Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is gaining support from certain Democrats, even as members of his own party raise doubts about his ability to fulfill his responsibilities.
McConnell, who has represented Kentucky in the Senate since 1985 and has led the Republican caucus, whether in the majority or minority, since 2007, is facing calls for resignation following two incidents where he appeared to freeze while addressing reporters. These incidents occurred on July 26 in the U.S. Capitol and more recently on August 30 in Covington, Kentucky, when he was asked about seeking reelection in 2024.
Despite noticeable changes in his appearance, particularly in terms of his weight, McConnell asserts that he is fit for the job. To address concerns about his mental and physical health, his office released a letter from Capitol physician Brian Monahan, stating that there is “no evidence” of conditions such as a seizure disorder, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or movement disorder like Parkinson’s disease during these incidents.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told Politico that there doesn’t seem to be a strong inclination within their party to replace McConnell, with the leadership believing they can collaborate with him. Similarly, Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who faced similar health criticisms, expressed his reluctance to exploit McConnell’s episodes, emphasizing trust in individuals, regardless of their age or political affiliation.
Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, who had a conversation with McConnell and found him responsive, declined to pass judgment on whether McConnell leading the Republicans would benefit or harm Democrats politically, emphasizing their respectful disagreements.
While some Republicans in both the Senate and House have criticized McConnell’s leadership intentions, some even calling for his resignation, there’s a divergence of opinions within the party. Senator Josh Hawley expressed concerns about McConnell leading the party back to the majority, while Senator Rand Paul questioned Monahan’s diagnosis. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized McConnell’s family, and GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley called for mental competency tests for politicians over 75.
William J. Kole, a veteran journalist and author, argued for a focus on younger candidates in U.S. politics but cautioned against blanket mental competency tests, advocating for a more individualized approach. He suggested that term limits might be a more suitable solution to address such concerns.
McConnell has garnered support from some of his Republican colleagues, including Senators Lindsey Graham and Mitt Romney.
In Kentucky, questions linger about whether Democratic Governor Andy Beshear could replace McConnell with a Democrat if he were to vacate his position, but legal experts believe such a move would likely lead to lawsuits.