The race appearing on local election ballots next Tuesday that has generated possibly the most attention nationwide than any other is the Democrat John Fetterman vs. Republican Mehmet Oz race for Pennsylvania Senator. This seat holds national importance in the fight for Senate majority. The seat is currently held by Republican Pat Toomey.
There appears to be no love lost between the candidates who is speeches and social media throw barbs at one another more than they discuss policy.
Here we’re going to draw from their drastically different websites to compare what they are projecting as their thoughts on policy.
There appears to be no love lost between the candidates who is speeches and social media throw barbs at one another more than they discuss policy.
Here we’re going to draw from their drastically different websites to compare what they are projecting as their thoughts on policy.
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Natural Gas and Energy
FETTERMAN: “I believe that climate change is an existential threat, and we need to transition to clean energy as quickly as possible. But we must do it in a way that preserves the union way of life for the thousands of workers currently employed or supported by the natural gas industry… I will support legislation that combats high gas prices, invests in upgrading infrastructure, and responsibly transitions us to cleaner energy sources. We must make proper investments in greener, cleaner technology in America — and make more of that technology right here at home.”
OZ: “Pennsylvania is a leader in the production of natural gas and coal. The Biden Administration has launched an attack on the energy industry stifling domestic energy production and weakening the U.S. position in energy production. These attacks have resulted in skyrocketing gas and energy prices and made our current energy options less reliable. Dr. Oz will work to overturn these heavy-handed regulations that are hurting Pennsylvania jobs and our local communities.”
OZ: “Pennsylvania is a leader in the production of natural gas and coal. The Biden Administration has launched an attack on the energy industry stifling domestic energy production and weakening the U.S. position in energy production. These attacks have resulted in skyrocketing gas and energy prices and made our current energy options less reliable. Dr. Oz will work to overturn these heavy-handed regulations that are hurting Pennsylvania jobs and our local communities.”
Healthcare
Dr. Oz draws from his background in the medical field for ideas on healthcare. And though he has been criticized for some of his views, he fights for them with the idea that options help with cures. His website taught a history of medical patents
OZ: “…he’ll work to dismantle policies that lead to more expensive prescription drugs for our seniors, and he’ll expand access to private sector plans…,” He says “he knows the truth, the data, and the science about combatting COVID and understands how it really affects you and your family. While elites with yards tell those without yards to stay inside (where the virus was waiting) and mask up, Dr. Oz has been putting his expertise to work on behalf of us. Dr. Oz is opposed to prolonged business shutdowns, and he believes it is critical to keep our children in school because the science overwhelmingly supports it.”
FETTERMAN: “I believe that healthcare is a basic, fundamental human right, not a privilege. But health care in America is far too expensive and convoluted. In the richest nation on earth, I believe we have a moral duty to guarantee quality health care coverage for every American, and end the disgusting practice of corporations profiting from people’s health and well-being…, I will support any legislation that gets us closer to the goal of universal health care coverage… I will also support efforts to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60 while expanding its benefits to include vision, hearing, and dental care.” Fetterman calls the cost of healthcare for Americans “inhumane and inexcusable.” We have finally passed a law to allow Medicare to negotiate certain drug prices and cap annual prescription drug costs, but we cannot stop there – we must allow for the importation of lower priced prescription drugs from other countries and limit drug costs for all Americans.”
OZ: “…he’ll work to dismantle policies that lead to more expensive prescription drugs for our seniors, and he’ll expand access to private sector plans…,” He says “he knows the truth, the data, and the science about combatting COVID and understands how it really affects you and your family. While elites with yards tell those without yards to stay inside (where the virus was waiting) and mask up, Dr. Oz has been putting his expertise to work on behalf of us. Dr. Oz is opposed to prolonged business shutdowns, and he believes it is critical to keep our children in school because the science overwhelmingly supports it.”
FETTERMAN: “I believe that healthcare is a basic, fundamental human right, not a privilege. But health care in America is far too expensive and convoluted. In the richest nation on earth, I believe we have a moral duty to guarantee quality health care coverage for every American, and end the disgusting practice of corporations profiting from people’s health and well-being…, I will support any legislation that gets us closer to the goal of universal health care coverage… I will also support efforts to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60 while expanding its benefits to include vision, hearing, and dental care.” Fetterman calls the cost of healthcare for Americans “inhumane and inexcusable.” We have finally passed a law to allow Medicare to negotiate certain drug prices and cap annual prescription drug costs, but we cannot stop there – we must allow for the importation of lower priced prescription drugs from other countries and limit drug costs for all Americans.”
