The media has praised Gisele, the wife of Democratic Pennsylvania Senate candidate John Fetterman, during her husband’s tight race against his Republican opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Fetterman’s eligibility to serve in the Senate has come into question since his speech and auditory processing capabilities have deteriorated after suffering a stroke in May. His wife, Gisele, has appeared to take authority over her husband and his campaign to cover the people’s skepticism over his health.
The media has fawned over her ability to be at the center of the stage during her husband’s campaign. A Bloomberg article titled, “Gisele Fetterman Spotlights Her History As Undocumented Immigrant,” reflected on her contribution to the campaign by being an undocumented immigrant from Brazil.
“Gisele Barreto Fetterman overstayed her visa and spent nearly 15 years undocumented, at times dumpster diving and foregoing medical care. Each day before school, her mother would tell her, ‘Be invisible,’ a reminder that a misstep could jeopardize their new lives,” the article described. “Rather than shying away from those struggles, she has transformed the ceremonial role of Second Lady of Pennsylvania, or “SLOP,” as she calls it, into a megaphone for the marginalized. And her experiences are at the center of Fetterman’s efforts to shift views on immigration in one of the most-watched races next month that will help determine which party controls the Senate.”
So this is 4-5 puff profiles in a week. So explain how the strategy at this point clearly isn’t “Hey voters are you worried about his stroke? You shouldn’t be because even if he can’t serve, she will!”
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) October 21, 2022
The article then quoted Gisele’s call for “compassion” for illegal migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in response to Oz’s accusations that her husband is “radical” on immigration policies.
“You have to take a moment and think what lives are like to leave everything behind,” the piece said, quoting Gisele. “You shouldn’t have to experience pain to know that someone else is going through it.”
Bloomberg is not alone. A Rolling Stone article praised Gisele as being “vivacious, outgoing and empathetic” as she stands at the center of the campaign stage following her husband’s stroke.
“Each time, she’s found herself not just surviving in uncertainty, but thriving,” the article described. “Vivacious, outgoing, and empathetic, there’s little surprise that she emerged as an asset to her ailing husband. Her reluctance to step into the political spotlight — and her talent for doing so anyway — has been a key extension of the authenticity that first drew voters to the Sheetz-eating, hoodie-clad candidate.” (RELATED: Fetterman’s Wife Demands ‘Consequences’ For Reporter Who Casts Doubt On His Cognition)
The piece, like the Bloomberg article, reflected on her family background as an immigrant woman who left a violence-ridden community ridden for New York with her mother as an undocumented child. It said her “survival instincts” have shined on the campaign trail.
“Gisele is most things her husband is not. John prefers to keep to himself; Gisele loves talking to people and normalizing public crying,” the article read. “His voice is low and gruff; hers is melodic, like a Disney princess. He almost exclusively wears hoodies and gym shorts; she dresses up — a habit leftover from her Brazilian upbringing, ‘but I think I upped it because he was so underdressed.’”
The Washington Post credited Gisele with leading Fetterman’s campaign, pointing out that she recited his victory speech after his primary victory and her role in campaigning. It then included a quote from a Pennsylvania political consultant who praised her skill and leading role in the campaign.
“Had he been married to anybody else, I think his recovery and ability to stay in this race would have been drastically diminished,” says Brit Crampsie, a Pennsylvania political consultant told the Post. “Not many people have a surrogate like Gisele in their pocket, should they fall ill.”
The article suggested that Gisele appeals more to voters than her husband, as one Twitter user put it, “I like your hubby, but I wish I could vote for you.”
During a Thursday campaign appearance, President Joe Biden appeared to say that Gisele would be a great contribution in the Senate.
“John, thank you very much for running, I do appreciate it. And Gisele, you’re gonna make a great lady in the Senate,” he said.