Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell still freezes in front of the cameras.

A new warning for Mitch McConnell. The Republican leader raised serious concerns about his health in the US Senate on Wednesday, suffering a prolonged absence in the middle of a press conference. Second time in a month.

According to his spokesman, McConnell “felt momentarily dizzy and paused during his press conference.” “He feels better, but will be careful to consult a doctor”.

Senator McConnell, 81, was paralyzed for about 30 seconds while visiting his home state of Kentucky, unable to answer a reporter’s question. He was questioned about his desire to contest again in 2026.

Senate Republican leader since 2007

The Republican citizen had already experienced a similar episode on July 26, freezing in the middle of a press conference at the Capitol for no apparent reason as his entourage called him to disappear. Asked about Mitch McConnell’s health, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre wished him a “speedy recovery.”

In March, the senator fell during a private dinner and was hospitalized, leaving him with a concussion, broken ribs and almost six weeks out of work.

Mitch McConnell, the undisputed leader of the Republicans in the Senate since 2007, found himself on the front lines of the struggle against the policies of the administration of Democratic President Barack Obama (2009-2017), but supported Donald Trump. He came to power in January 2017.

Difficult relations with Donald Trump

Between these two men who hate each other, there is an alliance above all circumstances. Mitch McConnell was pleased to confirm a record number of conservative federal judges, as well as three to the Supreme Court. But he has sharply criticized Donald Trump’s actions during the attack on Capitol Hill, although he has not come forward to vote to censure him in the Senate during his second impeachment.

McConnell believes that Donald Trump will win the Senate majority for Republicans in 2020, and that he supported fictional presidential fraud and then conspiracy candidates in last November’s midterm elections. Donald Trump often attacks McConnell on social networks, accusing him of a lack of loyalty.

Last January, Mitch McConnell broke the record for longest tenure by a party leader in the Senate by ousting Democrat Mike Mansfield, who held the position for 16 years in the 1960s and 70s. Although his retirement may be premature, two Johns are holding the ropes after him: Senator from South Dakota, John Thune, the current No. 2 in line, and former party “whip” (whip) Texan John Cornyn. Their first name isn’t the only point in common: They’ve both criticized Donald Trump and his repulsive effect among moderates.

20 minutes with AFP