On Wednesday, after giving a speech in Covington, Kentucky, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell appeared to pause for nearly 30 seconds when meeting with reporters.
The incident is identical to something that happened to McConnell at the US Capitol at the end of last month, and it will undoubtedly raise more questions about his health to lead the Senate Republican caucus at the age of 81.
The incident that took place on Wednesday began when a reporter inquired as to whether or not the Republican leader intended to seek reelection in 2026. McConnell had to have him repeat the question multiple times before he finally laughed, closed his mouth, and stared ahead.
Later, someone at his side inquired, “Did you hear the question, senator, running for reelection in 2026?” McConnell was silent throughout.
“I’m sorry you all, we’re gonna need a minute,” the assistant said to the reporters. McConnell was able to whisper an answer to a member of the senator’s detail who had spoken gently to him for a second.
Turning back to the press, McConnell answered “OK,” and an assistant then asked if anyone had any other questions and if the press might “speak up.”
A spokesman for the Kentucky Republican told AWN that McConnell “felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today.” To which a McConnell staffer responded, “While he feels fine, as a prudential measure, the leader will be consulting a physician prior to his next event.”
Questions about McConnell’s health have persisted throughout the year, despite his position as leader of the Senate Republican caucus since 2007. After falling in a hotel in Washington, DC in March and being diagnosed with a concussion and a fractured rib, he returned to the Senate a few weeks later.
During a press appearance on Capitol Hill in late July, McConnell blanked for 30 seconds. The Republican from Kentucky, according to his staff, felt “lightheaded” and, later, Republicans claimed he was dehydrated. McConnell told reporters after the attack that he was “fine.”
After the incident on Wednesday, McConnell and Senate Republican Whip John Thune discussed it this afternoon.
“The leader sounded like his usual self and was in good spirits,” said Thune spokesman Ryan Wrasse.
Vice President Joe Biden told reporters on Wednesday that he will “get in touch” with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
It’s no joke that some people don’t take it seriously when I say, “Mitch is a friend,” but you already knew that. Even though our political views are diametrically opposed, I want to reach out to him later this afternoon. After discussing the federal reaction to Hurricane Idalia and the wildfires on Maui, Biden told reporters, “I don’t know enough to know.”
