Biden and Schumer in hot mic midterm gaffe on crucial Senate race

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was caught on hot mic telling Joe Biden that John Fetterman’s Pennsylvania debate performance “didn’t hurt us too much”. Fetterman suffered a stroke earlier this year and his race against TV star Dr Mehmet Oz has become one of the most tightly contested in the country.During the debate, Fetterman relied on closed captioning due to trouble with auditory processing as a result of the stroke, which he says is expected to get better with time.While in Syracuse, New York Schumer told the President: “It looks like the debate didn’t hurt us too much in Pennsylvania as of today, so that’s good.”We’re picking up steam in Nevada…The state where we’re going downhill is Georgia. It’s hard to believe that they will go for Herschel Walker…but our early turnout in Georgia, huge. Huge.”The Senate majority leader can also be heard telling the President “We’re in danger”, although it is unclear which race he was speaking about.A few key races are widely viewed to hold huge power in who will control the Senate after November 8. The two heavyweight Dems were heard discussing midterm strategy. (Image: GETTY) John Fetterman suffered a stroke earlier this year. (Image: GETTY)In Pennsylvania, a crunch moment came on Tuesday during the Fetterman-Oz debate.Actor Mark Ruffalo came out in support of Fetterman and highlighted his own health issues afterwards.”As someone who suffered a brain tumour and temporary cognitive dysfunction, I can relate to John. This is a minor thing that passes,” he wrote on Twitter.However, Dr Oz’s team has picked up on the stroke claiming it indicates Fetterman’s inability to do the job.Fetterman has hit back at such suggestions on Twitter. He said: “I had a stroke. I survived it. I’m truly so grateful to still be here today.”I know politics can be nasty, but even then, I could never imagine ridiculing someone for their health challenges.”READ MORE: Biden warns GOP victory in midterms will lead to Truss-style ‘chaos’ Americans are preparing to vote in the 2022 midterm elections on November 8. (Image: GETTY) TV star Dr Mehmet Oz is challenging John Fetterman in the Pennsylvania race. (Image: GETTY)Although polls showed Fetterman with a wide lead earlier in the race, the gap is shrinking and it appears it could be a toss up between the two.Fetterman has vowed to be the Democrat’s “51st vote” in the Senate, they are currently tied 50-50 with Republicans in the chamber with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaking vote.The mudslinging comes as exclusive polling from Express.co.uk shows that voters have lost confidence in Biden’s handling of the economy – something which could significantly hurt Democrats in the upcoming elections.The findings from the Washington DC based Democracy Institute reveal that 31 percent put inflation and the cost of living as their number one issue with economy and jobs in second place.DON’T MISS:Horror as man shoved onto NYC train tracks in unprovoked attack [REPORT]Meghan and Harry warned royal reconciliation now ‘impossible’ – expert [INSIGHT]Biden slammed after ‘zoning out’ during interview [ANALYSIS] Early voting has begun in many states with some seeing huge turnouts. (Image: GETTY)However, the poll reveals that 65 percent disapprove of Biden’s handling of the economy, 62 percent think his anti inflation measures won’t work and 55 percent believe Trump was a better President.Republican’s are widely expected to make gains in the House of Representatives while the Senate could go to either party.If Republicans take control of either House it could effectively hamstring the Democrats agenda before the 2024 Presidential election.Midterm elections generally favour the party which does not hold the Presidency.