Featured Image Credit: WLWT5
Topics: News, US News, Mitch McConnell, Politics
Kit Roberts
The attending physician for Congress has signed off senate minority leader Mitch McConnell from his duties after the senator froze during a press conference.
During a press conference at Covington Kentucky, McConnell stared blankly ahead after being asked by a reporter whether he had plans to run for re-election. The 81-year-old senator remained silent for around thirty seconds after being asked the question, not giving any response.
An aide can then be seen to tell the assembled journalists 'we're going to need a minute' before McConnell appears to indicate that he wishes to proceed with the press conference.
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A journalist then asked him about the upcoming governor race, with Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron running for the governorship.
After the question was repeated loudly for a second time, McConnell replied: “I think the governor’s race is going to be very close."
The senator then brushed off a question about Donald Trump's current legal battles.
Following the incident, Congress' attending physician Dr. Brian Monahan confirmed that he has given McConnell a sign-off to continue with his diary.
He said: "I have consulted with Leader McConnell and conferred with his neurology team. After evaluating yesterday’s incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned."
Dr Monahan went on to explain that it is possible that the episodes of 'lightheadedness' could be related to a concussion recovery and dehydration.
He added: "Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration."
A spokesperson for McConnell said after the incident: "Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today."
This is the second time that the veteran politician has appeared to freeze up during a press conference.
A previous occasion on 26 July also saw him freeze up at a press conference in Washington D.C.
He had been talking about the annual defence bill, saying that it was proceeding with 'good bipartisan cooperation'. However the senator then appeared to trail off before staring blankly ahead.
An aide can be heard to say: “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 was then led away back into his office leaving the room confused as to what just happened.
However, he returned a few minutes later and assured the room that he was fine to continue.