(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) Republican senators are contemplating the possibility of convening an emergency meeting, reflecting mounting doubts about Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s fitness for leadership. A second incident of freeze-up medical scare within a month has fueled internal deliberations.
Sources revealed on Thursday that a faction of GOP rank-and-file members is quietly discussing a conversation about McConnell’s ability to continue in his role. These talks, first detailed by Politico, are occurring without the involvement of party leadership.
The outlet’s report coincided with the day attending physician Brian P. Monahan issued a statement about McConnell’s seemingly fragile health.
“I have consulted with Leader McConnell and conferred with his neurology team,” Monahan said in the statement. “After evaluating yesterday’s incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned.”
In an attempt to downplay Republicans’ concerns, Monahan added, “Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration.”
Triggering a special conference meeting requires just five GOP votes, reported Politico. Confidential sources suggested this path might reignite a situation similar to a past episode that shook McConnell’s party standing.
An anonymous senator remarked, “A handful choosing that route could mean history repeating itself,” referring to previous internal clashes around McConnell.
Speculation swirls about McConnell’s health and potential GOP successors. Names circulating include Minority Whip John Thune, S.D., Sen. John Cornyn, Texas, and Conference Chair John Barrasso, Wyo.
“I talked to Senator McConnell yesterday and he seemed to be doing fine,” Cornyn told his Dallas constituents on Thursday, according to the Washington Post. “We all wish him well.”
President Joe Biden rushed to defend McConnell claiming he had no concerns about the Senate minority leader’s health. “I spoke to him today,” Biden claimed in statements to reporters at a FEMA headquarters. “He was his old self on the telephone.”
“Do you have any concerns about McConnell’s ability to do his job?”
BIDEN: “No, I don't.”
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) August 31, 2023
Biden called McConnell a “good friend” the day prior. “Mitch is a friend, as you know, not a joke,” the president told reporters. “I know people don’t believe that’s the case – but we have disagreements politically – but he’s a good friend. And so, I’m going to try to get in touch with him later this afternoon. I don’t know enough to know.”
Senators are expected to return to Washington next week.
