, as well as Comcast as an anchor employer, tech is a big deal in these parts. Fetterman gets an A+, and Mehmet Oz gets, well...
Both candidates for the US Senate seat were contacted; Oz’s team has not yet responded to Technical.ly’s invitations to participate.
Fetterman has shown he understands the importance of tech to Pennsylvania’s economy, from Dr. Oz, it’s crickets. Read the whole article, I’ll just drop one Fetterman quote to whet your appetite.
The role of policymakers is to create an economic and scientific atmosphere that fosters innovation and creativity. Proper investment is the only way to ensure America remains a world leader in technological advancements and innovation. We need to continue to invest in research and development to make sure these new technologies are thriving here at home and creating jobs here, not overseas.
Democrats have done a LOT in the last term of Congress to help innovation across the country, and both the Philadelphia Inquirer and the local Tech community have taken notice. Who is good for business and growth? Democrats.
So, in the closing weeks, we invite you to join the effort to put John Fetterman over the top. Don’t let those polls discourage you. This WILL be close. Every postcard, every text, every phone call and every dollar is appreciated. Let’s do this, people.
+++++++++++++++++++++
UPDATE: Commenters pointed out this great news from Fetterman’s doc today, in the form of a letter declaring Fetterman fit for public office and making great progress on his recovery. Spread the news, and thank you helpful commenters!
Clifford Chen, a doctor at UPMC in Duquesne, released a detailed medical report based on his examination, which the campaign provided to The Inquirer late Tuesday. The report, the latest information from someone who has examined Fetterman since the campaign released a note from his cardiologist in June, confirms the campaign’s ongoing assertions that Fetterman is in good health.
And from the man himself… Lt. Governor Fetterman:
“Since my stroke five months ago, one of the best parts of this campaign has been the unbelievable number of Pennsylvanians who have shared their own stories with us about the major health problems they’ve faced and overcome in their lives,” he said. “It reminds me why I’m fighting to slash health care costs and make it so every Pennsylvanian can spend more time with the people they love.”
