Democrats Worried About Fetterman's Behavior Are Reportedly Looking 'How To 'Intervene'

Democratic senators are reportedly looking into ways to "intervene" and help colleague John Fetterman from Pennsylvania after reports of outbursts that have reignited scrutiny over his mental health.

The Hill reported on Monday that two senators are talking with colleagues about the best way to help Fetterman, saying the toll coming from being a member of the Upper House could be taking a toll.

"Every time I see him, I'm worried about him," one of the senators told the outlet. Requesting anonymity to speak candidly, the lawmaker said "we're all in touch with each other having conversations about how to intervene."

"People are trying to figure out what to do. People are worried about his safety," the senator added. Another colleague said there are ongoing talks to frame the offer to help as one coming from friendship. The senator said Fetterman appears to be increasingly isolated in Washington.

Renewed concern about Fetterman's mental health largely jump to the forefront of the public conversation largely after two episodes. The latest one was a reported outburst during a meeting with union officials.

The Associated Press detailed that the episode took place two weeks ago as Fetterman met with representatives from a Pennsylvania teachers union. The senator began shouting and questioning why "everybody is mad at me" before slamming his hands on a desk and asking "why does everyone hate me, what did I ever do."

Another witness of the episode recalled that a staffer quickly ended the meeting, escorting officials into a hallway before breaking down crying. The woman was comforted by union officials who were also rattled by the incident.

Days earlier, New York Magazine published feature that included multiple testimonies from former staff and advisers outlining their own concerns about Fetterman. The piece included a letter from former chief of staff Adam Jentleson, who told a neuropsychiatrist who had treated Fetterman for depression that he appeared to be off his recovery plan, detailing "long, rambling, repetitive and self-centered monologues."

The piece added that the 1,600-word email detailed "warning signs" discussed when Fetterman was admitted to Walter Reed hospital for clinical depression in 2023.

Fetterman dismissed the piece as a "one-source hit piece and some anonymous sources," adding that there are no people concerned about his mental health. Regarding the outburst at the union meeting, the senator said in a statement that they "had a spirited conversation about our collective frustration with the Trump administration's cuts to our education system."

However, internal polling from Democrats reportedly show that Fetterman is on shaky ground in a part of the state on which he leaned heavily for support. Politico reported last week that almost half of Democratic voters in Pittsburgh (49%) said they have an unfavorable impression of Fetterman, compared to 46% who said they have a favorable one. The figures compare to those of Governor Josh Shapiro, who is seen favorably by 82% of respondents and negatively by 13%.

The poll is especially significant considering that Fetterman lives just outside of Pittsburgh. The outlet noted that he made his personal ties to the region a key part of his political brand during his 2022 Senate campaign. Fetterman won Allegheny county, where Pittsburgh is located, by 25 percentage points.