Dr. Mehmet Oz became Pennsylvania’s Republican nominee for Senate after being endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Yet in what may come as a shock to some, the two men approach setbacks very differently.
Whereas Trump still maintains that his 2020 election loss was illegitimate, Oz has calmly accepted defeat.
Oz congratulates Fetterman in a post-election phone call
According to Fox News, Oz announced on Wednesday that he had called his Democratic opponent John Fetterman to concede the race.
“This morning I called John Fetterman and congratulated him. I wish him and his family all the best, both personally and as our next United States Senator,” Fox News quoted a statement from Oz as saying.
“Campaigning throughout our great Commonwealth was the honor of a lifetime, and I will cherish the memories and the people I met,” the former Republican candidate declared.
“Pennsylvanians showed up with passion and a vision for a bright future that I found inspiring every day,” Oz recalled. “I want to thank my supporters, so many of whom worked tirelessly to spread our message and support me and my family.”
“We are facing big problems as a country and we need everyone to put down their partisan swords and focus on getting the job done,” the celebrity physician continued.
“With bold leadership that brings people together, we can create real change. As a Doctor, I always do my best to help others heal. That’s why I ran for Senate. I hope we begin the healing process as a nation soon,” he concluded.
Trump said to be “furious” over Pennsylvania loss
Meanwhile, Fox News reported that for his part, Trump is said to be “furious” over Oz’s loss and regrets having given the doctor his endorsement.
The network cited a tweet from New York Times columnist Maggie Haberman, someone it describes as being “known for her access to Trump and his orbit.”
Trump is indeed furious this morning, particularly about Mehmet Oz, and is blaming everyone who advised him to back Oz — including his wife, describing it as not her best decision, according to people close to him.
— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) November 9, 2022
Haberman added in a subsequent tweet that some Republicans have been pushing Trump to reschedule his planned 2024 campaign announcement while others believe doing so would be an admission of failure.