Mitch McConnell freezes, struggles to speak in second incident this summer

[BumRushDaShow]

Last edited Wed Aug 30, 2023, 02:30 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: CNBC

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Wednesday appeared briefly unable to respond to reporters’ questions at a press event, marking the second time in weeks that the Republican leader has abruptly stopped speaking and required help from people around him.

McConnell, 81, initially seemed to struggle to hear when asked at an event in Covington, Kentucky, about his views on running for reelection. But the senator then froze at the lectern and did not speak for about 30 seconds. He did not appear to immediately respond when a member of his staff approached him to ask if he had heard the question. “All right, I’m sorry, you all. We’re going to need a minute,” the aide said during that interval.

McConnell then appeared to signal he was ready to receive another question. He was asked about Kentucky’s Republican attorney general, Daniel Cameron, who is running for governor. After his aide loudly repeated the question into his ear, McConnell said, “I think the governor’s race is going to be very close,” with his voice lowering in volume as he finished his reply. He brushed off a final question about former President Donald Trump’s latest indictment in Georgia before being led away from the lectern.

McConnell suffered a similar episode July 26 in Washington, D.C., where he froze and was briefly unable to speak at a news conference. In that case, McConnell’s fellow senators rushed in to help him, and after a few minutes he returned to the lectern and continued speaking to reporters. At the time, McConnell dismissed questions about whether the health scare was in any way connected to a concussion he suffered earlier this year when he fell at a political fundraiser.

Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/30/mitch-mcconnell-freezes-struggles-to-speak-in-second-incident-this-summer.html

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Article updated.

Previous articles -

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Wednesday appeared briefly unable to respond to reporters' questions at a press event, marking the second time in weeks that the Republican leader has abruptly stopped speaking and required help from people around him.

McConnell, 81, initially seemed to struggle to hear when asked at an event in Covington, Kentucky, about his views on running for reelection. But the senator then froze at the lectern and did not speak for about 30 seconds. He did not appear to immediately respond when a member of his staff approached him to ask if he had heard the question.

"All right, I'm sorry, you all. We're going to need a minute," the aide said during that interval. McConnell then appeared to signal he was ready to receive another question. He was asked about Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who is running for governor.

After his aide loudly repeated the question into his ear, McConnell said, "I think the governor's race is going to be very close," with his voice lowering in volume as he finished his reply. He brushed off a final question about former President Donald Trump's latest indictment in Georgia before being led away from the lectern. McConnell suffered a similar episode July 26 in Washington, D.C., where he froze and was briefly unable to speak at a press conference.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Wednesday appeared briefly unable to respond to reporters' questions at a press event, marking the second time in weeks that the Republican leader has abruptly stopped speaking and required help from people around him.

McConnell, 81, initially seemed to struggle to hear when asked at an event in Covington, Kentucky, about his views on running for reelection.

But the senator then froze at the lectern and did not speak for about 30 seconds. He did not appear to immediately respond when a member of his staff approached him to ask if he had heard the question.

"All right, I'm sorry, you all. We're going to need a minute," the aide said during that interval. McConnell suffered a similar episode July 26 in Washington, D.C., where he froze and was briefly unable to speak at a press conference.

Original article -

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[JohnSJ]

1. Wonder if this a TIA

[Orrex]

31. TIA? Thanks In Advance for stroking out on live tv, Mitch!

Disclaimer: I know what TIA stands for. Not sure how transient they are in Mitch’s case.

[JohnSJ]

32. Transient ischemic attack. Possible precursor to a stroke unless corrective measures are

taken, like anti coagulant medicinals

[louis-t]

73. Is it possible that anti-coagulants are responsible

for his black and blue marks last year?

[AllaN01Bear]

79. mini stroke for those not versed .

[FarPoint]

2. I tend to suspect ...

Last edited Wed Aug 30, 2023, 10:57 PM - Edit history (1)

He is having petit mal seizures or " focal" seizure

[deurbano]

3. That's what I've thought since that first public episode, since he wasn't taken to the

hospital. It seems like a condition those around him know about... maybe since that fall, where he did end up in the hospital.

[mopinko]

19. yup.

a mini stroke, u still call 911. the 100th absence seizure, not so much.

[RamblingRose]

35. +1000 I've had them since I was a kid, possibly from a bike fall.

[docgee]

40. Do they last 30 seconds though?

My experience with a family member was they only lasted 3 to 5 seconds.

