Senile Ronnie Reagan
2023-07-27 11:51:48 UTC
Mitch McConnell Suffers Frightening Episode During Press Conference
Sen. John Barrasso and Sen. Mitch McConnell
The Republican leader suddenly stopped talking and stared off into the
distance during his weekly press conference.
Christopher Wiggins
July 26 2023 4:06 PM EST
During Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnells weekly press conference in
Washington, D.C., Wednesday afternoon, he appeared to suffer a medical
incident that left him temporarily unable to speak.
A few words into McConnells conversation about the Department of Defense
funding bill, he paused for a lengthy time midsentence, requiring others
to intervene.
This week [theres] been good bipartisan cooperation in a string of uhh,
McConnell began before stopping to speak and looking off into the distance
with a vacant stare and not blinking.
For nearly 23 seconds, McConnell and fellow Republican Senate leaders
lined up behind him and stood silently as it became clear that the senator
was unwell and clearly in distress.
Hey Mitch, Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso said as he stepped up to the GOP
leader and grabbed his wrist to get his attention.
Anything else you want to say, or should we just go back to your office?
he asked McConnell, who appeared confused by the question. Do you want to
say anything else to the press?
McConnell glanced at Barrasso and turned, seemingly indicating he wanted
to step away.
After stepping aside, McConnell was escorted out of public view.
The press conference continued with North Dakota Sen. John Thune taking
over for McConnell, who had retreated to his nearby office with staff
assistance.
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Twelve minutes after the episode began, McConnell returned to the press
conference and was asked if the incident had anything to do with his
injury earlier this year.
In response, McConnell said, Im fine.
Yeah, he replied when asked if he could still perform his duties.
McConnell continued the press conference, responding to questions.
The incident sparked alarm by observers who opined that it appeared
McConnell showed signs of a stroke or a seizure.
Though the episode was difficult to watch and alarmed those who observed
it, nobody called 911 or sought emergency medical care, leading to online
criticism of the situation.
In April, McConnell returned to work after a six-week absence after
falling in a Washington, D.C., luxury hotel. He suffered both a concussion
and a fractured rib. McConnell spent time in inpatient rehab before
returning to the Hill.
According to McConnells aides, McConnell felt lightheaded after
Wednesday's incident and took a moment off but was sharp when he
returned to answer questions.
Asked by reporters following the incident, the Senate Majority Leader,
Chuck Schumer, of New York, responded to a question about what happened to
the Kentucky Republican.
Most Recent Across equalpride
I always wish Leader McConnell well, Schumer said.
Initially elected to the Senate in 1985, McConnell has led the Republican
Party in the chamber since 2007.
Sen. John Barrasso and Sen. Mitch McConnell
The Republican leader suddenly stopped talking and stared off into the
distance during his weekly press conference.
Christopher Wiggins
July 26 2023 4:06 PM EST
During Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnells weekly press conference in
Washington, D.C., Wednesday afternoon, he appeared to suffer a medical
incident that left him temporarily unable to speak.
A few words into McConnells conversation about the Department of Defense
funding bill, he paused for a lengthy time midsentence, requiring others
to intervene.
This week [theres] been good bipartisan cooperation in a string of uhh,
McConnell began before stopping to speak and looking off into the distance
with a vacant stare and not blinking.
For nearly 23 seconds, McConnell and fellow Republican Senate leaders
lined up behind him and stood silently as it became clear that the senator
was unwell and clearly in distress.
Hey Mitch, Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso said as he stepped up to the GOP
leader and grabbed his wrist to get his attention.
Anything else you want to say, or should we just go back to your office?
he asked McConnell, who appeared confused by the question. Do you want to
say anything else to the press?
McConnell glanced at Barrasso and turned, seemingly indicating he wanted
to step away.
After stepping aside, McConnell was escorted out of public view.
The press conference continued with North Dakota Sen. John Thune taking
over for McConnell, who had retreated to his nearby office with staff
assistance.
Trending stories from equalpride
Twelve minutes after the episode began, McConnell returned to the press
conference and was asked if the incident had anything to do with his
injury earlier this year.
In response, McConnell said, Im fine.
Yeah, he replied when asked if he could still perform his duties.
McConnell continued the press conference, responding to questions.
The incident sparked alarm by observers who opined that it appeared
McConnell showed signs of a stroke or a seizure.
Though the episode was difficult to watch and alarmed those who observed
it, nobody called 911 or sought emergency medical care, leading to online
criticism of the situation.
In April, McConnell returned to work after a six-week absence after
falling in a Washington, D.C., luxury hotel. He suffered both a concussion
and a fractured rib. McConnell spent time in inpatient rehab before
returning to the Hill.
According to McConnells aides, McConnell felt lightheaded after
Wednesday's incident and took a moment off but was sharp when he
returned to answer questions.
Asked by reporters following the incident, the Senate Majority Leader,
Chuck Schumer, of New York, responded to a question about what happened to
the Kentucky Republican.
Most Recent Across equalpride
I always wish Leader McConnell well, Schumer said.
Initially elected to the Senate in 1985, McConnell has led the Republican
Party in the chamber since 2007.