Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader, experienced another freeze during an interaction with reporters at an event in Kentucky. This incident occurred about a month after McConnell stopped speaking mid-sentence during a press conference. The incident took place when McConnell was asked about running for re-election in 2026 at an event in Covington, Kentucky. McConnell acknowledged the question but trailed off shortly after, staring ahead. After approximately 10 seconds, an aide asked McConnell if he heard the question, to which he replied “yes” but continued to look off into the distance. The aide then requested a minute of time. McConnell seemed to regain his composure after about 30 seconds and answered two more questions with the aid of his assistant before leaving the gathering.
According to McConnell’s spokesperson, he felt “momentarily lightheaded and paused” during the press conference. As a precautionary measure, McConnell will consult a physician before his next event. President Biden, who considers McConnell a good friend, expressed concern and stated that he would try to get in touch with him after delivering remarks on Hurricane Idalia and the wildfires on Maui.
Later in the day, McConnell attended an event in Louisville with Republican Rep. Jim Banks, who is running for Senate in Indiana. Banks posted a photo on social media, stating that he had a wide-ranging discussion with McConnell about the future of the country and looked forward to working with him on issues affecting their bordering states.
This is not the first time McConnell has experienced a freezing incident. The first instance occurred during a press conference in the U.S. Capitol on July 26. McConnell stopped speaking mid-sentence and appeared unable to continue for about 15 seconds. Sen. John Barrasso, a GOP senator and physician, approached McConnell to check on his well-being and escorted him from the podium. McConnell later returned to answer questions and assured reporters that he was fine. The incident prompted concerns about McConnell’s health, with fellow senators and President Biden reaching out to check on him.
Despite these incidents, Republicans have continued to offer support to McConnell. A spokesperson for McConnell stated that he plans to serve his full term as the Senate leader. It is worth noting that McConnell had previously suffered a concussion in March after tripping at a Washington hotel. He was hospitalized and received treatment at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before returning to the Senate more than a month later.
McConnell has been the top Senate Republican since 2007 and became the longest-serving Senate leader in history at the start of the new Congress in January. He successfully defended his leadership position against a challenge from Senator Rick Scott in November, marking the first time he faced such a challenge during his tenure as party leader.
Original Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-08-31 07:48:00
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