February 28, 2024 – 8:48 pm
In November, Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history, who has maintained power in the Republican Party for nearly two decades, will leave office, he wrote. AP.
McConnell, who turned 82 last week, justified his decision by saying that the time has come to hand over the baton of leadership to the younger generation. According to his team, the decision has nothing to do with McConnell's health, but in fact he wants to complete his term in the Senate, which ends in January 2027.
Questions were raised about McConnell's health after he suffered a concussion and broken ribs during a fall in early 2023. He was hospitalized and had to rehabilitate for several weeks. Then, in July 2023, he froze mid-sentence and didn't speak for about thirty seconds. Then his colleagues surrounded him, and one of them asked him quietly: “Mitch, is there anything else you want to say to the press?” Or should we go back to your office? McConnell did not answer, so he was led away.
This scene was repeated a month later, when McConnell was supposed to answer a question, but after repeatedly asking the reporter to repeat the question louder, instead of answering, he suddenly stopped and disappeared into nowhere with an expressionless face. Then a colleague approached him and asked him: Did you hear the question, Senator? Will it start again in 2026?” McConnell did not answer, so his colleague indicated to reporters that “they will need a minute,” so one of his aides approached him and they spoke calmly with the politician, and then – after about half a minute – McConnell responded.
