MIDTERMS: Fetterman Campaign Seeks To Manage Expectations Ahead Of Oz Debate

The campaign of Democrat candidate for Pennsylvania, Lt Governor John Fetterman has attempted damage control ahead of his debate with Senate opponent Dr Mehmet Oz tomorrow.

• In a memo to reporters, Fetterman's campaign wrote: “We’ll admit — this isn’t John’s format [...] Oz clearly comes into Tuesday night with a huge built-in advantage.”
• The memo continues: "Let's be clear about this match-up: Dr Oz has been a professional TV personality for the last two decades."
• "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."
• The memo concludes by saying that Fetterman will win the race, "even if he doesn't win the debate."
• Fetterman is currently experiencing auditory processing problems as a result of a stroke he suffered in May. The Pennsylvania race has been considered a lynchpin of Democrat chances of retaining control of the Senate but has tightened to a "tossup" in recent weeks with Oz having success in questioning Fetterman's cognative ability and suitability for office.