U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is facing renewed calls for his resignation, following a recent incident where he involuntarily froze for roughly 30 seconds while answering questions from reporters.
After McConnell stopped speaking, a staffer approached him, asking, “Did you hear the question senator? Running for re-election in 2026?”
Upon no response from McConnell — who appeared dazed, with his eyes stock-still and peering off to his right — the staffer turned to reporters, saying, “I’m sorry you all, we’re going to need a minute.” A spokesperson later said, “Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today.”
Following the incident, an aide said that McConnell “feels fine” but would be examined by a physician “as a prudential measure.”
A similar episode happened only a month ago, when McConnell suddenly stopped speaking during a weekly Republican press conference on Capitol Hill.
Flag: McConnell just stopped abruptly during his opening statement during the gop leadership presser and appeared to be unable to restart talking. He then stepped away and walked away with Barrasso: pic.twitter.com/f1kFUjggzm
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) July 26, 2023
Now, with what appears to be a pattern of health scares, a growing chorus wants the 81-year-old Senate Minority Leader to step aside.
“Our nation is led by geriatrics in both parties who are out of touch with their voters and won’t live to see the damage they’re ravaging on the nation,” Charlie Kirk, Founder of Turning Point USA, wrote on social media platform X. “Many, like Mitch McConnell, are physically unable to do their jobs,” he continued, before adding, “Retire.”
Our nation is led by geriatrics in both parties who are out of touch with their voters and won't live to see the damage they're ravaging on the nation. Many, like Mitch McConnell, are physically unable to do their jobs.
Retire.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) August 30, 2023
John Solomon, investigative journalist and founder of Just the News, posted a poll, asking readers if they believe McConnell should retire, given his apparent health issues. As of 4pm on Aug. 30, more than 3,300 votes had been cast, with 98 percent calling for McConnell to step aside.
You Vote: Do you think Mitch McConnell should retire? | Just The News https://t.co/pr7Ap3tF5i
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) August 30, 2023
Journalist Victoria Brownworth wrote on X: “Is it ageism, ableism or just common freaking decency to think that people who are seriously impaired and aren’t sure where they are or what they are doing should not be in positions of power? Let [Sen. Dianne Feinstein] and Mitch McConnell retire. It’s the humane thing.”
Is it ageism, ableism or just common freaking decency to think that people who are seriously impaired and aren't sure where they are or what they are doing should not be in positions of power? Let DiFi and Mitch McConnell retire. It's the humane thing.
pic.twitter.com/oGydWqEHcI— Victoria Brownworth (@VABVOX) August 30, 2023
