McConnell's Health Questioned After Freeze-up at News Conference
Summary from the AllSides News Team
On Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) raised concerns when he froze mid-sentence at a press conference for about 20 seconds.
Key Details: Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) led McConnell away from the lectern after the episode. McConnell returned about 10 minutes later, saying he was fine but had felt lightheaded.
Key Quote: "The president called to check on me. I told him I got sandbagged," McConnell said, making reference to Biden's fall last month during the commencement ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The White House said at the time that Biden tripped and fell over a sandbag and that he was not injured.
For Context: The 81-year-old Republican leader was hospitalized in March with a concussion after taking a serious fall at a fundraising dinner in Washington, and reportedly had another fall earlier this month that was previously unreported. McConnell is a polio survivor who has long struggled with climbing stairs and navigating other obstacles.
How the Media Covered it: Some right-rated sources focused more on McConnell's joke about Biden. Left-rated sources focused more on other new reports of McConnell's recent falls and framed the situation as more dire.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Right
McConnell jokes about freezing up, tells Biden he got 'sandbagged'
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., poked fun at his earlier freeze up at a news conference with Republican leaders on Wednesday evening, joking that he got "sandbagged."
On his way to the Senate floor, McConnell told reporters that President Biden had called him to check in after his episode earlier that day.
"The president called to check on me. I told him I got sandbagged," McConnell said, making reference to Biden's tumble last month during the commencement ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The White House said at the time the...
From the Left
Mitch McConnell fell recently at a D.C. airport, before his news conference freeze-up
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell tripped and fell disembarking from a plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport this month, two sources familiar with the incident said.
McConnell, 81, was not seriously hurt, and he was seen later that day at the Capitol, where he interacted with at least one reporter.
The fall, which has not been previously reported, occurred July 14 after the flight out of Washington was canceled while everyone was on board. McConnell, R-Ky., who was a passenger, had a “face plant,” someone who was on the plane at the time but...
From the Center
Scary moment for McConnell raises questions for GOP
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) froze in front of television cameras for about 20 seconds Wednesday as he battled a bout of lightheadedness that forced him to walk away briefly from a press conference.
The scary moment, which prompted members of his leadership team to suggest that he take a rest, raises new questions about the 81-year-old Republican leader’s future.
“Are you good, Mitch?” asked Senate Republican Policy Committee Chairwoman Joni Ernst (Iowa), putting her hand on the back of his arm.
Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (Wyo.), who is a doctor,...
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