Economy, spending and inflation
Oz immediately jumps on Biden while Fetterman doesn’t point fingers at the President or even the legislature.
OZ: “President Biden’s reckless spending has led to inflation – increasing the price of everything from gas to groceries… his reluctance to fully confront China and support energy independence has left us in a weak position… restoring America’s economy begins by focusing on the problems we face here at home – and reversing Biden’s failed agenda.”
FETTERMAN: “We’re paying more at the grocery store, more at the pump, and more almost everywhere else. Inflation is a tax on working people, and we must do more to stop it… First and foremost, we have to tackle the corporate greed that’s been contributing to the sky high prices… I will fight for a fair tax code that ensures the wealthiest Americans and corporations don’t get away with scamming the system, and finally pay their fair share… to bring down costs, we also need to make our supply chains more resilient and ensure that they start and end here at home – because supply chains get a lot less complicated when we make stuff here, not overseas. Making more stuff here in America would mean prices wouldn’t spike every time there’s a problem overseas. We don’t need to be outsourcing any more jobs and production to China, while exacerbating inflation…we should suspend the federal gas tax to provide immediate relief for people at the pump. We should also continue to use American oil, produce and invest in more American energy, and invest in programs that help low-income Pennsylvanians pay their energy bills.”
OZ: “President Biden’s reckless spending has led to inflation – increasing the price of everything from gas to groceries… his reluctance to fully confront China and support energy independence has left us in a weak position… restoring America’s economy begins by focusing on the problems we face here at home – and reversing Biden’s failed agenda.”
FETTERMAN: “We’re paying more at the grocery store, more at the pump, and more almost everywhere else. Inflation is a tax on working people, and we must do more to stop it… First and foremost, we have to tackle the corporate greed that’s been contributing to the sky high prices… I will fight for a fair tax code that ensures the wealthiest Americans and corporations don’t get away with scamming the system, and finally pay their fair share… to bring down costs, we also need to make our supply chains more resilient and ensure that they start and end here at home – because supply chains get a lot less complicated when we make stuff here, not overseas. Making more stuff here in America would mean prices wouldn’t spike every time there’s a problem overseas. We don’t need to be outsourcing any more jobs and production to China, while exacerbating inflation…we should suspend the federal gas tax to provide immediate relief for people at the pump. We should also continue to use American oil, produce and invest in more American energy, and invest in programs that help low-income Pennsylvanians pay their energy bills.”
Law enforcement and protection
OZ: “One of the core responsibilities of the federal government is to protect you. In order to do that, we need to have a secure border with a barrier – whether that is a physical wall or one patrolled by technological advances… (he wants to) give (law enforcement) a powerful voice in Washington… law enforcement has a hard enough job on the streets and that they shouldn’t have to fend off calls to “defund” them from radicals and the extreme left. He will support efforts to ensure they always have the resources they need to do their job and keep our communities safe, and he opposes “anti-law” proposals like “cashless bail” that make it tougher for police to do their jobs.”
FETTERMAN: “I fundamentally believe immigration is what makes America, America… It is no secret our immigration system is broken. We need a system that is strong, secure, and humane. I would support investments that go towards keeping our borders strong and preventing the flow of illegal drugs into our country…I support commonsense immigration reforms that will restore our country’s legacy as a nation built by immigrants… I will work to modernize our visa system and asylum programs so that they can’t be exploited by bad actors. I will also fight for a pathway to citizenship for frontline workers, small business owners, and young people who have only known this country as their home… Everyone has the right to feel safe in their communities… I’ve worked hand-in-hand with the police and I understand the challenges our police forces face and how to support them to make communities more safe… I will make sure law enforcement has the resources necessary to do their job, but I will also prioritize oversight, accountability, and violence prevention.”
FETTERMAN: “I fundamentally believe immigration is what makes America, America… It is no secret our immigration system is broken. We need a system that is strong, secure, and humane. I would support investments that go towards keeping our borders strong and preventing the flow of illegal drugs into our country…I support commonsense immigration reforms that will restore our country’s legacy as a nation built by immigrants… I will work to modernize our visa system and asylum programs so that they can’t be exploited by bad actors. I will also fight for a pathway to citizenship for frontline workers, small business owners, and young people who have only known this country as their home… Everyone has the right to feel safe in their communities… I’ve worked hand-in-hand with the police and I understand the challenges our police forces face and how to support them to make communities more safe… I will make sure law enforcement has the resources necessary to do their job, but I will also prioritize oversight, accountability, and violence prevention.”
