Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) once again froze up in front of reporters Wednesday, the Washington Examiner reported. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has called for a discussion about his health and that of other elderly politicians still serving in office.
"Severe aging health issues and/or mental health incompetence in our nation’s leaders MUST be addressed," Greene said in a social media post. "[President Joe] Biden, McConnell, [Sen. Dianne] Feinstein, and [Sen. John] Fetterman are examples of people who are not fit for office and it’s time to be serious about it," she added.
Questions about Biden's cognitive health have been swirling since the 2020 presidential campaign began. Now, questions about Feinstein and Fetterman have also arisen as both have held onto their respective Senate seats despite obvious health setbacks, Fox News reported.
Greene went on to excoriate the people around them who prop them up. "These politician’s staff and family members should be ashamed of themselves by enabling and allowing their loved ones to remain in office all to hold power," Greene went on.
"We are talking about our country’s national security and it’s all at stake! 25th amendment and other measures need to be on the table," the Georgia Republican concluded.
The video Greene shared showed the elderly McConnell speaking to reporters before suddenly stopping midsentence. There were several seconds of silence before an aide stepped in to say the 81-year-old was "going to need a minute."
Ironically, it came after a question about whether McConnell will seek reelection in 2026. McConnell recovered after a bit and later went on to answer more questions before removing himself from the event.
A spokesperson for the Kentucky Republican downplayed the incident. "Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today," his spokesperson said.
"While he feels fine, as a prudential measure, the Leader will be consulting a physician prior to his next event," the spokesperson added. This is the second time this summer that McConnell has had such an episode.
In July, McConnell had another incident where he stopped speaking and stood stone-faced and silent for nearly half a minute. His Republican colleagues whisked him away until he could collect himself, USA Today reported.
There's no word on what could have caused this, as McConnell's camp has simply explained he felt "light-headed." However, the octogenarian politician was hospitalized with a broken rib after falling in March.
He suffered two other falls recently and sometimes uses a wheelchair, according to sources close to the matter. "This is simply a prudent and precautionary measure in a crowded area," his spokesperson explained.
It's not ageist or ableist to point out that some politicians are simply unfit to serve because of their cognitive or serious health issues. To pretend otherwise is patronizing and dishonest to everyone involved.
Greene is absolutely correct that this issue needs to be examined further. There's no shame in growing older or becoming disabled, but it is wrong to allow or even encourage a person to hold onto power long after he or she becomes mentally competent.
