Are John Fetterman’s salad days finally over?

John Fetterman is hungry for victory. The Democratic candidate for Senate in Pennsylvania has taken umbrage with what he perceives as “nasty” comments about his health and diet from his opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz.

But, according to a landmark investigation from the Washington Free Beacon, Fetterman used to hector his constituents to “eat more vegetables” during his tenure as mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania.

Per the Beacon’s Joe Simonson:

On the corner of 4th Street in Braddock… sits a city sign likely not seen anywhere else in the United States. The sign doesn’t display the speed limit or parking hours, but rather an order to passersby: “NOTICE: EAT MORE VEGETABLES.” Fetterman spent his own money to install the signs as a way to encourage residents to eat healthier, according to local press.

Fetterman, in case you were somehow unaware, suffered a stroke in May prior to the primary. He has struggled with his speech in public appearances since — and has shied away from the debate stage. Fortunately for Fetterman, President Biden has lowered the bar for public speaking to the point that “well shucks, he’s doing his best” is now acceptable for a leading American political figure.

In August, Fetterman resurfaced an April (that’s pre-stroke) video of Oz mocking the doctor for using the word “crudités,” when, per Fetterman, a normal Pennsylvanian would say “veggie tray.”

Inflation is hurting American families. Under Joe Biden, gas prices are skyrocketing and food prices are rising. We must stop the reckless spending. This is outrageous! Thanks a lot, Joe. pic.twitter.com/8kNil6upn8

— Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) April 6, 2022

In response to the Democrat’s jibe, Oz campaign spokeswoman Rachel Tripp told Insider, “If John Fetterman had ever eaten a vegetable in his life, then maybe he wouldn’t have had a major stroke and wouldn’t be in the position of having to lie about it constantly.” Brutal.

Simonson told Cockburn that the Beacon “was happy to see our investment in on-the-ground reporting pay off.” Too right: in a race that could decide the Senate, it’s important that both candidates be held to the same standard of conduct. There’s no room for hypocrisy!

And frankly, Cockburn thinks that Fetterman’s appalling diet and subsequent medical conditions are probably the most relatable aspects of his candidacy. He has a-fib? Who doesn’t these days?! That’s much more likely to resonate with Pennsylvanians than, say, endorsing the idea of trans athletes competing in women’s sports or being soft-on-crime.

As a candidate, Fetterman prides himself as a no-nonsense tough talker. He even has (censored) swears on his campaign website! Where was this guy during his time as mayor? Instead it seems that the people of Braddock were stewarded by a celery-wielding hectorer bent on micromanaging the minutiae of his constituents’ lives. Can the wider people of Pennsylvania expect the same Jekyll and Hyde act if they elect him as their senator on November 8? Perhaps Fetterman’s salad days are over.