Mitch McConnell is Finally Retiring
That’s exactly what’s happening this week as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced that he will step down from his leadership position after the November election.
McConnell, who turned 82 last week, stopped short of announcing a full retirement, however. He confirmed that his intention is to serve out the remainder of his current term, which expires in 2027. After the November, 2024 election, he plans to serve the rest of his term as a regular member, opening up the Republican leadership position to a fresh candidate.
This marks a significant “changing of the guard” moment in the Senate, where McConnell has been a member for over 40 years and held the leadership position for almost 20.
In recent years, McConnell has become the poster child for term limits, much like his fellow octogenarian, President Joe Biden.
There have been several instances in recent months of McConnell “freezing” while answering questions at press conferences, bringing his mental acuity and fitness for duty under intense scrutiny.
Last August, McConnell froze up and did not speak for 19 seconds while answering questions at a press conference in his home state of Kentucky. McConnell was eventually led away from the podium by staffers. Ironically, the press conference was about whether or not he would seek reelection.
After taking a few minutes to recover, McConnell returned to the podium to resume answering questions. All of the questions, however, had turned to his mental fitness. “I’m fine,” was his terse response.
This incident came shortly after a similar freezing episode at a press conference in Washington, D.C. in July. On that occasion, McConnell froze for 21 seconds before being helped away from the podium by Senator John Barrasso, the No. 3 ranking Republican in the Senate who also happens to be a physician.
Democrats will likely welcome the change because it means a chance to test the incoming Republican leader, whomever it might be, and their willingness to fight on key issues.
Many Republicans are also in favor of change in D.C. McConnell has been labeled an “establishment” Republican in recent years, mostly due to his falling out with former President Donald Trump.
McConnell was vocal in his criticism of Trump for pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to refuse to certify the Electoral College votes in January of 2021.
McConnell has walked back his public criticism of Trump in recent months, and is even reported to be considering giving Trump his endorsement as he seeks Presidential reelection.
More From This Author
There is a Shift Happening in the Republican Party
Point of View Adam Zimmerman, Sr. | Mar 22, 2024
Way Too Early Top Republican Candidates for the 2028 Presidential Election
Report Adam Zimmerman, Sr. | Mar 19, 2024
Possible Democrat Alternatives to Joe Biden for President in 2024
Report Adam Zimmerman, Sr. | Mar 16, 2024
Weekly Muck
Join the mission and subscribe to our newsletter. In exchange, we promise to fight for justice.
Weekly
Muck
Join the mission and subscribe to our newsletter. In exchange, we promise to fight for justice.
