Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman's public struggles following a stroke continue to impact his standing with voters, as a recent Quinnipiac poll reveals his approval ratings have dipped to levels comparable to President Biden's in their shared home state.

The poll indicates that 50% of Pennsylvania voters disapprove of Fetterman's performance, while only 39% express approval. President Biden fares even worse, with a 57% disapproval rating and a 39% approval rating among Pennsylvanians.

This negative perception of Fetterman contrasts sharply with the approval ratings of other prominent Democrats in the state. Governor Josh Shapiro enjoys a 57% approval rating, while Senator Bob Casey holds a 44% approval rating.

Fetterman's challenges with auditory processing, a consequence of his stroke, have been evident in Senate hearings and public appearances. While his office attributes these difficulties solely to auditory processing issues, critics have raised concerns about his overall cognitive abilities. The situation gained further attention when a Washington Post reporter acknowledged amplifying a misquote provided by Fetterman's office. Furthermore, reports have surfaced indicating Fetterman's office has altered transcripts of his remarks to enhance their coherence.

Following a period of hospitalization for clinical depression, Fetterman disclosed that his depression was significantly impacting him during his initial weeks in the Senate. The senator's stroke, which occurred during his campaign in May 2022, has presented ongoing challenges. He has likened his experience during the midterm debate against Dr. Mehmet Oz to "running a marathon with a broken ankle," necessitating the use of a closed captioning system.