Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell experienced a momentary freeze during his opening remarks at the weekly Senate Republican press conference on Wednesday, causing concern among his colleagues. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, who is also a physician, approached McConnell and the two walked away from the podium. McConnell later returned to handle questions, but not before arousing speculation about his health. An aide later explained that McConnell had felt lightheaded and needed a moment to gather himself.
During the press conference, McConnell was discussing the Senate’s progress on the National Defense Authorization Act when he suddenly stopped speaking. Barrasso asked him if he was okay, and McConnell was assisted away from the podium. Senator John Thune then took over the press conference in McConnell’s absence.
When McConnell returned to the podium, reporters asked him about the incident and whether it was related to his previous injury earlier this year when he suffered a concussion from a fall. McConnell simply responded, “I’m fine,” when asked about his condition. Despite concerns, McConnell assured everyone that he was fully capable of performing his duties as Senate Minority Leader.
In a brief address to reporters outside his office, McConnell mentioned that he had received a call from President Biden, who had checked on his well-being. McConnell humorously remarked that he had been “sandbagged,” referring to Biden tripping over a sandbag during a commencement ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy last month. When asked how he was feeling, McConnell reiterated that he was fine.
Barrasso, who had accompanied McConnell offstage, later confirmed that he had checked in on McConnell and believed that he was okay. As a doctor, Barrasso expressed some initial concerns following McConnell’s fall earlier this year but stated that McConnell was doing a great job leading the conference.
Despite the incident, McConnell’s fellow Senate Republicans expressed their support for him to remain as the GOP leader. McConnell, who is a polio survivor, has been serving in the Senate since 1985.
Senator Chuck Grassley, however, voiced his desire to investigate what went wrong during the press conference. The incident has raised questions about McConnell’s health and prompted further scrutiny.
In conclusion, McConnell’s temporary freeze during the press conference raised concerns about his well-being. Although he assured everyone that he was fine, his health condition has become a topic of discussion. McConnell’s colleagues continue to support him, but some are calling for further investigation into the incident.
Original Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-07-26 23:19:00
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