Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader, appeared to pause for more than 30 seconds after being asked if he would compete for re-election on Wednesday during a press conference in Covington, Kentucky.
The Kentucky Republican fell silent for 19 seconds during a news conference on Capitol Hill in July before being led away from the cameras. Shortly after, McConnell, 81, came back and carried on with his news conference, telling reporters, “I’m fine.”
On Wednesday, an aide approached McConnell and said, “Did you hear the question, senator?” as it became clear that he had frozen once more. McConnell was still unresponsive.
Following his re-engagement, McConnell gave a quick response to a question regarding the Republican attorney general of Kentucky, Daniel Cameron; his aide had to ask him the question again. Next, a question concerning the previous president Donald Trump was directed at McConnell, and this one also had to be repeated. McConnell ignored the query because he often steers clear of matters involving Donald Trump.
Then he went. Before leaving, McConnell was not questioned by reporters regarding the incident.
A spokeswoman for McConnell indicated that the leader briefly felt dizzy and hesitated during today’s press conference.
However, as “a prudential measure,” McConnell will visit a doctor before his next engagement even if he “feels fine,” according to an assistant.
Prior to the question-and-answer period with reporters on Wednesday, McConnell talked for around 20 minutes.