Mitch McConnell, the 81-year-old Senate Republican leader, has received a clean bill of health from the congressional physician, Dr. Brian P Monahan, following his second recent episode of freezing in front of reporters. Dr. Monahan confirmed that McConnell is “medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned.”
The incident occurred in Covington, Kentucky, where McConnell appeared to freeze while answering questions from reporters. This incident followed a similar occurrence in Washington in July, at the US Capitol. McConnell returned after the episode, attributing it to feeling “sandbagged,” drawing a parallel to Joe Biden’s fall in May at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado.
McConnell had previously suffered a fall in March, resulting in a concussion and rib injury, which kept him away from Congress. After his first freezing incident, there were reports of other falls.
On Wednesday, McConnell’s spokesperson stated that he had felt lightheaded and would consult a doctor. Dr. Monahan explained that occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon during concussion recovery and can also be expected due to dehydration.
Concerns about the health of aging politicians have come into focus in Washington, including reports of President Biden, aged 80, feeling “tired,” and Senator Dianne Feinstein, aged 90, appearing confused. Polling indicates that a majority of voters believe many politicians stay in their positions for too long, with over half supporting maximum age limits for elected officials.
Some Republican senators have been discussing the issue of McConnell’s health and his ability to fulfill his role. Frank Luntz, a leading Republican pollster, highlighted the need for a new generation of leaders and expressed concerns about politicians staying in office for extended periods.
There is speculation about potential successors within the Republican party, with Senators John Thune, John Cornyn, and John Barrasso being mentioned. McConnell has reportedly reassured these senators about his fitness to lead until the end of his current term in 2026.
Despite discussions among Republicans, it is uncertain whether any attempt to remove McConnell from his leadership position will succeed, as a previous challenge from Senator Rick Scott of Florida failed last year.
Mitch McConnell, who was elected in 1984, holds the record as the longest-serving party leader in Senate history. During his tenure as majority leader from 2015 to 2021, he played a significant role in reshaping the federal judiciary with conservative appointments.
President Biden, who has known McConnell for decades, assured reporters that McConnell sounded like his old self when they spoke on the phone, attributing the recent incidents to McConnell’s concussion recovery.
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