Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell appeared to freeze for about 30 seconds on Wednesday while speaking with reporters after a speech in Covington, Kentucky.

The incident is similar to an episode McConnell experienced at the US Capitol late last month and is likely to raise additional questions about the fitness of the 81-year-old to lead the Senate Republican caucus.

Wednesday’s episode occurred when a reporter asked the Republican leader if he was planning to run for reelection in 2026. McConnell had to ask him to repeat the question several times, chuckled for a moment, and then paused.

Someone at his side then asked him, “Did you hear the question, senator, running for reelection in 2026?” McConnell did not respond.

Article includes video of the incident.

  • Jordan Lund@lemmy.one
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    1 year ago

    He’s been a Senator since 1985. 38 years. 6 terms and counting.

    Senators should probably be capped at 2 terms, 12 years total. That’s plenty. Equivalent to 6 Congressional terms or 3 Presidential terms.

    The problem is, to do this right requires a constitutional amendment.

    • abigscaryhobo@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I mean as a career goes, that’s about right for a lifetime career though. The problem is that he got into that position when he was almost 50. Additionally, if you take in his whole political career he is WAY over the limit. The age is the biggest problem here though, the man was born when Hitler was still a threat. He came into office before the Berlin wall fell. He’s well past his expiration date as far as that goes.

      • Jordan Lund@lemmy.one
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        1 year ago

        Yeah, I’m not sure how I’d phrase it for a term limit, but you probably shouldn’t be able to serve in more than 2 consecutive decades.

        Sworn in in the 80s? Congrats, you’re done in the 90s.

        The idea that someone could serve in the 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s and 20s is absurd.