McConnell Clings to Power, Makes Calls to GOP Allies as Health Questions Mount
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Senator Mitch McConnell, entrenched in the hospital, continues to coordinate with Republican leadership, while his office withholds transparency about his health.
Senator Mitch McConnell, 84, a symbol of entrenched conservative power, has been making calls to Republican leaders while recuperating in a Washington hospital. On Tuesday, July 7, he reportedly spent about 20 minutes on the phone with Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, the Senate majority whip, discussing Senate business, Supreme Court decisions that threaten progressive gains, and the Maine Senate race, according to Barrasso spokeswoman Kate Noyes. > "Senator McConnell was fully engaged and is eager to get back to the Senate," Noyes said, highlighting the GOP’s relentless grip on power even in the face of health crises.
The day before, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota also spoke with McConnell about national-security issues, a conversation described as long and substantive by Thune’s spokesperson. Despite mounting public concern, McConnell’s office continues to offer only vague updates about the incident that led to his hospitalization nearly a month ago. > "Senator McConnell appreciates the support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital," spokesperson David Popp said, deflecting calls for transparency. "The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session."
Health concerns intensified after emergency dispatch audio from June 14 suggested a possible cardiac arrest at McConnell’s Washington residence. When pressed for clarity, McConnell’s office neither confirmed nor denied his involvement, perpetuating a lack of accountability. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene next week, with McConnell’s return shrouded in secrecy.