Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell froze in front of reporters for the second time in as many months on Wednesday, this time during an event in his home state of Kentucky.
McConnell (R-Ky.), 81, was in the middle of a back-and-forth about the prospect of running for another six-year term in 2026 when he turned stone-faced in a manner reminiscent of his July 27 episode. on Capitol Hill.
“What do I think about what?” McConnell asked.
“Running for re-election in 2026,” replied one reporter.
“Oh,” McConnell exclaimed before his eyes darted upward and he stared blankly into space.
“Did you hear that question, Senator? Running for re-election in 2026?” a woman standing next to McConnell said.
Mitch McConnell froze in front of reporters for the second time in two months Wednesday.WLWT5
After about 30 seconds, McConnell seemed to snap back to reality and took two additional questions.
“Leader McConnell felt momentarily dizzy and paused during his press conference today,” a representative for the Senate’s top Republican told The Post.
McConnell plans to consult a doctor before his next event as a “prudent measure,” despite feeling “good,” the person added.
McConnell became stone-faced in a manner reminiscent of the July 27 episode on Capitol Hill.WLWT5
Back in July, McConnell terrified the DC press corps when he froze mid-sentence while discussing the annual defense bill.
He was then taken off the microphone by his colleagues but later returned to tell reporters that he was “fine” and able to do his job fully.
A McConnell aide explained the awkward moment by saying the octogenarian “felt light-headed and stepped away for a moment” but returned to the podium to answer questions, “which everyone noticed was sharp.”
McConnell has had a handful of health scares in recent months. On March 8, he suffered a concussion and broken ribs after falling during a fundraiser at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington, DC.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell initially froze as he spoke to reporters at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on July 26.AP
The accident sidelined McConnell for several weeks. On July 14, he fell while disembarking a canceled flight at Washington’s Reagan National Airport, and he has used a wheelchair occasionally to navigate the crowded area, NBC News reported.
Last month, Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) revealed to reporters that McConnell also slipped and fell in February while leading a senatorial delegation to Finland, but appeared uninjured.
McConnell is the longest-serving co-party leader in the history of the upper house — having led the Republican Senate since 2007.
Given his health concerns, some Republicans, such as former President Donald Trump and his fellow 2024 hopeful Nikki Haley, have implied that he should step down.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
