Fetterman hits back at Oz for ‘vegetable’ remark: ‘Politics can be nasty’

John Fetterman, 53, had a serious stroke in May. He returned to the campaign trail this month and has discussed the challenges of doing so. Photograph: Nate Smallwood/Getty Images

The Democratic candidate for US Senate in Pennsylvania, John Fetterman, has fired back at Mehmet Oz, after a senior aide to the Republican said Fetterman might have avoided a serious stroke in May had he only eaten more vegetables.

“I had a stroke. I survived it,” Fetterman said. “I know politics can be nasty, but even then, I could never imagine ridiculing someone for their health challenges.”