Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell humorously responded to a recent incident where he momentarily “froze” during a press conference, jokingly attributing it to being “sandbagged,” a phrase famously used by President Joe Biden.
Breitbart News highlighted the episode in which McConnell paused unexpectedly during a press conference, leading to an intervention from concerned aides. McConnell’s team later disclosed that the Senator had felt a bit dizzy during the incident.
McConnell — who at 81 years of age is the longest-serving party leader in the history of the U.S. Senate — went silent during his opening remarks at his regular press conference, according to a video of the alarming moment.
“Well, good afternoon, everyone,” he said moments after walking up to the podium. “We’re on a path to finishing the NDAA this week. There’s been good bipartisan cooperation, as well as a string of, uh,” he trailed off.
As his tight-lipped, unblinking pause grew longer, Republican colleagues Steve Daines (MT), Joni Ernst (IA), Shelly Moore Capito (WV), Jon Thune (SD), and John Barrasso (WY) showed visible concern.
The 81-year-old Senator, however, returned to the podium where he humorously stated that President Biden called to check up on him, leading him to jest about getting “sandbagged.”
When quizzed by reporters about his health and whether he intended to see a doctor, McConnell consistently responded, “I’m fine,” before jokingly warning, “Gotta watch those sandbags,” as he headed for the Senate floor.
The phrase “I got sandbagged” was notably used by President Biden when he tripped and fell during the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony last month. MSNBC’s Nicole Wallace pointed out that if a similar “freeze” incident had happened to President Biden, Republicans would likely be initiating impeachment proceedings.
Expressing her goodwill, she said, “I wish him well. I wish no ill health on any human being in the arena or outside of it. And if this were Joe Biden, there would be impeachment proceedings underway for sentence interrupts.”
David Jolly, a former representative, agreed with Wallace’s viewpoint. “That’s exactly right. Our collective best wishes and prayers are for Mitch McConnell’s health,” he said. He suggested that instead of questioning age, the focus should be on personal fitness and capability to serve in the political landscape.
