Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell has been serving for the Republican party since 2007. He played a key role during ex-president Trump’s administration as a majority leader between 2015 and 2021. He continued as the minority leader from 2021 onwards under President Biden’s administration.
McConnell displayed commendable work ethics in conducting standard briefings throughout his tenure. This year, Leader McConnell has surpassed Montana Democrat Mike Mansfield as the longest-serving Senate leader. He has also made it clear that he won’t be stepping down from his duties any time soon.
Sen. McConnell froze during the question-answer segment on August 30, in the Covington, Kentucky press conference. An even more concerning issue was that he remained unresponsive for almost 30 seconds.
However, this incident is perturbing the political environment because of the deja vu. The 81-year-old senator froze again while addressing the reporters in late July. Hence, people are not only worried about his health, but this has also resurfaced the discourse on the age limit for politicians.
What Happened to Mitch McConnell Today?
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted an event on Wednesday, August 30. Minority Senate Leader Mitch McConnell addressed the reporters and then conducted a usual Q&A segment.
People couldn’t help but notice how pale and thin McConnel looked compared to his earlier self. Yet, he maintained his composure throughout the session.
However, after one reporter asked his opinions on running for re-election in 2026, Mr. McConnell appeared to be frozen in place. He remained unresponsive for over 30 seconds, standing motionless with his mouth pursed as he gripped the podium. His eyes were anchored in one direction.
Just then, an aide approached him and asked, “Did you hear the question, senator?”
McConnell snapped back from his state, re-engaging with the reporters. After that, he took a few more questions, including queries about Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and former President Donald Trump. But every time, his aide reiterated the question to him before he could respond.
Brushing off the question about Trump, he ended the session shortly and left. Reporters did not prompt him about his condition.
Later, McConnell’s spokesperson stated–
“Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today.”
He assured that the senator was feeling fine and continued, “As a prudential measure, the leader will be consulting a physician prior to his next event.”
How Many Times Has Mitch McConnell Froze?
This issue has raised concerns since this is not the first time Mitch McConnell has frozen during a press conference. During the July standard briefing session, the senate leader remained unresponsive for almost 19 seconds before the medical aide escorted him.
He returned to the podium shortly after and continued answering questions. When one reporter asked him about the sudden freezing, he replied that he was fine and had a minor inconvenience.
What Is Causing Mitch McConnell to Freeze Up?
A few medical experts analyzed the video the first time Mr. McConell froze during the briefings. They deduced that he might have suffered through TIA – a Transient Ischemic Attack – mini-stroke, where the blood flow to the brain is disrupted. According to experts, the symptoms of this stroke last only for a few seconds to minutes.
The aftereffects might linger for about 24 hours, but not more. The symptoms usually include–
- Freezing in position.
- Numbness.
- Light-headedness, dizziness, difficulty in walking.
- Type of brain fog, confusing talking, or understanding speech.
- Loss of balance.
President Biden’s Statement On The McConnell Incident
When NBC News asked President Biden about McConnell’s sudden freezing in front of live news, he kept the opposition ideology aside and showed empathy for his friend. Biden said that he will “try to get in touch with him later this afternoon.”
“Mitch is a friend, as you know — not a joke. … I know people don’t believe that the case but we have disagreements politically, but he’s a good friend.”
Netizens Pour In Opinions on Mitch McConnell’s Tenure
What is your take on this situation? Where do you stand on the online discourse of retirement age for politicians?
Do you think the Republicans are stretching the leader’s capacity? Let us know in the comments section below.
