‘Unfettered’: John Fetterman’s frank account of politics, depression and principle
Fetterman lays himself bare in this memoir, and it is a compelling read.
“Unfettered”
By John Fetterman
Random House, 240 pages
John Fetterman, one of the staunchest pro-Israel Democrats in the Senate, knows that some of his positions are unpopular and could ultimately cost him his seat.
“I’m completely at peace with that,” he writes in “Unfettered,” his refreshingly candid memoir published in November.
For most readers of Fetterman’s 240-page account of his personal and professional life, that statement will ring true.
Fetterman, who began his political career as mayor of Braddock, speaks honestly — and colorfully — about his history of depression, the stroke he suffered during his campaign for U.S. Senate, and his political rivals. Fetterman’s distinctive voice is clear throughout the book, although it’s been reported that an uncredited collaborator — University of Pennsylvania lecturer Buzz Bissinger — gave Fetterman a template for the memoir while Fetterman provided all content.
Fetterman has been a reliable ally to Pittsburgh’s Jewish community, quietly showing up in his trademark hoodies and shorts to vigils for the hostages who were held in Gaza, at commemoration events marking the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, and at public menorah lightings. During Israel’s war with Hamas, Fetterman displayed posters in his office of every hostage kidnapped by Hamas. His statements on social media and to traditional media have been unwavering in support of the Jewish state. He consistently votes for measures favorable to Israel.
He has shown courageous moral clarity, even in the face of relentless criticism, including from members of his own party.
Loyal, principled and honorable is how he comes off in his book, but that goes hand-in-hand with unflinching self-awareness and, at times, self-deprecation:
Fetterman lays himself bare in this memoir, and it is a compelling read.
He tells us about his struggles as a youth, setting the record straight that while he grew up “squarely middle class,” he did not come from a privileged upbringing, despite media reports. He was an awkward kid, had trouble making friends and was bullied. Life improved once he began playing football in high school — finally finding a place to fit in — but feelings of inadequacy continued to plague him.
Those feelings persisted through his life and may persist still. He writes frankly of the severe depression that followed his stroke and his disappointing debate performance against Dr. Mehmet Oz. He won the Senate race, but felt he was undeserving. His depression worsened — he even considered suicide — until he finally checked into Walter Reed Hospital, where he got the help he needed.
Still, he writes, he can’t forget the episodes and wounds that contributed to his depression.
“I am not good at letting go of anything,” he writes.
For example — and there are many — “the 2011 New York Times article undermining what I was doing as mayor of Braddock that relied on quotes from someone on the council who was later convicted of stealing over $170,000 from the town coffers; Conor Lamb and Malcolm Kenyatta accusing me of racism (without directly saying it) during the Democratic primary for Senate in 2022, a charge they knew was false. … ”
He takes offense at politicians who are driven more by the pursuit of power than the desire to serve. Josh Shapiro, for example, is portrayed by Fetterman as being motivated by changing political winds when voting on the release of prisoners while the two men were serving on the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons.
But Fetterman also acknowledges those who ultimately did what he considers to be the right thing. He says some Fox News commentators apologized for referring to him as a “vegetable,” “moron” and “retard” on the air following his stroke. He notes Oz’s gracious concession call, despite a fraught campaign season.
While Fetterman has become somewhat of a champion of the Jewish people since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, his allyship is only briefly mentioned in his memoir. He posits that some media outlets and former staffers may have turned on him because of his stance on Israel. He stresses, though, that his support for the Jewish state is not new but something he spoke of during his 2022 primary campaign for Senate.
“There was no choice for me but to support Israel,” he writes, framing it as a moral imperative.
“Unfettered” is intended to give strength and encouragement to those struggling with mental health issues, and the senator dedicates the book to those suffering from depression.
“I’ve been there,” he writes. “You are not alone. Give yourself a second chance and stay in the game.”
There’s a lot about Fetterman’s story that will engage readers regardless of their political affiliation. His writing — often peppered with coarse language — never feels forced, contrived or motivated by politics.
Rather, he comes off as wholly original, both as an elected official and a human being. PJC
Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
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