Mitch McConnell Freezes Second Time While Taking Questions

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had his second “freezing” incident while taking a question about re-election at a news conference in Kentucky.

“What are your thoughts on running for reelection?” a reporter asked. 

“What're my thoughts about what?” McConnell replied, leading to the reporter asking again “What are your thoughts on running for re-election in 2026?”

In response McConnell stared blankly for about ten seconds before an aide came next to him and asked “Did you hear the question, senator? Running for re-election in 2026?”

After freezing, McConnell said to a second aide that appeared by his side “I’m okay,” and then answered a few other questions. 

A spokesman put out a statement afterwards that read “Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today. While he feels fine, as a prudential measure, the Leader will be consulting a physician prior to his next event.”

McConnell had a similar incident in late-July, where he suddenly spotted speaking during a weekly news conference and was escorted away from the podium before later returning, leading to speculation that he had suffered a stroke. 

Matt Palumbo is the author of Fact-Checking the Fact-Checkers: How the Left Hijacked and Weaponized the Fact-Checking Industry and The Man Behind the Curtain: Inside the Secret Network of George Soros