Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell froze up during a press conference this week, leading some to wonder if the Kentucky Republican is experiencing major health problems.
According to the Washington Examiner, the incident occurred on Wednesday as the 81-year-old McConnell was answering reporters' questions following a lengthy speech to the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Government Forum.
When asked whether or not he would run for another term in office, McConnell suddenly stopped speaking and stared into the distance.
After roughly 30 seconds of silence, an aide asked McConnell if he had heard the question. Although the senator said that he had, he offered no further comment.
BREAKING NEWS: Sen. Mitch McConnell appearing to have another scary episode in the media gaggle in Covington today. Aides had to step in to help him out and repeat questions. He was eventually lead away. We'll have the full video on @WLWT pic.twitter.com/q9ex5MHxLV
— Hannah Thomas (@HannahPThomas) August 30, 2023
A spokesperson provided a statement to the Examiner that read, "Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today."
JUST IN - McConnell aide said the Seante Minority Leader felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during press conference and while he feels fine, he will be consulting a physician prior to his next event.
— Samantha-Jo Roth (@SamanthaJoRoth) August 30, 2023
This is not the first time that McConnell has suddenly halted at a public event, as something similar happened at another press conference in July.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell begins his weekly press conference, freezes for 20 seconds, and then is escorted away by fellow Republicans. pic.twitter.com/mYdBaU0Acv
— The Recount (@therecount) July 26, 2023
That lead to calls for McConnell to step down, including from former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is currently running for the GOP's presidential nomination.
She told CBS News' "Face the Nation" that America has "got to have a new generation," adding, "We’ve got to stop electing people because we like them and they’ve been there a long time. That’s actually the problem."
"What I’m saying about Mitch McConnell, [Sen.] Dianne Feinstein, Joe Biden, [former House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi, all of them: know when to walk away," she continued.
.@NikkiHaley says Sen. Mitch McConnell has "been a great" Republican leader, but tells @margbrennan, "We've got to have a new generation."
"What I am saying about Mitch McConnell, Dianne Feinstein, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, all of them: know when to walk away," Haley adds. pic.twitter.com/VMC7ZwIkHN
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) July 30, 2023
"We have huge issues that need new solutions, we need new generational leaders. We appreciate your service. We appreciate what you’ve done. But this is why we will fight for term limits. We’ve got to get it done in America," Haley insisted.
