How Do You Solve A Problem Like John Fetterman?

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my Substack Live conversation with

Michelle Kinney

tonight about Senator John Fetterman. As you may have heard, New York Magazine recently ran a story about Fetterman’s struggle with mental health, where many of his staffers spoke on background about their concerns for his health and well-being. His former chief of staff went on the record to describe an alarming situation.

There were several reasons we decided to devote an hour to this story but the most important is that we can no longer stigmatize mental health struggles. For some reason, society has a much easier time discussing physical ailments, while sweeping mental health under the rug. We often shame people struggling with these issues, even though we do not shame people who have the misfortune of being diagnosed with cancer or heart disease.

With the lack of moderation on social media, the stigmatization of mental illness has gotten even worse. You need only to look at X to see how every side is politicizing what is obviously a devastating story about Fetterman’s health to further its own agenda — and going after his wife for good measure, either for sticking with him or not sticking with him enough. (And no, Fetterman’s staff members did not throw him under the bus by going public by their concerns. What is obvious is that this was an attempt at an intervention for a man they believe desperately needs help before he harms himself or someone else.)

Michelle and I decided to talk about Fetterman because his story is illustrative of what many families face all across this country. In fact, there is probably not one family that has been spared this disease. If you or your family have struggled with it, please know that you are not alone. This is an illness that touches everyone, even members of the most exclusive club in the world.

I hope you watch.

Julie