Second Amendment
Both candidates are gun owners.
FETTERMAN: “I’m a gun owner, and I’ve been around guns my whole life. I want what an overwhelming majority of Americans, including the majority of gun owners, want – which is common sense gun safety measures. We need universal background checks, red flag laws, and more proactive efforts to get illegal guns off our streets.”
OZ: “As a proud gun-owner, Dr. Oz is a firm believer in the Second Amendment and our constitutional right to bear arms for protection. He opposes anti-gun measures like red flag laws and liberal gun grabs… Oz believes every law-abiding American citizen should be allowed to buy the gun of their desire. His father taught him to hunt when he was 12-13 years old and he taught his son how to shoot before he was in school. However, Dr. Oz knows the Second Amendment isn’t about hunting, it’s about protecting ourselves.”
FETTERMAN: “I’m a gun owner, and I’ve been around guns my whole life. I want what an overwhelming majority of Americans, including the majority of gun owners, want – which is common sense gun safety measures. We need universal background checks, red flag laws, and more proactive efforts to get illegal guns off our streets.”
OZ: “As a proud gun-owner, Dr. Oz is a firm believer in the Second Amendment and our constitutional right to bear arms for protection. He opposes anti-gun measures like red flag laws and liberal gun grabs… Oz believes every law-abiding American citizen should be allowed to buy the gun of their desire. His father taught him to hunt when he was 12-13 years old and he taught his son how to shoot before he was in school. However, Dr. Oz knows the Second Amendment isn’t about hunting, it’s about protecting ourselves.”
Education
OZ: “A good education is fundamental to a better future. But he believes we need to fundamentally change the way we approach education in this country – by incorporating financial literacy from an early age, focusing on empowering students to make their own career choices, and stopping wealthy universities from raising tuition every year while sitting on millions of dollars in tax-protected endowments. Dr. Oz also believes that the extreme left wants to use our schools to indoctrinate our children with an anti-American ideology –and as Senator he’ll fight to block that from happening.”
FETTERMAN: “Far too many families struggle to find good public schools for their kids, and the price of college has become outrageous. And there are too few opportunities for the many young people who don’t think college is the right option for them. If we want to prepare the next generation for a highly competitive world, we need to get serious about what education in the 21st century looks like… I’ll fight for universal pre-k and childcare…make sure our public schools have the funding they need so our teachers aren’t shouldering so much of a burden…work to increase investments in career and technical programs… for students who do opt to attend college, …I’ll support efforts to make community colleges tuition-free and reduce the burden of student loan debt that too many borrowers are experiencing right now.”
FETTERMAN: “Far too many families struggle to find good public schools for their kids, and the price of college has become outrageous. And there are too few opportunities for the many young people who don’t think college is the right option for them. If we want to prepare the next generation for a highly competitive world, we need to get serious about what education in the 21st century looks like… I’ll fight for universal pre-k and childcare…make sure our public schools have the funding they need so our teachers aren’t shouldering so much of a burden…work to increase investments in career and technical programs… for students who do opt to attend college, …I’ll support efforts to make community colleges tuition-free and reduce the burden of student loan debt that too many borrowers are experiencing right now.”
On Elections
OZ: “..supports voter ID laws that ensure safe and secure elections. He will reject efforts by liberals to have the federal government take control of our elections away from the states.”
FETTERMAN: “… expand voting rights and push for reforms that get big money out of politics and prevent politicians from picking their voters through partisan gerrymandering… ban Members of Congress from holding or trading stocks, because lawmakers should not be making profits off of the same companies they are supposed to be regulating…”
There are many other issues each candidate addresses. On Abortion OZ said he is “100 percent pro-life, in a very short post” while Fetterman “A woman’s right to make her own health care decisions is sacred and non-negotiable. Period.”
They both have strong feelings for the rights of veterans, a strong economy, they both see China as a concern and bringing manufacturing home.
To read more on the candidates visit their websites.
Mehmet OZ at doctoroz.com/issues/ or
John Fetterman at johnfetterman.com/issues/
There are three other candidates on the ballot for this US Senate seat. You can read about their ideas for the position on their websites.
Libertarian Party Erik Gerhardt at erik4pa.com
Green Party Richard Weiss at greenslate2022.com/us_senator
Keystone Party Daniel Wassmer at wassmer4pa.com
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