Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell exhibited a notable pause lasting approximately half a minute on Wednesday during a conversation with journalists after delivering a speech in Covington, Kentucky.”Shocking Pause: McConnell’s Startling Silence Leaves Reporters Baffled!”
This incident draws parallels to a previous occurrence McConnell faced at the US Capitol last month, which is likely to intensify inquiries regarding the 81-year-old’s capability to lead the Senate Republican caucus. The incident on Wednesday unfolded when a reporter asked if the Republican leader intended to run for reelection in 2026. McConnell needed the question to be repeated several times, chuckled briefly, and then ceased speaking, closing his mouth while gazing straight ahead.
An individual by his side then inquired, “Senator, did you catch the question about running for reelection in 2026?” McConnell did not provide a response.
“We apologize, everyone, we’ll require a moment,” the aide informed the reporters. A member of the senator’s staff engaged in a quiet conversation with him briefly, after which McConnell managed to provide an answer in a subdued tone.
McConnell redirected his attention to the reporters, stated, “Alright,” and his aide asked if there were any further questions, requesting the reporters to speak more loudly.
A spokesperson for McConnell informed CNN that the Kentucky Republican “briefly experienced lightheadedness and paused during his press conference today.” An additional comment from a McConnell aide explained: “Though he is feeling well, as a precaution, the leader will consult with a physician before his next event.”
Later, he attended a fundraising event for Rep. Jim Banks, a candidate for a Senate seat in Indiana – a demonstration of his commitment to his schedule while uncertainties persisted about his health.
McConnell, who has held the leadership position of the Senate Republican caucus since 2007, has grappled with health-related inquiries throughout the year. He received medical attention for a concussion and fractured rib after a fall at a Washington hotel in March, subsequently returning to the Senate several weeks later.
In late July, McConnell encountered a 30-second pause during a press conference on Capitol Hill. During that time, his office stated that the Kentucky Republican was “feeling lightheaded,” and later, fellow Republicans indicated that he was dehydrated. Speaking to reporters after the incident, McConnell affirmed that he was “doing well.”
Following the incident on Wednesday, McConnell and his chief deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune, engaged in a conversation. According to Ryan Wrasse, a spokesperson for Thune, “The leader sounded like his usual self and was in good spirits.”
A source at Banks’ fundraising event disclosed to CNN that McConnell was in a “positive mood” and did not address the freezing incident. The conversation between the two encompassed topics related to Kentucky and Indiana.
Banks shared in a social media post that their conversation was “wide-ranging,” alongside a photo of their discussion.
Another source indicated that McConnell was “highly engaged” concerning Banks’ Senate race and participated in their discussion.
President Joe Biden also mentioned on Wednesday afternoon that he intends to contact McConnell. Biden stated, “Mitch is a friend, as you know – not a joke, I know people don’t believe that’s the case. We have political disagreements, but he’s a good friend, and I plan to get in touch with him later this afternoon. I don’t possess enough information to ascertain the situation, he said, following his remarks about the federal response to Hurricane Idalia and the Maui wildfires.
This piece has been updated with additional information.