Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) freaked everyone out just a bit on Wednesday.
McConnell was at the podium to discuss recent negotiations for military funding when he just stopped talking and started to stare blankly, reported the Daily Caller.
After what seemed like forever, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) helped take McConnell back to his office.
Frozen
This was truly eerie to see in real time.
McConnell was talking, then he just froze, unable to say anything, and seemed to struggle to comprehend what was being said to him…
Flag: McConnell just stopped abruptly during his opening statement during the gop leadership presser and appeared to be unable to restart talking. He then stepped away and walked away with Barrasso: pic.twitter.com/f1kFUjggzm
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) July 26, 2023
McConnell did wind up returning to the presser for the Q&A, but he still looked very rough when he emerged from his office.
When McConnell was later asked what happened, he joked that Biden had called him and he had been “sandbagged.”
I would imagine that he was referring to the recent Biden fall where he tripped over a sandbag that was on stage to hold down a lectern.
This, in my opinion, is why we need an age restriction or health restriction on members of Congress.
There are six members of the Senate that are at least 76 years old, with Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) being the oldest among that group.
There are four octogenarians: Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Senator Dianne Feinstein (-CA).
If they are doing their job, the political life is a grueling one, demanding considerable travel and long hours, and you are going to tell me that these people have the energy to do that?
And don’t get me wrong, if they are sharp and physically fit, I have no problem with them remaining in office, but look at McConnell and Feinstein and tell me whether they are capable of doing this job.
The House is no better, with at least 10 members that are 80 or older, with Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA) being the oldest at 86.
What I really don’t understand is why people keep electing these fossils to office. How can someone in their 80s possibly relate to today’s world?
We need fresh blood in Congress and we need legislation to force retirement to ensure turnover and that the people of this country are properly represented rather than politicians camping out in Congress for no other reason than to make themselves and their family and friends filthy rich.
