(USNewsMag.com) – While giving a speech Aug. 5, Senate Minority Leader and Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, 81, was drowned out with calls to “retire.”
While McConnell was speaking at one of Kentucky’s big political events, the Fancy Farm picnic, he said it was his “28th Fancy Farm,” adding “it’s not my last.”
While some cheered for McConnell, he was ultimately drowned out with members of the audience booing and yelling, “Ditch Mitch,” “Shame on you,” Retire,” as well as “Lost the Senate.” Though he could barely be heard, McConnell continued speaking, ignoring the calls to retire from the audience. On X, formerly Twitter, the video of the event has already received more than 2.8 million views.
The comments come after McConnell, a seven-term senator, has suffered various health issues so far this year. During a July 26 news conference, McConnell froze mid-sentence, staring straight ahead for about 30 seconds before he was led away from the podium. According to an aide, McConnell felt “lightheaded and stepped away for a moment.”
On Truth Social, former President Donald Trump commented on McConnell’s recent health concerns, calling the recent episode “sad.”
A March 8 fall left McConnell with a broken rib and a concussion. He was hospitalized and away from the Senate for six weeks. North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd revealed that in February, McConnell also slipped and fell while visiting Finland with a delegation of senators.
As a “precautionary” measure, McConnell has also been using a wheelchair to get around in crowded areas, according to a rep for McConnell.
He will continue serving as the Senate Minority Leader through 2024, according to a statement from McConnell’s office. The statement did say he “plans to serve his full term,” which he was elected to do, but did not say if he would run for reelection in 2025. McConnell was first elected to the Senate in 1985. Since 2007, he has been the Republican leader.
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