President Joe Biden mistakenly told Gisele Fetterman — the wife of U.S. Senate candidate John Fetterman (D-PA) — that she was going to be a “great lady in the Senate.”
Biden made an appearance in the Keystone State on Fetterman’s behalf Thursday, and he paused to offer accolades and thanks to several of the Democratic elected officials and candidates who joined them on the campaign stop.
WATCH:
Biden to John Fetterman's wife:
"You're gonna be a great lady in the Senate." pic.twitter.com/xDqiY35ucc
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 20, 2022
“Lieutenant Governor,” Biden paused briefly as someone off-mic apparently spoke to him. “I was saying something nice about you … that’s why I went out. And no — but I’m saying we’re going to try like the devil, I’m going to keep you from having to — not having to deciding to leave, I wish you didn’t.”
“And John,” Biden continued, turning his attention to Fetterman. “Thank you very much for running, I really do appreciate it. And Gisele, you’re gonna — gonna be a great — a great lady in the Senate.”
Biden’s remarks come on the heels of a number of question marks surrounding the health and capabilities of Fetterman following a stroke earlier this year.
In the weeks and months since, the candidate has reportedly struggled with auditory processing — despite claims from his campaign that he has no cognitive issues — leading to his use of a laptop during an interview with NBC.
Fetterman’s wife Gisele has subsequently been labeled “more than a surrogate” as she has stepped into a more active role in her husband’s tight race against Republican candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz, and some have even wondered whether she could take his place in office if he were to find himself unable to perform his duties once elected.
Rolling Stone even referred to Gisele Fetterman as “the de facto candidate” in a recent profile.
After Rolling Stone refers to Gisele Fetterman as "the de facto candidate," Biden also notes that she'll be great in the Senate. https://t.co/3LfojujFV2
— Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) October 20, 2022
Dr. Oz questioned the possibility during a recent interview, arguing that if there was something in the works that could place Gisele Fetterman in the Senate in place of her husband that voters should be made aware of that possibility prior to the November midterm election.
Pennsylvania GOP Senate nominee Dr. Oz takes takes the moral low ground and questions if John Fetterman’s (D) wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, might be the senator if Fetterman is elected. pic.twitter.com/evPe9sPG2X
— The Recount (@therecount) October 19, 2022
Recent polling shows that despite an early lead for Fetterman, the Pennsylvania Senate race is likely to be a dead heat unless something changes in the final days.