Republicans should prepare for the post-McConnell era

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has had a long and illustrious career, one that includes reshaping the judiciary and the Supreme Court. But his time leading the Republican conference is in its final phase. He deserves great respect, but after this week’s most recent health scare during a press conference, McConnell’s fellow senators should be prepared for someone else to take the helm.

The 81-year-old leader appeared to freeze silently in place for about 30 seconds after taking a question from reporters at the Chamber of Commerce in Covington, Kentucky. He eventually recovered and answered two other questions, but widely seen video recordings of the event video make it clear something was amiss that rendered McConnell unable to function normally.