On July 26, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) took the floor to begin his regular press conference. However, shortly after starting to speak, he suddenly paused and remained silent, causing concern among some of his fellow GOP senators. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) eventually inquired whether McConnell intended to continue speaking or if they should return to his office.
McConnell didn’t respond immediately, but he appeared to register Barrasso’s question. Eventually, both John Thune (R-SD) and McConnell himself escorted the Senator from Kentucky away from the podium.
Following a brief moment in his office, McConnell returned to the press conference and assured reporters that he was okay, without providing any specific details or explanation for the incident. As of now, his office has not issued any official statement regarding the matter.
Senator McConnell, who celebrated his 81st birthday in February, has experienced health problems in recent times. In March, he endured a concussion and a broken rib due to a fall, leading to a six-week absence from the Senate. Given these incidents, some medical experts are now suggesting that a health condition might have been the cause of last Wednesday’s episode at the press conference.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon from Atlanta, Georgia, and CNN’s chief medical correspondent, informed reporters that McConnell’s problem might have been triggered by something as basic as dehydration, although it could also be attributed to a seizure or a minor stroke.
Other medical professionals concurred, suggesting that a petit mal seizure or partial stroke were likely possibilities. This incident is bound to raise questions about McConnell’s ability to remain a senator, possibly sparking calls for an age limit on elected officials.
