During a recent press conference in Kentucky, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell appeared to freeze-up. On Wednesday, he reportedly froze for more than 30 seconds while answering reporters' questions in Covington, Kentucky.
When a reporter asked McConnell. "What are your thoughts on running for re-election?" McConnell asked. "What're my thoughts about what?". The reporter repeated - "What are your thoughts on running for re-election in 2026?" At that point McConnell stared blankly for 10 seconds, before being asked by an aide, who appeared next to him and asked, "Did you hear the question, senator? Running for re-election in 2026?"
Reportedly, he came out of the moment and said "I'm okay," telling a second aide who appeared by his side. "Does anybody else have any questions? Please speak up," the other aide said. McConnell reportedly then answered a few questions. A McConnell spokesperson said - "Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today," adding…"While he feels fine, as a prudential measure, the Leader will be consulting a physician prior to his next event."
This was the second time McConnell has had such an episode in public. He had previously frozen for about 30 seconds, during a news conference alongside other Republican lawmakers, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. last, month. At that time, an aide had again stated that the Senator had "felt light-headed and stepped away for a moment."
Sen. Mitch McConnell's health incident renews concern for aging lawmakers, as many in both parties have called for those aging legislative members, to step down related to increasing age related limitations, that seem to restrict their function to serve. In McConnell’s case this is a new development. Hopefully, Senator McConnell’s physician will give him a complete examination which will demonstrate his continued fitness, especially in light of the spotlight, that those in both parties have placed Joe Biden in, for his own foibles.
“Your mental wellbeing should be one of the most important cares in your life.”
-Germany Kent