31-8-2023 (WASHINGTON) Mitch McConnell, the senior Republican senator, briefly found himself unable to speak during a news conference on Wednesday. This incident marks the second time in recent weeks that the 81-year-old senator has experienced an abrupt freeze during a public event.
McConnell was addressing reporters’ questions in his home state of Kentucky when he fell silent for approximately 30 seconds, despite prompts from an aide.
“Did you hear the question, senator?” the staffer inquired after an awkward pause. As McConnell continued to remain unresponsive, she addressed the room, saying, “I’m sorry, you all. We’re going to need a minute.”
His spokesman later explained, “Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today.”
In response to the incident, President Joe Biden expressed his intention to reach out to McConnell. “We have had disagreements politically, but he’s a good friend,” Biden remarked at the White House.
This incident represents the senator’s second health scare since July when he froze mid-sentence during a press conference in Congress. On that occasion, he remained motionless at a microphone for approximately 20 seconds before aides and fellow senators escorted him away. McConnell later returned, assuring reporters that he was “fine” before proceeding to take questions.
Mitch McConnell has been the leading Republican figure in the US Senate since 2007 and exerted significant influence as the majority leader from 2015 to 2021. Notably, he orchestrated the conservative majority on the Supreme Court by stalling a confirmation hearing for Barack Obama’s nominee in 2016 and played a pivotal role in ensuring that Donald Trump was not convicted after two impeachment trials.
In March, McConnell faced hospitalization following a fall during a private dinner, resulting in a concussion and a fractured rib. He subsequently spent six weeks away from the Senate, receiving physical therapy.
An aide stated that McConnell intends to consult with a physician before participating in his next public event.
