Wednesday, when Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was asked if he intends to run for re-election, his reaction may have provided all the necessary information.
McConnell froze for a full 30 seconds, his visage blank, scarcely registering that he was aware of where he stood.
Even though attendants intervened to assist him, the cameras captured the entire event.
BREAKING NEWS: Sen. Mitch McConnell appearing to have another scary episode in the media gaggle in Covington today. Aides had to step in to help him out and repeat questions. He was eventually lead away. We'll have the full video on @WLWT pic.twitter.com/q9ex5MHxLV
— Hannah Thomas (@HannahPThomas) August 30, 2023
According to Reuters, the incident occurred at a Covington event hosted by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
It was the second occasion in public this summer that the 81-year-old Republican lawmaker had an apparent health incident.
In July, McConnell similarly halted during a press conference in Washington, D.C., an incident he later attempted to downplay.
The video posted on Wednesday provoked a furious response on X, formerly known as Twitter.
**BREAKING** Mitch McConnell has another freezing episode when asked about running for re-election in 2026.
There need to be term limits, age limits and cognitive assessments for all members of Congress. pic.twitter.com/H99WSsnhP7
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) August 30, 2023
🚨 BREAKING: Mitch McConnell appears to have ANOTHER major medical emergency freezing for almost 30 seconds while speaking to reporters.
Mitch McConnell is clearly too old to serve in an effective fashion.
McConnell should do the right thing and resign.pic.twitter.com/A6umK3dnwV
— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) August 30, 2023
Forward Blue, an account dedicated to a “more progressive America for ALL,” demanded McConnell’s urgent resignation.
It’s time for Mitch McConnell to step aside and retire!pic.twitter.com/BO4Efx9zyz
— Forward Blue (@forwardbluepac) August 30, 2023
Robby Starbuck, a conservative commentator and activist, used the occasion to take a thinly veiled shot at President Joe Biden, an 80-year-old Senate veteran who is obviously exhibiting his age.
I pray Mitch McConnell is okay but at this stage it’s appropriate for him to step down from leadership to focus on his health. It’s not appropriate for any party leader to be tasked with such a demanding job while their health is in clear decline like this.pic.twitter.com/HjBFVvMqfK
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) August 30, 2023
According to NBC News, after the phenomenon passed on Wednesday, McConnell answered a query about Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron. His demeanor, however, was not exactly reassuring. CONTINUE READING…