David Wu, the democratic representative from Oregon whose erratic behavior resulted in a mass exodus of long-time staffers and pleas for him to check into a psychiatric hospital says he’s “in a good place now,” thanks to counseling and medication.
In an exclusive interview with George Stephanopoulos on Good Morning America today, Wu addressed the controversy about his behavior in the lead-up to the midterm elections. “I’ve had a couple of pretty stressful years,” he said. “Last October was not a good month, it was very stressful. I did some things, I said some things which I sincerely regret now and as a result of those things, I saw fit to consult professional help.”
He said he hoped that his openness about his struggle with mental health issues would encourage others to seek help when needed.
When asked about the interventions staged by his staffers, he said there were “a lot of meetings in a campaign,” and that he wasn’t in a position to take off a week or two at that time. “I made the right decision because I’m in a good place now,” he said. “I got the help I needed then, I’m continuing to consult medical help as I need it.”
Wu admitted sending inappropriate emails to staff — including a picture of him dressed in tiger suit — that he had earlier claimed were set by his children. “I did send those photographs, it was unprofessional and inappropriate,” he said. “I think a take home lesson from this, while they were very unprofessional, you shouldn’t ever send photographs of yourself in a Halloween costume, something you tend to wear to a private party.”
Stephanopoulos asked Wu how he would assuage concerns that he’s not fit to serve as a congressman.
“This is why I am here,” responded Wu. “I emphatically can do that job, I am doing that job. I’ve gotten myself into a good place — where I’m taking care of my kids, I’m taking care of my 88-year-old mother and I’m taking care of myself and my constituents.”
“Only time will demonstrate that to my constituents.”
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