Mitch McConnell addresses second freezing-up incident
Mitch McConnell has addressed the moment he froze up while speaking to reporters last week.
The 81-year-old Senate Minority Leader appeared at a press conference in Covington, Kentucky, on August 30 - but appeared to struggle when it came to responding to questions from the assembled journalists.
After being asked whether he planned to run for re-election, McConnell remained silent for around 30 seconds until one of his aides approached and told reporters: “All right, I’m sorry, you all.
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"We’re going to need a minute."
However, McConnell indicated he wanted to continue with the press conference and went on to answer some questions - albeit after a slight delay.
McConnell has now seemingly made a brief reference to the incident, brushing it off as part of a ‘busy and productive month’.
Speaking on the Senate floor on Tuesday (September 5), he said: "Now, one particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week, but I assure you: August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the commonwealth.”
Earlier on Tuesday, McConnell's office released a letter from the Capitol physician Doctor Brian Monahan, which stated that had not experienced a ‘stroke, TIA, or movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease’.
The letter, which is addressed to McConnell, reads: “My examination of you following your August 30, 2023 brief episode included several medical evaluations: brain MRI imaging, EEG study and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment.
“There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease.
“There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023 fall.”
Last week’s incident is not the first time McConnell has appeared to freeze-up while speaking to the media.
On July 26, at a press conference in Washington, D.C., he also froze for a moment.
He was speaking about the annual defense bill at the time, and announced it was proceeding with 'good bipartisan cooperation' before he trailed off, becoming silent and staring straight ahead.
McConnell was asked if he felt okay after he stopped speaking, with senator John Barrasso seen asking: “Hey Mitch, anything else you want to say? Or should we just go back to your office? Do you want to say anything else to the press?”
He remained silent and was led away from the press conference to return to his office, leaving the crowd confused as to what had just happened - but returned after a few moments to answer more questions, assuring the press that he was fine.
Claire Reid