Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 81, froze for more than 30 seconds during a press event in his home state of Kentucky on Wednesday.
The Republican leader in the US Senate, Mitch McConnell-Image Source: New York Magazine
The incident came just over a month after McConnell appeared to freeze while talking to reporters at the US Capitol.
McConnell was asked about his plans to run for re-election in 2026, but he appeared to have difficulty answering the question.
An aide came over to McConnell and asked if he had heard the question, but he did not respond.
The aide then repeated the question loudly into McConnell’s ear, and he gave a halting answer.
McConnell was eventually escorted away by staff.
A spokesperson for McConnell said the senator had “felt momentarily lightheaded” and would consult a doctor before his next event.
The incident has raised concerns about McConnell’s health, particularly given his age and recent health scares.
McConnell has said that he plans to stay in his role as Republican leader until the end of his term in 2026.
However, some have called on him to retire, arguing that he is no longer fit to serve.
Dean Phillips, a Democratic congressman from Minnesota, said that McConnell and other ageing politicians should step down for the good of the country.
“For goodness sake, the family, friends and staff of senators Feinstein and McConnell are doing them and our country a tremendous disservice,” Phillips said. “It’s time for term limits for Congress and the supreme court, and some basic human decency.”
The incident is also likely to be a major talking point in the upcoming midterm elections.
Democrats are hoping to capitalize on McConnell’s health concerns and make it a major issue in their campaigns.
The outcome of the midterm elections could have a significant impact on McConnell’s ability to stay in power.
If Democrats win control of the Senate, they could force McConnell to step down as Republican leader.
The incident is a reminder of the importance of term limits for elected officials.
When politicians stay in power for too long, they can become out of touch with the needs of the people they represent.
Term limits would help to ensure that elected officials are held accountable and that new ideas are brought into government.