[RamblingRose]

59. I've been told about 30 seconds. I freeze & become irresponsive. Afterwards I'm confused, tired &

have no idea how long it lasted.

Here is a great video of someone having an absence seizure produced by Epilespy Toronto.

[FarPoint]

99. Ohhh yes....

[Warpy]

45. I thought the first one was an absense seizure

because he jolted back to reality so quickly. He was quite a bit slower to do so this time.

He needs neurological evaluation sooner rather than later, IMO. If it's not absense seizures but mild TIAs, instead, he heading for The Big One unless he takes measures to prevent it.

Staffers are obviously used to dealing with whatever it is, so I'm guessing absense seizures.

They can usually be controlled medically.

In any case, he will not be reelected. In fact, he really does need to retire, and I'd say that about anyone who does this.

[Joinfortmill]

98. 👍

[patphil]

4. I don't believe he'll be able to run for reelection.

These kind of things just get worse over time.

[FakeNoose]

104. He has already stated that this is his last term

Really and truly ... he should have resigned already. But he won't resign because then Dem Governor Andy Beshear will appoint a Democrat to replace him.

This is another example of the stupid greed of Repukes. For the good of party, and for the good of the country, Mitch McConnell should never have run for another term in 2020. But he wouldn't step down and let someone else take up the mantle. He wanted to keep his power and he hoped he'd return to the Senate Majority Leader's seat.

I have no sympathy for the man, as a matter of fact I loathe him. The sooner we are rid of Moscow Mitch, the better.

[Oopsie Daisy]

5. I think his days are numbered.

Personally, I think he'll resign before the new year.

[Bayard]

60. Yes, but he had planned on AG Daniel Cameron taking his place

And now, that clown is running for governor here.

[bucolic_frolic]

6. Didn't freeze solid enough

[dweller]

10. I think that may happen

Overnite, in his bed in his sleep.
Doubt there will be any investigation either


✌🏻

[Demobrat]

72. I hope that is not the case.

I want to see it on tape.

[Lonestarblue]

7. He just needs to retire before he has a massive stroke on the Senate floor!

I keep remembering those photos from a few years back when his hands were almost black. I think he’s had some serious health issues that he keeps hidden from the public.

[agingdem]

16. Mitch stroking out on the Senate floor...

ok with me as long as C-Span catches it...Mitch McConnell is the Rasputin of the Senate...he is the definition of evil...I am long past compassion for loathsome garbage like McConnell...

[MyOwnPeace]

36. How cruel - and accurate!

What is ‘cruel’ is his family, staff, and vile RepubliQans continuing to allow that man be away from obviously needed medical attention!

[brooklynite]

8. video...

Last edited Wed Aug 30, 2023, 02:12 PM - Edit history (1)

[bdamomma]

44. Oh boy,

He is not well at all. TIA's could be the cause. He needs to step back.

[The Wielding Truth]

54. Despite how he has made person power his priority over his duty to serve the people, this is sad.

[Ursus Rex]

103. Yes. To see anyone going thru that is a test of the person watching.

It's abjectly pitiful and no one should be glad that any person suffers.

[maxrandb]

9. This can't be true

The MSM failed to mention Senator Feinstein. I won't believe this is real until they "both siderize" the "eff" out of it.

NOT

[Fresh Water Falling]

33. "both siderize"?

I think they're too busy constantly talking about every microscopic miscue Biden makes, while ignoring the regular brain deaths of Donald Trump.

[NewHendoLib]

11. My dad had a few of these a month before a massive stroke killed him

We went to a restaurant and he just " went away" for half minute or so

[TomSlick]

12. I can't wish him ill so,

[Scottie Mom]

13. This seems to be a significant health issue.

Mini strokes?

[617Blue]

14. This ghoul has done as much damage as Dump.

I can't muster any sympathy. His silence thru all this bullshit says it all.

[DENVERPOPS]

46. The reality is

That without McConnell, Trump wouldn't have lasted a month in office. McConnell engineered the corrupt massive NRA/Russian Oligarch campaign donations to not only Trump, but to all the Republican Senators, and many of the State Governors........
Then, McConnell extorted the Republican Senators allegiance to Trump, telling them: "If he goes down for campaign finance fraud, you go down"......They had no choice but to follow McConnells lead and all be in lock step with everything McConnell directed them to do.

He actually did more damage than Trump, or at least totally enabled Trump to deliver everything McConnell wanted, and more....

[617Blue]

51. No doubt. He broke the US Senate.

[DENVERPOPS]

56. Not just the Senate,

But the entire Republican Party, and our entire nation while he was at it.......

