Finance

Mitch McConnell Abruptly Freezes And Leaves Press Conference—Aide Says He Felt ‘Lightheaded’

07/27/2023
Bitcoin Ethereum News

Topline

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) abruptly froze at a press conference Wednesday before he was ushered away from the podium—raising questions about the 81-year-old lawmaker’s health months after he recovered from a concussion and broken rib from a fall at a Washington hotel.

Key Facts

McConnell stopped mid-sentence as he was delivering remarks to the media about the Senate’s ongoing negotiations surrounding its annual defense spending bill.

His Republican colleagues asked McConnell if he was OK before Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) led him away from the gaggle.

Minutes later, McConnell returned to the podium and was asked by the press if the incident was related to the concussion he suffered in March.

“No, I’m fine,” McConnell told the reporter and answered “yep, yep” when asked if he was fully able to do his job.

An aide told NBC News McConnell “felt lightheaded and stepped away for a moment,” adding “he came back to handle Q&A, which as everyone observed was sharp.”

Key Background

McConnell has suffered a series of health issues during his time in the Senate, including at least two serious falls in recent years. In 2020, he fell outside of his home in Louisville and fractured his shoulder in an incident he blamed on an old tennis shoe. In March, he suffered a concussion and broken rib after falling at a Washington hotel, causing a six-week absence from the Senate. He was also photographed in 2020 with bruising on his hands and lips, which he declined to explain and dismissed as media overplay. In 2003, McConnell underwent triple bypass heart surgery, and he battled polio as a child.

Surprising Fact

McConnell has been the GOP Senate leader since 2007, the longest serving Senate floor leader in history.

Further Reading

McConnell ‘Eager’ For Return After Concussion (Forbes)

McConnell Suffered Concussion After D.C. Fall—Will Stay Hospitalized A ‘Few’ Days, Spokesman Says (Forbes)

Mitch McConnell Reelected GOP Senate Leader—Surviving Hard-Right Challenge (Forbes)

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2023/07/26/mitch-mcconnell-abruptly-freezes-and-leaves-press-conference-aide-says-he-felt-lightheaded/