Fetterman Returns to Senate Campaign Trail in Pennsylvania - The New York Times

John Fetterman, who had a stroke in mid-May, held his first major public event of the general election after running a mainly virtual Senate campaign against Dr.

John Fetterman, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Pennsylvania, returned to the campaign trail on Friday evening for his first major public event since he suffered a stroke in mid-May.

Fetterman was by turns emotional and brash as he addressed an exuberant crowd, acknowledging the gravity of the health scare he faced while also slamming his Republican opponent, Dr.

Fetterman’s first official in-person campaign event of the general election as he runs against Dr.

Fetterman’s stroke occurred days before the Democratic primary in May, and in early June, his doctor said he also had a serious heart condition.

His wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, introduced him on Friday as a “stroke survivor.”.

Fetterman has started to emerge, greeting volunteers, granting a few local interviews and attending fund-raisers and events, including with senators and other Senate hopefuls.

Several people who have spoken with him or heard him speak at private events described him as eager to return to the campaign trail, though some have also said it was evident when he was reaching for a word.

Fetterman also came across as high-energy, and his remarks sometimes took on the feel of a stand-up routine, fueled by a supportive crowd of 1,355 people, according to an organizer whose information was provided by the campaign.

Despite his absence from the campaign trail, Mr.

“I can’t consciously vote for Oz — he’s not a resident of this state,” said David Mongera, 70, who said the last Republican he voted for was Mr.

But he has sought to project a vigorous presence, posting pictures from diners — he visited Capitol Diner in Harrisburg, Pa., on Friday, his campaign said — and criticizing Mr.

Fetterman over his absence from the campaign trail.

Oz said on Friday that he had committed to five.

Fetterman backed in the 2016 presidential primary, working to cast the Democratic nominee as too liberal for the state.

Fetterman, did not commit to a specific number of debates but said Mr.

Fetterman return to making more public appearances

Fetterman opened his event by mocking Dr

Fetterman, who has pledged to campaign in areas that are often regarded as inhospitable to Democrats, also spent significant time during his speech emphasizing the political importance of Erie, which is closely divided