[617Blue]

58. I remember when oily Trent Lott was GOP leader

Every time McConnell was out front on something you knew obstruction was in the cards.

[lastlib]

64. ONE (ONLY one) of the things I will never forgive him for--

After Pres. Obama called him to the White House to tell him about the poop on Scared Puppy and the Russians, McTurdle threatened to dump crap on Democrats if Obama went public with it. Obama kept it quiet, and we know the rest.

Fuck MoscowMitch, and the horse's ass he rode in on! I sincerely wish for him a lo-o-onng, lingering painful death. During which time I will put a clamp on my bladder and colon so I can empty them on his grave.

[shelshaw]

15. Ahhh, the jelly from KY 😈

[twodogsbarking]

17. Republicans are fighting for his office furniture as we speak.

[smb]

100. They'll Be Tearing Each Other Apart Like Rabid Wolves Without Moscow Mitch Pulling The Strings nt

[mopinko]

18. the part where they dont call 911 is the tell that they know exactly whats going on here.

i’m assuming seizures, cuz that means they have been tracked, dx’d, likely treated, and r not dangerous in and of themselves.
that’s the only way this doesnt cause a panic.

[Novara]

23. Good point

They seem to know exactly how to handle him when he has these things.

McConnell won't go anywhere unless DiFi quits before him.

[sybylla]

85. Or they know it's part of late-stage whatever-it-is and there is nothing 911 can do.

Not every end-of-life issue is treatable or preventable.

[Coventina]

20. Just die already, you evil POS. n/t

[Emile]

21. Step down Mitch and let the Democratic Governor pick

your replacement to finish your term.

[niyad]

66. A law was passed that the gov has to appoint a puke.

[Emile]

75. I heard the Governor is planning to challenge the law

and select who he wants.

[OMGWTF]

77. THIS! THIS! THIS!

[Hermit-The-Prog]

80. Beshear says it violates the Kentucky Constitution...

I believe him because he has some legal chops:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Beshear

Moscow Mitch may believe him, too, and is holding on for a Repuke governor to be elected.

[niyad]

81. Geez, do I have to make another poppet?

[Hermit-The-Prog]

82. Yes, please! (Had to look that up)

[live love laugh]

22. Looks fake. I believe nothing from Republicans even this.

He has nothing to lose by faking it.

The first time seemed real but now all he has to do is stare off and say nothing.

[NoRethugFriends]

26. Ludicrous

[live love laugh]

89. Republicans are ludicrous.

[NoRethugFriends]

92. There would be zero reason to fake this.

[SoFlaBro]

24. Looks like that turtle motherfucker is shitting his diaper. Time to fall over dead, B/Mitch.

n/t

[Ford_Prefect]

25. While Mitch is far from my favorite person this is just sad to see.

[bdamomma]

48. Yes it

is sad to see, but he needs to step back from his position. What does his family think about all this?????

[Oopsie Daisy]

27. Well, it seems to me that he

[niyad]

87. good one!

[Oopsie Daisy]

88. Cruel and heartless of me, but it's deserved.

[niyad]

90. Absolutely agree!

[dembotoz]

28. seems his telepathic connection to putin is not 5g

[videohead5]

29. He was not doing this until he fell

I wonder if he has had a brain injury?

[CousinIT]

30. I take no joy in seeing this. HE has gov't funded top of the line healthcare..

...something he has fought for decades to deny the rest of us. So my pity and heartbreak is tempered with that. The guy just needs to retire and not run again.

[DENVERPOPS]

49. Simply

Napoleon in "ANIMAL FARM"..........

[WestMichRad]

34. It's just a software glitch.

They need to download an update for him.

May his next freeze-up be permanent.

[roamer65]

39. Or reboot him.

I have heard it requires a good swift kick in the ass.

[bdamomma]

50. .......

[CrispyQ]

37. At least he has access to gold star medical care,

Unlike the millions of Americans he would deny health coverage for, the wretched POS.

[PatrickforB]

38. Well, golly gee. Mitch looks like he's getting ready to have a massive stroke.

But you know, I get a REALLY WARM FUZZY when I think about the quality of his healthcare package, versus mine, which SUCKS.

These people are slime.

[LoisB]

41. He is obviously not well. I don't know who is calling the Republican shots in the Senate but I

doubt it's Mitch.

[onetexan]

42. Yet they complain about our POTUS' fitness to serve

Too bad mitch didn't keel over...for good.

