To Debate or Not to Debate

According to CNN, the last few days have been John Fetterman's worst in his bid to be the next senator from Pennsylvania. GOTV disagrees. While it's true that the Lieutenant Governor left the impression he wasn't being completely honest about his health, his recent openness about debating more than compensates. What he did on Wednesday night was very smart.

We're absolutely going to debate Dr. Oz, and that was really always our intention Fetterman told Politico. He continued It was just simply only ever been about addressing some of the lingering issues of the stroke, the auditory processing, and we're going to be able to work that out.

The details are still being finalized, but the evolving scenario is fascinating. Fetterman said he was eyeing a debate with his Republican opponent in the middle to the end of October. Kudos for the timing, John – less than three weeks from the midterm election.

Here's why CNN (and GOTV) feel Fetterman's decision to debate, and not to delay the announcement of that decision, makes good political sense for him.

1. The issue won't go away. Fetterman was off the campaign trail for roughly three months , which raises legitimate questions about whether he can handle the job he's running for. Particularly given the tone-deaf, not-so-compassionate attitude of MAGA Republicans, many Pennsylvania voters might have doubts about Fetterman's health, which questions Mr. Oz would love the chance to exacerbate. So, at some point in the next just-under-eight-weeks, Mr. Fetterman must demonstrate he's up to the rigors, not only of the campaign, but also of the office. Optimally, he should do so at a time and place, and in a manner, of his own choosing.

2. Fetterman should no longer play defense. Fetterman has batted 1000 at keeping Oz off balance. He's been masterful at using social media to drive his campaign, from Snooki to making (crudite) hay out of Oz's elitist attitudes. But the recent questions about Fetterman's health gave Oz, however temporarily, momentum for attacks.

A debate might completely silence Oz - a consummation devoutly to be wished ...