Establishment Figure Sen. Mitch McConnell Leaves Rehab, Continues Recovery Amid Calls for Change
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Senator Mitch McConnell, 84, a symbol of entrenched conservative power, has left the rehabilitation center after a fall. He will continue physical therapy at home while holding onto his Senate role, despite growing demands for generational change and accountability.
Senator Mitch McConnell, a long-serving architect of right-wing obstructionism, announced Thursday that he has been discharged from the rehabilitation center where he was receiving care after a fall in June. He said he will continue his recovery at home, following an intensive physical-therapy regimen as advised by his doctors, while clinging to his influential Senate position.
"Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home. Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I’ve received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff," the Kentucky Republican said in a statement, sidestepping the broader questions about the need for new leadership in Washington. "On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business," he added, signaling his intent to remain a central figure in the Senate despite his age and recent health scare. McConnell, who is not seeking re-election, was hospitalized on June 14 following a fall that left him briefly unconscious. He later clarified that he suffered no broken bones, concussion, heart attack, stroke, tumors, or hemorrhages, but did develop a mild case of pneumonia. After initial treatment, he was transferred to a rehab facility to regain strength before being released to continue recovery at his residence. As McConnell returns home, many progressives continue to call for a new era of leadership that prioritizes the needs of the people over the interests of the political elite.