[ffr]

43. And to think that he won't knowingly retire for the betterment of country.

Putin will be so happy with Moscow Mitch's decision.

Worthless piece of...

[TNNurse]

47. Clearly this man has no one who cares enough for him

to get him any help. He should not be having these repeated spells in public.

Dear God, I despise him, but get him to a doctor.

[DENVERPOPS]

55. And the Republicans

all talk about Hillary, Biden, and other Dems being "too old"...... the Dem leaders seem to be mentally functioning just fine Mitch....

[BlueKota]

70. Exactly

[Hassler]

52. May his suffering be long and painful. He's earned it.

[vlyons]

53. Poor old Fart needs to retire

He could just stay away from the podium and camp out in his office, or just go home. He doesn't need the money. His wife is filthy rich.

[Traildogbob]

57. I think it is

Just getting too confusing for Puppet Master Pootie to move the mouths of all his American dolls all at once, and sometimes he is working with Fox Host’s Strings and some of the other mouths get put on hold.

[catbyte]

61. Well, he can shuffle off this mortal coil secure in the knowledge that he's done more to destroy

the United States than practically any other individual in the 20th or 21st Century. And he saw to it that his replacement will be just as heinous as he is. Good riddance when that day comes.

[Bayard]

62. Like a turtle frozen in the headlights

At some point, there will be a state funeral for him, lying in the rotunda, yada yada yada. The media will go wild. It will be hypocritical and quite nauseating.

[Blues Heron]

63. Time to put him out to pasture, propping him up at the podium like this is just cruel.

[Mr.Bill]

65. I'm going with what one poster here said

after the first incident. He said I've been around children enough to know the look one gets on their face when they have just shit their pants.

[dlk]

67. McConnell appears to be on his last legs, healthwise

However, Republicans will make sure he’s medded and drugged up until the election next year; a truly awful way to spend the last years of his life

[niyad]

68. May he, and his enablers, receive everything they deserve.

[hamsterjill]

69. I don't know what it is, but I do know

Like everyone does - that SOMETHING is happening and for him and his office to continue to deny that is ludicrous.

The grim reaper always has the last laugh - even for people like Mitch McConnell.

[truthisfreedom]

71. I don't know what he smells but

I smell toast.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

74. It is time for MoscowMitch to retire

[SpankMe]

76. Look, I know the man's a destructive & hyper-partisan asshole. But...

This is scary and unfortunate. I feel sorry for him as a human. He's a father and a grandfather, and his personal dignity is bruised by this obvious medical condition.

I know - and don't care much - for his professional integrity and dignity. He has none. But as a human and someone who wields power over all of us, this is concerning and sad.

[AllyCat]

95. I'm with you on this one.

His personal medical condition could happen to anyone. Just because he’s a heartless democracy killer doesn’t mean this is okay to make fun of.

[dflprincess]

78. Like a malfunctioning Stepford Wife

Probably needs a tune up but it can still be hard to get new chips.

[Mira]

83. Less power to him.

He looks way too old and sick to function. Time to rest.

[Mawspam2]

84. Time to retire McConnell and elevate John Thune.

[orleans]

86. ironic that this was his answer when asked if he was going to run again

um... that would be a no
and if it isn't why the hell would anyone vote for him?

[BigmanPigman]

91. The only reply he will get from me is....

No will becoming his way from me. That mother fucker should have been taken off of the planet 30 years ago. Same with Roger Stone. I hope they both die a very, very slow and excruciating death. I will dance and party like never before.

[LudwigPastorius]

93. My guess:

Parkinson's

[LetMyPeopleVote]

94. President Joe Biden is a class act and decent human being

Link to tweet

[raising2moredems]

96. Sad part is

a - not sure TIA or not
b - even *if* he steps down, the pukes in KY have changed the rules so that the gov *has* to replace him with another puke. Any act-like-a-puke-but-I'm-not in KY? If so, please let the gov know ASAP.
c - really really sad to say but mitch the bitch is keeping the senate from being a magat shit-storm (unlike the house).
Better half and I had sharp differences of opinions over mitch the bitch tonight. I am just *not* seeing a hint of sane puke senator who can step into minority leader roll.

[Joinfortmill]

97. Retire, already.

[usonian]

101. Drone strike on Russian command and control HQ

[jgo]

102. Dr. Gupta clip on CNN - he says

the possibilities is a long list. Likely not stroke or seizure. Parkinson's a possibility.