Top US Republican Mitch McConnell freezes again in front of media
- The 81-year-old senator abruptly stopped and stared for over 30 seconds after a reporter asked him for his thoughts on running for re-election
- The mental acuity of elder political leaders in the US has surfaced as an issue as Republicans campaign against President Joe Biden
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell froze after a reporter asked his thoughts on seeking re-election, the second public episode in as many months to raise concerns about the 81-year-old lawmaker’s ability to remain in office.
McConnell abruptly stopped and stared ahead for more than 30 seconds after the reporter’s question about a potential 2026 run during an appearance in Covington, Kentucky. An NBC reporter posted video of Wednesday’s exchange on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.
Eventually, a woman standing next to McConnell stepped forward to ask if he had heard the question. When he didn’t move, she said to the group: “I’m sorry we’re going to be a minute”. Then she and another person went to him. Seconds later he said, “OK” but didn’t respond to the question.
McConnell, a shrewd legislative tactician and prolific fundraiser, has been a bulwark of the Republican Party establishment, moderating the populist impulses of former president Donald Trump’s allies while protecting traditional conservative priorities, including funding for Ukraine.
A spokesman for McConnell said in an emailed statement that the senator “felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today”. An aide said he felt fine but planned to consult a doctor before his next event.