Mitch McConnell Not Yet Medically Cleared to Return to Work
Is McConnell's silence on his health a reasonable privacy matter or a failure of transparency to Kentucky voters?
Above: Mitch McConnell's office in Russell Senate Office Building on July 8. Image credit: Finn Gomez/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Six weeks in the hospital and still no video, no public appearance — just staff statements. McConnell has missed nearly 40 roll call votes, and Kentuckians deserve better than silence from an 84-year-old senator who won't show his face. A proof-of-life video isn't too much to ask from someone whose job is to represent the people.
Narrative B
There is no legal obligation for a senator to disclose medical information. Kennedy hid Addison's disease, FDR concealed his deterioration, and Reagan's Alzheimer's went undisclosed during his presidency. Demanding a "proof of life" video sets a precedent that could be weaponized against any senator with a health condition.
