Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell appeared to freeze up for more than 30 painfully awkward seconds Wednesday, just weeks after experiencing a similar - albeit shorter - episode on Capitol Hill.
Speaking to reporters during a press conference at a Kentucky Chamber of Commerce meeting, the 81-year-old Senate Minority Leader was asked a question about running for re-election in 2026, and at first appeared not to simply understand the question. The reporter repeated the line, only to be met with a wide-eyed McConnell seeming to go stiff and speechless at the podium.
A few tense moments later, McConnell's handler can be seen stepping into the frame and asking him, “Did you hear the question, Senator? Running for re-election in 2026?”
“Yes,” McConnell mumbled without moving, his eyes appearing locked on something at the back of the room.
“I’m sorry y’all, we’re gonna need a minute,” the woman said, motioning to someone off-camera.
A man then arrives and speaks a few words to McConnell appearing to ask the legislator if he’s alright. McConnell can be heard mumbling, “I’m OK.”
Related: 'RETIRE!' Sen. McConnell Relentlessly Heckled By Voters During Kentucky Speech
The woman then asks reporters if they have any more questions, pointedly asking them to “Please speak up.”
🚨 BREAKING: Senator Mitch McConnell freezes again while speaking at a press conference
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 30, 2023
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The disturbing scene was eerily similar to an incident several weeks ago, when McConnell appeared to go completely stiff and mute during a press conference and leaving many people wondering if he’d had a stroke on live TV. The senator’s team later insisted McConnell was fine, with the Republican lawmaker laughing off the episode by joking he'd just gotten “sandbagged,” referring to President Joe Biden wiping out on-stage during an Air Force Academy graduation ceremony earlier this year.
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