President Joe Biden defended his friend Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell during a press conference on Thursday, saying that his second “freezing” spell was “not at all unusual” for someone recovering from severe concussion.
On Wednesday, Senator McConnell froze for the second time this summer in front of reporters during a news conference for approximately 30 seconds when asked if he would run for re-election in 2026.
Aides tried to prompt the 81-year-old lawmaker who took several more seconds to compose himself. He then answered two more questions.
Nevertheless, donors and fellow Republicans were quick to voice concerns about whether the Senate’s most senior Republican — who has represented Kentucky since 1985 — has serious health issues.
The president, who is 80 years old himself, told reporters gathered at the offices of the Federal Emergency Management Agency that he had spoken with Mr McConnell and that he seemed like his “old self” over the phone.
Related Sleepy Joe, Mad Mitch and America’s OAP problem Doctors explain what may be causing Mitch McConnell’s ‘freezing’ spells Republicans forced to contemplate a Senate without Mitch McConnell Senate’s doctor gives McConnell clean bill of health after latest ‘freezing’ scare
“I spoke to Mitch. He’s a friend and I spoke to him today. And, you know, he was his old self on the telephone,” Mr Biden said. “And one of the leading women on my staff, her husband’s a neurosurgeon as well. It’s not at all unusual to have the response that sometimes happens to Mitch when you’ve had a severe concussion, it’s part of his recovery.
“And so I’m confident he’s going to be back to his old self,” the president concluded.
Later in the day, Senator McConnell was told he is free to continue with his schedule by the Office of the Attending Physician at Congress.
The office has “informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned. Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration,” it said in a statement on Thursday.
Related Republican senators considering extra leadership meeting after McConnell’s second freeze, report says Marjorie Taylor Greene attacks ageing lawmakers after Mitch McConnell freezes again
After the incident in Covington, Kentucky, on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the senator said: “Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today.”
Mr McConnell spent a week in hospital after he fell outside a Washington DC hotel in March, suffering a concussion and broken rib. He then spent time in a rehabilitation facility before returning to work in the US Senate in April.
His first “freezing” incident took place during a press conference at the US Capitol on 26 July.
More about Joe Biden Mitch McConnell Concussion Republican
Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments
1/ 1Biden defends McConnell after second ‘freezing’ spell
Biden defends McConnell after second ‘freezing’ spell
Mitch McConnell appears to freeze at a press conference in Kentucky
Twitter: WLWT
CCPA Notice Promoted stories
Liv Pure
1 Teaspoon Before Bed Can Burn Belly Fat Like Never BeforeOne Teaspoon Every Night Burns Body Fat Like Never Before, You Will Fit In Your Pants Again!Liv Pure| Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
VisionaryProfit
“September Will Change Everything” says Wall Street LegendVisionaryProfit| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Electric Car Deals
Completely New Electric Cars for Seniors - The Prices Might Surprise YouElectric Car Deals| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
？ Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Subscribe
Already subscribed? Log in