Sen. Mitch McConnell’s doctor has publicly given the supposed cause for the Kentucky legislator’s second bout of near-catatonia, which sparked concern and more calls for age and term limits Wednesday after McConnell froze up - again - during a press briefing.
But according to his attending physician, it’s all normal.
“Concussion recovery” and “dehydration” can often cause people to experience “lightheadedness,” which is what we’re all supposed to believe we saw when McConnell went completely bug-eyed and mute Wednesday in the middle of speaking to reporters - coincidentally about his intentions on running for re-election in 2026.
🚨 BREAKING: Senator Mitch McConnell freezes again while speaking at a press conference
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 30, 2023
pic.twitter.com/NMTq1T22KW
"I have consulted with Leader McConnell and conferred with his neurology team," Dr. Brian Monahan wrote in the letter released by McConnell's office. "After evaluating yesterday's incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned. Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration."
Well, I guess everything's dandy then, and no one should wonder if this is straight-up elder abuse.
Related: McConnell Freezes - AGAIN - During Q&A
McConnell’s office had previously claimed the 81-year-old Senate Minority Leader had simply felt “lightheaded” when he went totally silent for more than half a minute in front of a room full of media, forcing two of his handlers to check on and physically steady him. This is the second time McConnell has frozen up during a presser, echoing an eerily similar incident earlier this month in which the senator stopped speaking and appeared momentarily transfixed while taking questions on Capitol Hill and causing many to wonder if he'd had a stroke on live TV.
McConnell sustained a concussion and minor rib injury in early 2023 after falling at a D.C. hotel.