John Fetterman

In an extraordinary act of courage, Democratic Senator John Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed hospital last week in order to treat his clinical depression.

Content warning: This draft includes quotes from right-wing figures using ableist language.

Dear MoveOn member, 

In an extraordinary act of courage, Democratic Senator John Fetterman checked himself into the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center last week in order to treat his clinical depression.¹

But instead of commending Fetterman for his openness, transparency, and bravery, Tucker Carlson and Fox News used Fetterman's medical condition to launch a nasty, ableist attack. 

Fox News' #1 disseminator of conspiracy theories and lies, Tucker Carlson, called him "unfit" and baselessly claimed Fetterman's wife was using him in a "lust for power."²

Donald Trump Jr. even went so far as to call Fetterman a "vegetable."³

Andra, Fox News is creating and spreading a hateful culture of ableism where people who seek treatment for life-and-death medical issues are mocked, demeaned, and bullied. 

We cannot let Fox News get away with it. That's why MoveOn is demanding cable service providers make the Fox News channel optional. Our petition has already been signed by more than 89,000 people—but we need your help to take our campaign to the next level. 

Will you chip in $3 today to hold Fox News accountable for the hate, lies, and ableism?

Our culture has long downplayed the importance of mental health and often downright demeans people—especially men—who seek treatment for depression. 

Because of this culture of ableism—and baseless and patriarchal beliefs that men should not discuss their emotions—men are far less likely to seek help for depression, substance abuse, and stressful life events.⁴

Consequently, men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide, and roughly 80% of all deaths by suicide in America are men.⁵

That's why it's so remarkable and brave that Fetterman has chosen to openly share his diagnosis and treatment. 

We should all be grateful to Fetterman for setting an example. And it should be a reminder to us all that health care—including mental health care—is a human right that we all deserve. 

But instead, Fox News has yet again stooped to a new low and used this as an opportunity to degrade Fetterman. 

It's up to us to push back against these despicable attacks. 

Will you give $3 today to show Fox News these attacks on Fetterman will not stand and to help us demote Fox?

Thanks for all you do.

–David, Jensine, Allison, Alexis, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. Fox News pundits seem hell-bent on punishing John Fetterman for having depression," Vanity Fair, February 17, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/170521?t=4&akid=345649%2E53570607%2EvZ-0HC

2. Ibid.

3. "Donald Trump Jr. Sparks Fury After Calling John Fetterman a 'Vegetable,'" Newsweek, February 17, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/170522?t=6&akid=345649%2E53570607%2EvZ-0HC

4. "Infographic: Mental Health For Men," Mental Health America, accessed February 20, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/170523?t=8&akid=345649%2E53570607%2EvZ-0HC

5. Ibid.

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Will you chip in right now to power our critical work? 

Click here to chip in $3, or whatever you can afford.

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PAID FOR BY MOVEON POLITICAL ACTION, https://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

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