Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate Election has now proven itself a political nightmare for voters in the state.

John Fetterman, the “trust boy” and former failed Mayor of Braddock, PA defeated Dr. Oz, a massively popular TV talk host.

You might recall the debate debacle when Fetterman suddenly blurted “Good night” to viewers. For many critics, Fetterman was off limits and out of bounds because of his stroke and the multiple impediments associated therewith.

Within days of Fetterman’s arrival in Washington, DC, he was hospitalized for clinical depression. He hasn’t been seen in public since he checked in for treatment.

Where does this leave Pennsylvania and its citizens? Essentially, they do not have one of their functioning U.S. Senators. Many are now questioning why voters would elect John Fetterman in the first place. Undoubtedly, there was a portion of the electorate that voted for John Fetterman out of Party loyalty, another group that elected him based on a rejection of Dr. Oz, and finally, some voters were motivated by giving a disabled person an opportunity.

Marc Levy with the Associated Press, writing for ABC News:

“Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman’s office said Thursday that he is expected to return soon to the chamber, although Democratic leaders are giving no timeline five weeks after he sought inpatient treatment for clinical depression.”

What happens if John Fetterman cannot function at a level commensurate with his Senatorial duties and therefore, never returns to Senate? Will he be recalled? Will he resign? Will Pennsylvanians want another election, or will the Governor appoint a replacement?

Reports are that Fetterman’s fledgling staff is holding his office together and briefing the Senator regularly. Votes are being taken and Fetterman’s constituency will assuredly grow weary of his absence.

From @ColeToon: For Pa.'s @JohnFetterman, a (common) wealth of support as he gets the treatment he needs. https://t.co/X9BGD8COIT pic.twitter.com/khaKqxKIHY

— Pennsylvania Capital-Star (@PennCapitalStar) March 18, 2023

But Fetterman is not alone in his absence and inability to effectively execute his duties. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) is out of action and has announced she will not seek reelection. Rumors have been swirling about her precise medical condition, including that she is advancing in deep dementia, even Alzheimers. She is essentially AWOL. Feinstein’s office said she was hospitalized for Shingles.

Then, who can ignore the fact that Minority Leader Mitch McConnel (R-KY) was rushed to the hospital after falling down at a dinner event, cracking ribs, and suffering a concussion? He too is now facing a lot of questions about his ability to function. He is the longest-serving Senator in history.

Both McConnell and Feinstein are aged Senators who have amassed enormous influence and power, not to mention control of millions of dollars in campaign finance money. McConnell is 81, and Feinstein is 89. That’s a combined lifespan of 179 years, nearly two centuries.

We should not be surprised that as America drops from its apex of power and plummets into a tailspin of decline that we are led, not by competent people but by the aged and infirmed.