In a political era defined by polarization, loyalty tests, and constant public scrutiny, moments of vulnerability from sitting elected officials are rare. Rarer still are moments of vulnerability paired with self-reflection and public accountability. That is part of why Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has recently drawn national attention, not for a legislative announcement or a heated floor speech, but for a deeply personal account of his own battle with health, depression, and doubts about his political future.
In an excerpt from his forthcoming memoir Unfettered, Fetterman reflects on events that unfolded during his tumultuous 2022 Senate campaign — a year that began with promise and optimism but quickly turned into one of the most physically and emotionally challenging chapters of his life. The excerpt, published by The Free Press, offers what may be the most comprehensive window yet into the inner world of a candidate who, at times, appeared to be carrying more than any campaign could reasonably require.
At the heart of the excerpt lies a striking admission: looking back, Fetterman believes he “should’ve quit” the Senate race after suffering a stroke in May 2022. It’s a statement that cuts against the grain of the pre-election narrative and invites larger questions about the costs — both human and political — that accompany contemporary campaigns.
The Stroke, the Warning Signs, and the Campaign That Didn’t Slow Down
According to Fetterman’s account, the turning point came when his wife, Gisele, noticed that his mouth was drooping during a public appearance. Recognizing the signs of an emergency, she urged his team to get him medical attention immediately. The resulting hospitalization confirmed that he had suffered a stroke — an event that would change the trajectory of both his campaign and his personal life.
In the weeks that followed, Fetterman found himself relying on closed captioning software to communicate effectively during interviews and public events. This adaptation became highly visible, and it invited both political commentary and media scrutiny. In his memoir, Fetterman admits that despite strong polling numbers and widespread support from Pennsylvania Democrats, he struggled internally with whether he could continue the campaign. With unusual candor, he writes, “In hindsight, I should have quit.”
The combination of physical recovery and the pressures of the campaign trail proved overwhelming. Political attacks, particularly those from his Republican opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and from pundits questioning his fitness for office, intensified the stress and contributed to the depression that had been part of his life since childhood. What began as a medical crisis quickly evolved into an emotional and psychological struggle with no easy solutions.
Victory Without Relief
Fetterman ultimately won the Senate race by a significant margin, flipping a key seat for Democrats. But his victory did not bring the relief or sense of closure that many expected. Instead, he describes entering one of the darkest periods of his life. He relocated temporarily to Washington and moved into a basement apartment in the capital. The environment, coupled with the isolation of his schedule, fed into a cycle that left him without energy, appetite, or motivation.
He candidly recounts in his memoir that he spent most evenings lying on a thin mattress, shutting out the outside world. He avoided social interactions, routines, and even simple comforts such as music or morning coffee. Gradually, he stopped eating regularly. He stopped communicating. What began as exhaustion became a deep, consuming depression.
By February 2023, his condition reached a critical stage. His wife and staff noticed rapid deterioration and urged him to seek help. He was diagnosed with severe depression and checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on February 12, 2023. His decision to seek inpatient treatment was unprecedented for a sitting senator but marked a crucial turning point in his recovery.
Four Words That Pulled Him Back
One of the most powerful sections of Fetterman’s memoir excerpt describes a conversation with a mental health professional during his stay at Walter Reed. In his telling, the therapist offered him four words that shifted his perspective: “Children need their daddy.”
These words, paired with consistent treatment — including therapy, medication management, and daily routines — helped him reconnect with his sense of purpose. Regular visits from his wife and children reinforced that message. After three weeks of treatment, Fetterman returned home with a clearer understanding of his priorities and with the support structure necessary to continue serving in the Senate.
The senator’s decision to speak openly about this chapter is notable. Mental health remains a stigmatized subject in politics, and his willingness to talk about it publicly stands in contrast to a political culture that often rewards projecting invulnerability. His story underscores the reality that physical and emotional health are intertwined, and that public service often carries invisible burdens.
A Moderate Voice in a Fragmented Political Landscape
The latter portion of Fetterman’s memoir excerpt shifts from deeply personal narrative to broader reflections on the current state of the Democratic Party. Fetterman positions himself as a pragmatic voice — one who values independence of thought and feels comfortable diverging from party leadership when he believes it necessary. This posture has both won him praise from moderates and drawn criticism from segments of the party’s activist wing.
Fetterman acknowledges the cost of this independent streak. “I know this has cost me support from a significant part of my base,” he writes. “And I’m well aware that it may cost me my seat.” Yet he adds that he is “completely at peace with that,” reinforcing the idea that his decisions are rooted in what he believes to be right rather than in political expediency.
In recent years, Fetterman has broken with elements of his party on issues relating to foreign policy, public safety, and legislative strategy. These decisions have strengthened his reputation as someone willing to speak against internal party pressure. However, they have also raised questions about whether there is space in the modern political landscape for figures who reject ideological conformity.
A Look Toward the Future
If the memoir excerpt reveals anything clearly, it is that Fetterman remains uncertain about his long-term place in national politics. His reflections suggest a man grappling not only with the personal costs of his recent experiences but also with the evolving identity of the political party he represents.
The question he poses — whether there’s still room for his brand of pragmatism in a party shaped by generational, ideological, and cultural shifts — is a question that extends beyond his own career. It reflects broader tensions within both major political parties in the United States, where internal divisions continue to test unity and challenge traditional leadership.
For Fetterman, the issue is deeply personal. His health crisis forced him to confront life beyond politics. His recovery offered clarity on what truly matters. And now, as he surveys the landscape around him, he is weighing whether his values and voice still align with the direction of his party.
Conclusion
John Fetterman’s reflections in Unfettered offer a rare candid perspective from a sitting senator who has navigated extraordinary personal and political obstacles. His admission that he “should’ve quit” the 2022 campaign invites difficult questions about the demands placed on candidates and the expectations placed on public officials. His recounting of his struggle with depression highlights the need for greater empathy and awareness of mental health issues in public life. And his meditation on the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party underscores the complexity of representing constituents while navigating ideological divides.
As Fetterman continues his work in the Senate, his story stands as both a cautionary tale and a testament to resilience — a reminder that behind every elected official is a human being facing challenges that the public rarely sees.