The Apparel Oft Proclaims the Man, by Sean Fitzpatrick

When John Fetterman was elected Senator for Pennsylvania last November, many Pennsylvanians were dismayed. As a stroke victim, Fetterman struggles to speak coherently. Aside from that, there are the Catholic concerns around the fact that he is a dyed-in-the-wool pro-choicer, has officiated at gay “marriages,” and is a staunch supporter of legalizing marijuana). After a bout of clinical depression (with sympathy, another vote of no-confidence), Sen. Fetterman has been at the center of a new controversy of representation by his apparent insistence on going to work on Capitol Hill in his signature Carhartt hoodie and baggy gym shorts.

His intention, presumably, is to show himself a man of the people. But what sort of constituents would choose to represent themselves officially, or be officially represented, in such oafish fashion? Since the dress code of the Senate floor required a suit and tie for men, Fetterman would appear in his slovenly apparel at the door of the chamber to record his vote and then retire again to his office. …

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