Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel refused to apologize for mocking President Joe Biden and Pennsylvania Democratic candidate John Fetterman’s speech issues.
McDaniel’s comments last week came after conservative radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt said Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are scheduled to appear with Fetterman at a campaign event.
“I hope there are cameras and microphones, because you put those three together, and they could say anything, Ronna,” Hewitt said.
“Maybe they can get a full sentence out,” McDaniel replied.
Fetterman suffered a stroke in May and is still recovering. Special provisions were made during his debate with Republican candidate Mehmet Oz last week to ensure he could read the questions and responses. The stroke affected Fetterman’s auditory processing ability, but not his cognitive function.
President Biden has struggled with a stutter throughout his life.
Asked if she regrets how her comments could “appear insensitive”, McDaniel refused to answer the question and repeatedly mix up the names of the two Democrats.
“I certainly want Joe Fri — Fetterman — John Fetterman to get better, and I would never make fun of somebody who has a stroke. But I will say they should be getting in front of the press, and they’re not, and they’re hiding,” McDaniel told Fox News host Shannon Beam.
“Joe— John Fetterman is following in the steps of Joe Biden — I know I’m conflating the names — but they’re sitting in the basement. They’re not getting in front of the voters and they’re not being honest about their issues,” she added.
