Joe Biden makes awkward comment about Mitch McConnell's health after strange freezes
Joe Biden says he is confident that Mitch McConnell is well enough to carry out his job
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Joe Biden has claimed Mitch McConnell remains his “old self” despite repeated struggles at press conferences.
The US Senate Republican leader appeared to freeze for more than 30 seconds during a public appearance, mirroring an incident in July.
After being asked if he would run for re-election on Wednesday, the 81-year-old Kentucky Republican stared vacantly for around 30 seconds before being asked if he heard the question.
McConnell continued to be unresponsive before briefly responding to another question.
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Fears have arisen over the senator’s health, with Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley suggesting “mental competency tests” should be in place for ageing US leaders.
A spokesperson for McConnell said he had “felt momentarily light-headed” before the conference in Kentucky, and will consult a doctor before the next public event.
The 81-year-old has come across support from US President Joe Biden, who claims McConnell remains his “old self”.
“I spoke to Mitch, he’s a friend”, Biden told a room of reporters.
“He was his old self on the telephone. Having a little understanding of dealing with neurosurgeons — one of the leading women on my staff, her husband’s a neurosurgeon as well — it’s not at all unusual to have a response that sometimes happens to Mitch when you’ve had a severe concussion.
“It’s part of recovery. I’m confident he’’s going to be back to his old self.”
Joe Biden says Mitch McConnell was "his old self" when they spoke
ReutersBiden was probed on the matter, with reporters asking whether Biden felt the lingering effects would have any impact on McConnell’s ability to do the job going forward.
Biden remained steadfast in his assertion that McConnell is able to carry out his duties, despite his concerning public appearances.
McConnell has been medically cleared to continue his scheduled duties after being given the all clear from Congress’ doctor.
McConnell had been sidelined from Congress earlier this year, after he tripped in March and was hospitalised for a concussion and a minor rib fracture. He returned to the Senate in April.
Lawmakers are due to return to Washington from summer recess next week and will have urgent work ahead, including passing legislation to keep the government funded past Sept. 30, when the current fiscal year ends.
McConnell in the past has typically played an important role in negotiating and passing spending bills; without congressional action, the federal government would begin to partially shut down in October.
The congressional physician said in a statement that he had consulted with McConnell and McConnell's neurology team and had evaluated the incident.
"I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned,” Congress's attending physician, Brian Monahan, wrote.
“Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration.
McConnell's office has said he plans to remain in his leadership post through the 2024 election.
Aides did not immediately respond to a question about his upcoming schedule or provide additional details on his condition.