Did Mitch McConnell have a stroke on camera?

[Bob78164]

Senator McConnell stopped suddenly during his remarks and appeared to freeze on camera. He did not restart talking and was escorted away from the lectern. Video here.

This looks like a sudden onset of aphasia. I'm not a doctor, but I'm not aware of too many things that can cause those symptoms so abruptly. --Bob

[BackInTex]

That is very concerning, whatever it was.

[Bob78164]

That is very concerning, whatever it was.

Apparently he did return to the room unassisted. He was asked whether he's all right and said "Yeah." He was asked how he's doing and said "Fine." Not as garrulous as I might have expected, but not complete aphasia either.

A staff member said Senator McConnell just felt lightheaded for a bit. I don't think I believe that it was just a bout of lightheadedness. --Bob

[tlynn78]

Just saw that video- looked like a type of tia to me

[Spock]

One of my positions that applies to both parties is that there should be some sort of age limit on Senate seats (especially). 75 maybe? Finish your last term by age 80 maybe?-Knowing lots of people in their mid-80's I don't know if they would be capable of providing vigorous leadership in the senate.

Case in point-Diane Feinstein-but it applies equally to members from both parties.

Now having said that, I would be forced to vote for an 80-year old Republican VS a 50-year old Democrat as the lesser of 2 evils but I would prefer an age limit.

McConnell is 81-in my perfect world he should not be in the senate anymore. Given Kentucky, it should be a vigorous 50 year old Republican.

[Weyoun]

Near syncope. Focal seizure. TIA. Possible med reaction.

He should quit.

[silverscreenselect]

McConnell was just re-elected last year, so he has five+ years of his term remaining. They passed a law in Kentucky last year that would require the governor to fill any vacancy for the Senate from a list of three candidates provided by the departing Senator's party. Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, is up for re-election this year and currently favored. Some Democrats want him to challenge that law if he is faced with an actual vacancy. If McConnell's seat becomes vacant, the appointee would serve until the 2024 election, at which time a special election would be held for the remaining four years of his term.

Diane Feinstein already announced that she is not seeking re-election when her term ends in 2024. So, if her seat becomes vacant, the new appointee would only serve for the remaining year and a half of Feinstein's term.