PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — With the election just days away, Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman made a stop in West Philadelphia’s Overbrook section to make an appeal and a thank you to the Black clergy of Philadelphia, which endorsed him this week.
In front of dozens of community members and Black clergy representing 11 denominations and 300 churches, Fetterman first acknowledged his recent stroke.
“I got knocked down, but I got back up,” he said, repeating a theme from his recent debate against Republican candidate Mehmet Oz.
“This campaign is about anyone who’s been knocked down, but had to get back up.”
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They responded with claps, smiles, and words of encouragement as he outlined his campaign promises.
“We strongly believe in cutting the taxes for working families here, not just in Philadelphia but Pennsylvania. I promise to protect Medicare and Social Security as well,” he said. “I promise to codify Roe v. Wade, too.”
He also promised to work on getting rid of the filibuster, and to push for a raise to the minimum wage as well as an improved health care system, other key points he touted during the debate.
“Health care saved my life,” he said. “Every single citizen should have the same kind of health care that could be for you, if you may ever need it. The sooner you need that in order to save your life.”
Rev. Robert Collier, Sr., president of Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity says that a woman’s right to choose is one of their main ballot issues.
He added that despite Fetterman’s health challenges, they believe he is the candidate to fulfill the interests of Philadelphia Black communities.
“We understand that and we're going to continue to pray for his healing, because we believe that once he is well, he's able to perform,” said Collier.
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“We wanted to show people of Philadelphia that we’re solidly behind John Fetterman. We want the people of Philadelphia to know that John has their interests at heart.”
Fetterman’s speech was followed by music and soul food from the Bleu Brook restaurant team.
Owner Gregory Thornton hopes the luncheon was enough to motivate people to get to the polls.
“Knowledge is power, I feel at this point,” Thornton said. “As long as we get these people out and get people out to vote, we should be all right.”
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